Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Great (07/06/06)
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TITLE: Great (ii) | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rick DeMille
07/12/06 -
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His destination, Lord Leopold's manor, was visible on the far side of the magnificent Friedhold valley. Wilhelm marveled at the springtime beauty before him, the pastures, fields and pristine village. There could be no place as perfect as this, Wilhelm was certain - well maybe not perfect.
Bad things do happen here. Just three winters past a sickness arrived claiming young and old, rich and poor, including Wilhelm's parents. Indeed, Lord Leopold's own son and heir fell victim to the rampaging fever, this being the cause of his present trek across the valley. The Sternberg Lords of Friedhold had ruled justly and fairly for generations, but that was in danger of ending.
"Isn't this exciting?" Freddy, from the next farm over, startled Wilhelm.
Wilhelm was excited, but wouldn't dare let it show. "It's just a waste of time for boys like us."
Freddy nodded seriously. "I want to see the Great Hall, but it will be a town boy that's chosen. Yes, I'm sure of that - they say there's going to be a test."
"A town boy, then." Wilhelm agreed. The children in town didn't get snowed in during the winter.
Leopold the Great, all the Lords were referred to as 'Great,' had no heir. To keep his lands from being claimed by some distant relative or Lord, he decided to appoint an heir from among his subjects. Young men from fifteen to twenty-five years were to appear before him this morning, each to explain his qualification for Lordship - and be ready for the test.
As they reached town others appeared. Most looked hesitant, while others seemed excited by the opportunity. As a group they continued on, and outside of town they encountered a merchant whose broken wagon had dumped its load onto the ground. Several stopped to help, and Wilhelm joined them. There was time, and truth be told he was afraid of appearing before Lord Leopold.
"Look, the Steward!" whispered an older boy as they finished.
Leopold's Steward was a stern man, scowling impatiently from his horse. With heads down, the frightened lads hurried past him, after their friends.
Soon however, they were distracted by the mournful cries of a girl, tugging futilely at a cow. She tugged once more and cried out to the passing youths, pointing to a farmhouse a short distance away.
"She knocked down her fence."
The morning was passing quickly, but they would have time. Wilhelm, Freddy, and two others started toward the girl when the glaring Steward rode up. The boys exchanged glances, then turned to catch the others.
"Please, help me," she begged.
Wilhelm slowed, and then stopped. Dejectedly he returned toward the girl. Lordship was a dream, but this child's need was real. Staring at his feet he walked past the Steward and led the cow toward its pasture.
Well past noon, Wilhelm slid into the hall, hoping to go unseen.
"Great!" he muttered.
Gazing at the platform his eyes met the steward's cold stare. The servant whispered into Leopold's ear, then moved relentlessly in his direction.
Wilhelm assumed he would be ejected, which was not a punishment. Instead, the steward grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into the hall. Wilhelm's heart stopped, he was to be arrested.
Hans, the village Meister's son, was concluding his presentation with skill and confidence, bowing with practiced grace. Wilhelm liked Hans, they had been friendly, and Hans would make a good Lord Wilhelm though.
His Lordship smiled, applauded warmly and stood, extending wide his arms. "I thank you all for coming, but I have reached my decision."
Joy blossomed on Hans' face. Wilhelm too was glad, maybe Hans could save him from whatever punishment awaited.
Suddenly Wilhelm found himself on the platform, confusion on the faces below. The Lord walked over and put his arm around his shoulder.
"This is my heir."
After a moment in which time itself seemed to catch its breath, confusion erupted. "Why?" "He made no preparation!" "What about the test?"
The Lord raised his hands.
"The test is finished, one was found worthy," the mystified contestants stared. "When you passed the stranded merchant, a few stopped to help. Then Wilhelm alone spurned the hope of power and riches to aid a struggling child. He alone is worthy."
Lord Leopold bowed, "I give you Wilhelm the Great."
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