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King Arthur, the legendary figure who transcends time and myth, was a renowned king of England. Often depicted as a paragon of chivalry, honor, and justice, he is believed to have led Britain during the late 5th and early 6th centuries. King Arthur’s character embodies the ideal qualities of a noble leader, a skilled warrior, and a defender of the weak. Surrounded by a loyal band of knights, including the illustrious Knights of the Round Table, Arthur’s reign is shrouded in tales of grandeur, quests for the Holy Grail, and the pursuit of a utopian kingdom known as Camelot. While the historical truth behind King Arthur remains elusive, his legend continues to inspire countless tales of heroism and his name endures as a symbol of hope, valor, and the pursuit of a just and noble cause.

THE ENIGMA OF LADY’S DESIRE

In a realm where magic intertwines with chivalry, where destiny and bravery collide, there lived a legendary king whose name echoed through the ages. King Arthur of England, a noble and valiant ruler, found himself entangled in a web of peril and enchantment. His fateful encounter with a mysterious witch would test his resolve, his loyalty, and unlock the key to a question that stumped even the wisest minds of his kingdom. Embark upon a journey of courage and sacrifice as we unveil the tale of “The Enigma of Lady’s Desire.”

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR

KING ARTHUR

SOLDIER

KING MARCUS

MAID

WITCH

GWAINE

MAIDEN 1

MAIDEN 2

MAIDEN 3

MAIDEN 4

SCRIPT:

NARRATOR:  Once upon a time, in a land of legends, King Arthur of England found himself ensnared in a forbidden realm while on a hunting expedition.

SOLDIER: Halt! You are not permitted to hunt in our land. Who granted you permission?

KING ARTHUR: Nobody.

SOLDIER: In that case, you must come with us. Our king wishes to see you.

NARRATOR: Upon seeing him, King Marcus spoke.

KING MARCUS: You are a courageous young man, but you must die for violating our laws.

KING ARTHUR: Do what you must.

KING MARCUS: I can see the strength of character in you, and I admire that. I will spare your life on one condition.

KING ARTHUR: What must I do to save myself?

KING MARCUS: I will give you one year to find the answer to a profoundly difficult question.

KING ARTHUR: What question?

KING MARCUS: I seek to understand what a lady desires most.

KING ARTHUR: That question is seemingly impossible to answer. Not even the wisest man in my kingdom could fathom it. Nevertheless, if my life is at stake, I shall find the answer for you.

KING MARCUS: You are now free to depart. Remember, I will be awaiting your return.

KING ARTHUR: I shall return.

NARRATOR: King Arthur returned to his kingdom and began questioning everyone—the princess, the queen, the priests, and the wise men—but none possessed an answer. Finally, he turned to one of the maids.

MAID: They say there’s a wise but malevolent witch dwelling deep within the forest. Perhaps she can provide the answer you seek.

KING ARTHUR: So, you too suggest I consult the witch. Do you have some acquaintance with her? Has she already bestowed one of her spells upon you?

MAID: I do not understand. Did someone else mention her to you?

KING ARTHUR: Both the princess and the queen have advised me to seek her counsel.

MAID: Then you must heed their advice. She may be the only one capable of aiding you. However, I must warn you, the price you’ll pay will be steep.

KING ARTHUR: If she possesses the answer, then I care not for the cost.

MAID: Do not go alone; take your soldiers with you. She is not the most agreeable person.

KING ARTHUR: I shall. Thank you for your counsel.

NARRATOR: That very night, King Arthur ventured to the abode of the old witch. As he approached her door, it creaked open.

WITCH: I have been expecting you. Time grows short.

KING ARTHUR: If you already know why I’m here, then reveal the answer to me.

WITCH: Are you willing to pay the price?

KING ARTHUR: I will pay whatever it takes.

WITCH: Then I assume you accept the bargain.

KING ARTHUR: That is correct.

WITCH: Now, there’s no turning back. I desire to marry Gwaine, your dearest friend.

KING ARTHUR: Are you out of your mind? The very thought of you marrying him makes me ill!

WITCH: You agreed to the price, do you not recall?

KING ARTHUR: Have you ever gazed upon yourself in a mirror? You are hideous! With only one tooth and a hunchback, you are the most repugnant person I have ever encountered. How can I ask my closest friend to make such a sacrifice for my sake?

WITCH: Speak with him. I know you will return.

NARRATOR: King Arthur had no choice but to discuss the matter with his friend.

GWAINE: It is not a sacrifice; your life is worth it.

KING ARTHUR: You are truly my closest friend. I could never repay you for what you are doing for me.

GWAINE: Inform her that I accept and make the necessary arrangements. The wedding shall take place tomorrow.

NARRATOR: King Arthur returned to the witch’s dwelling.

WITCH: I shall be prepared. After the wedding, you shall have your answer.

NARRATOR: As the wedding documents were signed, the witch proclaimed,

WITCH: A lady desires to govern her destiny.

NARRATOR: The guests at the wedding were astonished, for they recognized the truth in her words, knowing King Arthur was now safe. When King Marcus learned of this, he released King Arthur. Meanwhile, at the wedding, Gwaine treated the witch with respect and kindness. However, the noblemen and maidens in attendance held their own opinions.

MAIDEN 1: Look at how she eats!

MAIDEN 2: I feel embarrassed merely observing her.

MAIDEN 3: Why must she eat with her bare hands when we have spoons?

MAIDEN 4: Do you hear the noise she makes while eating, or is it my imagination?

MAIDEN 1: Poor Gwaine! He is so handsome!

MAIDEN 3: He is indeed a true friend.

MAIDEN 4: Yes, he is.

NARRATOR: At that moment, King Arthur decided it was time for everyone to depart and leave the couple alone. As the guests left, Gwaine found himself alone in his chamber when suddenly the door swung open.

GWAINE: Who are you?

WITCH: I am your wife.

GWAINE: My wife? Is this some kind of joke?

WITCH: No jest. It is I, the old witch.

GWAINE: You are the most exquisite woman I have ever beheld! What has transpired?

WITCH: Your kindness touched me. Thus, half the time, I shall be horrid, and the other half, as you see me now, beautiful.

GWAINE: I am speechless.

WITCH: You must choose when you prefer each form—during the day and at night.

GWAINE: Allow me a moment to consider… I will inform you of my decision in a few hours.

WITCH: Call me when you are ready.

GWAINE: I shall.

NARRATOR: After the witch departed, Gwaine wandered into the forest near the castle, pondering his dilemma.

GWAINE: What should I do? During the day, I would undoubtedly desire a lovely young lady for all to see, particularly my friends. At night, I would prefer a beautiful woman and not a repulsive witch. Or perhaps the opposite?

NARRATOR: After a few minutes, Gwaine made a decision, returned to the castle, and went straight to his chamber, where his wife awaited him.

WITCH: What is your answer?

GWAINE: I shall let you decide.

WITCH: Very well, then. I shall be a captivating lady both day and night, for you have shown me respect and allowed me to govern my own life.

NARRATOR: And they lived happily ever after.

In the realm of  The Enigma Of Lady’s Desire, where challenges were met with unwavering determination and sacrifices shaped the course of destiny, the true essence of a lady’s desire was unveiled. It was not wealth, power, or outward beauty that held the answer, but rather the longing to be the mistress of one’s fate. Through the unexpected union of a brave king and an enigmatic witch, the boundaries of appearances and perceptions were shattered, and the importance of respect and autonomy was etched into the annals of legend. Thus, King Arthur and his loyal companion, Gwaine, triumphed over adversity, proving that true nobility lies in embracing the complexities of life and the power of genuine friendship. As their tale fades into the tapestry of time, it reminds us that the answers to life’s most profound questions often lie in the unlikeliest of places, waiting to be discovered by those with the courage to seek them.

THE END

AUTHOR: POPULAR FOLKTALE

ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C O

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