Three Knights (IV)
Sir Otto was molded by a different philosophy. His father was the dean of the esteemed Malmont School for Knights. His mother was the wealthiest noble woman in the countryside. Added to these obvious advantages was Sir Otto’s amicable personality and classical good looks.
His instructors at Malmont feared retribution if Otto were to fail, thus Otto’s graded tasks often included placing baby birds back into their nest without touching them and warding of Latin school bullies. On many occasions Otto’s tasks included travel to a distant location such as arriving in Sweden and ridding the countryside of corrupt Italian merchants.
Everywhere he went Otto brought cheer and lots of money. He would acquaint himself with the local magistrate and herald, “this realm as the finest governed plot of God’s earth he has visited”. Each day Otto would walk the town or hamlet buying shoes for small children or a round of ale at the local tavern. At night, he would host dances with the entourage of musicians and bards that always accompanied him.
Otto’s fame grew with each journey. He spoke with everyone and shunned on one. All were welcome at his free meals. The mere mention of his name was rumored to bring good fortune. From the Atlantic to Moscow, no knight was better known and more beloved that the generous and gregarious Sir Otto.
One year during the season of Purim, the king in conjunction with the royal record keeper, declared a contest of valor and strength. All the knights in the land were to gather in his lord’s capital city for the competition. Otto, Edward, Phillip, and others from Malmont were among the first to arrive.
The king stood on a platform before all those gathered, and pronounced, “I have had an attendant place and guard the royal scepter upon the towering mountain overlooking my capital. My servant will give it to the first man who can place his banner upon the summit. Then return it to me and you will be proclaimed greatest of the great.”
Many of the knights departed without delay. Sir Phillip was first among them. He thought, “Persistence, speed and hard work have won me vast respect. And they will do the same again.”
Sir Edward reached into his saddlebag and pulled out a map of the region. He began looking of trails and passes that could be used to make his endeavor successful. He reasoned, “Only the smartest path taken will win the event. ” He made his decision, and began.
Sir Otto meandered into the tavern for refreshment and a hale of applause.
Phillip and Edward were the first knights to reach the mountain’s summit. The king’s attendant was there but the scepter was not. “I am sorry brave knights but another of your number has beaten you.” The servant gave each a sympathizing look. ” His banner proclaimed him as the great Sir Otto. See here is his banner planted firmly before me.”
The knights returned amid a great celebration. Sir Otto was standing on the platform grasping the scepter, and accepting congratulations.
“Sir Otto!” Edward shouted. “We saw you depart not for the mountain but for the local tavern. And now you stand here being hailed as greatest of the great. Explain please the means of your exceptional victory!”
Sir Otto responded, “My friends and fellow knights, during my many travels I have had occasion to encounter a good number of wonderful people. One of which was an artist who lives on the mountain before you. There he paints magnificent landscapes in watercolor!
He travels the mountain daily and has created his own set of rigs and pulleys to allow his body to ascend like the angels.
I entered the tavern, and he was there ingesting a beverage from the proprietor’s fine establishment. I told him of my quest and offered to purchase each and every one of his watercolors if he would hoist my banner on the mountain’s summit and bring back the king’s scepter. He agreed and now I stand before you with the prize!”
The king with little sincerity then asked how Otto wished the royal record to read. Sir Otto turned to the scribes and every bard present and dictated, “The quick path to glory is not always how hard one strives, or how wisely laid the path is. The best route is most often little extra money and knowing the right people.”
All agreed. Thus moral corruption swept the countryside and continues to this day.
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