Q

The enormous wood-and-metal doors of the castle's throne room slowly slid open, and guards dragged in a wounded and bloodied boy, about your age. He looked tired, wearing a thin shirt made from old flour sacks and loose pants held up by a thin rope. His soft blond hair was disheveled and dirty, and his gray eyes were full of tears. The guard spoke in a deep voice. *

"This thief was caught sneaking into the castle bakery. What should we do with him, Your Majesty?"

• The boy sobbed softly.