The Strange Tale of the Snake Ring Read Free Page A

kitchen, the dairy, the stillroom and the larder, and every now and then muttered something to the steward. Just as everyone thought that he was about to leave, the prince moved to where Thomas was working, and stood a few paces behind him.
    â€œTurn round, boy, and face me,” snapped the prince.
    Thomas did so.
    â€œAre you new here?”
    Thomas bowed politely. “Yes, Your Highness.”
    â€œWhere do you come from?”
    â€œFrom a village south of the forest, Your Highness.”
    â€œI KNOW WHO YOU ARE!” shouted the prince angrily. “YOU ARE THE PERSON WHO WAS TALKING ABOUT ME IN THE STREET. YOU CRIED OUT LOUDLY THAT I AM PECULIAR!”
    Thomas was too startled to reply.
    â€œTo the dungeon with him!” ordered the prince.
    One of the soldiers sheathed his sword, produced a length of chain from his belt, and secured Thomas’s hands. Then the other soldier joined in and between them they half pushed and half dragged him out of the kitchen, down a flight of stone steps and into a small, dark underground cell. The heavy door shut with a clang, and the key was turned in the lock.
    There was a small, square hole at the top of the door, and by the small amount of light that filtered through, Thomas could just make out the details of his prison. It was just a small bare cell furnished only with a wooden box to sit on, and a heap of straw in one corner. That day went by more slowly than any day that Thomas could remember. At noon a soldier brought in a mug of thin soup and a piece of dry bread.
    In the afternoon he sat on the box and thought about his situation.
    â€œWell,” he said to himself, “that will teach me a lesson: that it is not always wise to say aloud what you are thinking. That old woman sweeping the steps must have been the prince in disguise. But what can I do now?”
    But no matter how hard he thought, he could not see any way out. He tried the door to make sure it was firmly locked. He felt all round the walls but found nothing but smooth stone. There was nothing to do but make the best of it. When night came he curled up on the straw.
At least I’m used to sleeping rough, so I shall probably have a good night’s sleep
, he thought.
    But he was mistaken. There was very little straw, and the stone floor was hard and cold. He was still awake when, in the early hours of the next morning, Thomas saw a glimmer of light coming from the door. Then he heard the key turn in the lock, the door was opened, and there stood the cook in his shift and nightcap, with a candle in one hand and Thomas’s knapsack in the other.
    Before Thomas could say anything, the cook began: “The prince said I could let you out as soon as it was morning. When the soldiers had taken you away, he turned to me and said that you couldn’t be all bad because you had given some coins to a beggar, but you had to be taught a lesson so you could stay in the cell till this morning.”
    Thomas nearly said, “What a peculiar prince!” but remembered in time, and instead said: “What a kind prince!”
    â€œMind you,” continued the cook, “he’s just as likely to change his mind again as soon as he is awake; so I advise you to leave here as quickly as you can, and be well away from the town before it’s light. Now, I’ve put your belongings, some food and your water bottle in your knapsack – so take it, and good luck to you.”
    â€œThank you very much indeed,” said Thomas. “You are the kindest man I’ve met since I left home.”
    â€œGo out through the kitchen and to the main gate. When you come to the sentry, say to him, ‘Open the gate, in the prince’s name!’ – and he will open it. When you get to the market cross, turn westwards, and in that direction there is a small wicket gate with no guards. Once again, goodbye, and good luck.”
    Thomas followed the cook’s instructions, and by the