FORTY
As they broke their fast the following morning, another messenger arrived in the king's livery.
He bowed low to George and said, "His most illustrious majesty King Boleslas invites you to the castle for a feast to celebrate your victory over the dragon. There, before all his court, he will give you all the honours he has promised. You will be named a lord of half the kingdom."
"We will be there," George replied.
The messenger glanced at Melitta. He seemed lost for words for a moment, then added smoothly, "Of course, a seat will be found at one of the lower tables for your squire. I will see to it." The man hurried off.
Melitta burst out laughing. "I know the light is dim in here...but did he really think I was a boy?"
George smiled fondly. "How many maidens kill dragons? I'm
