Valiant King

Once upon a time in beautiful far away Kingdom called Ferndale, there lived a King named Andrew, with his second in command Prince Joseph. The Governor was David William and his assistant, Joseph Andrew, an excitable fellow. Joseph Andrew was only 9 years old, yet he was a very strong young man, as he took very good care of his health.

These valiant souls lived joyfully in their Ferndale KIngdom. The Kingdom days were cloudy and cool, for their Lord planned it that way, as many beautiful trees grew there. The cheerful kingdom souls would celebrate with great feast on sunny days in thankfulness to their Lord's generosity.
There were, however, the other inhabitants of the terra-firm Kingdom, who had only bad intentions, constantly, to their Lord's disappointment. They were, therefore, given the unfortunate name of the Ugly-Smugglies. These ominous creatures looked and sounded like meddlesome crickets. With their scraggly wings, they flew all over the country-side spying on the innocent, as they had no lives of their own.
Meanwhile, the brave assistant, Joseph Andrew, was growing taller and smarter every day, thereby being able to advise Governor David William more wisely. These two fine young servants, along with King Andrew and Prince Joseph, continued to grow yearly in their Lord's favor.
One dark, cold, rainy day however, the Ugly-Smugglies decided, without much thought or consideration, to wage war against the Ferndalians. Prince Joseph was noticeably upset, and he called upon King Andrew for advice and support. Wise King Andrew counseled in private with the Prince, speaking to him in gentle and hushed tones. At once, a decisive idea formed in his thoughtful mind, "I know" he said softly, "We'll ask our Governor, David William". "Yes!, said Prince Joseph, I agree;(as always Governor Davis would discuss matters with his ass't Joseph Andrew), together they will help us solve this problem".

Both governor and assistant came to the rescue of the Ferndalians from the unsolicited attack of the Ugly-Smugglies.
Together, the leaders of the Kingdom prayed to their Lord for wisdom and prepared to defeat, forever, the unfortunate Ugly-Smugglies; it was a sad day for the latter, yet a glorious, victorious one for all the citizens of the Ferndale Kingdom.

By trusting and obeying their eternal and wise Lord; they, themselves, received many eternal blessings in return. The young servants were honored at a feast on King Andrew's birthday and the Ugly-Smugglies left the Kingdom in shame and self-loathing, as they accomplished nothing more than to unite the Ferndalians in their Lord's power once more.

From Our 'Kingdom' Front Porch to Yours...Ana & Andy

Credit: Prince Valiant (Sunday cartoons New York-circa 1960's)