The Lute Player

Once upon a time, there was a king and queen who loved each other deeply. Their days were filled with happiness and ease, but after some time, the king grew restless. He yearned for adventure, the thrill of battle, and the glory of conquering distant lands.

One day, he summoned his army and declared his plan to march against a cruel heathen king who oppressed and tormented anyone he could. Before leaving, the king entrusted his ministers with his kingdom’s care and bid his beloved queen a tender farewell.

The journey across the seas was long, but eventually, the king and his soldiers arrived in the heathen king’s land. At first, they triumphed, defeating every enemy in their path. However, their success was short-lived. As they approached a treacherous mountain pass, the king’s army was ambushed. His soldiers fled, and he was captured.

The heathen king imprisoned him in a cold, grim dungeon. Days turned into nights of endless misery. The prisoners were chained at night and yoked like oxen during the day, forced to plow the fields from dawn until dusk. For three long years, the king endured this torment, desperate for a way to send news to his queen.

Finally, he managed to smuggle out a letter that read:
“Sell all our castles and treasures. Come and deliver me from this wretched prison.”

When the queen received the letter, she wept bitterly. “How can I save my husband?” she thought. “If I go and the heathen king sees me, he may force me to marry him. But whom can I trust to help?”

After much thought, an idea struck her. She cut off her long, beautiful hair, disguised herself as a young boy, and took up her lute. Without informing anyone, she set off on a perilous journey to rescue her king.

The Queen’s Journey
The queen wandered through countless lands, braving hardships and dangers until she reached the heathen king’s city. There, she circled the palace and found the prison where her husband was held. Determined, she went to the palace courtyard, sat down with her lute, and began to play.

The music was enchanting—so mesmerizing that everyone who heard it stopped in their tracks. Her voice, as she began to sing, was sweeter than a lark’s song:

*”I come from a distant land,
With nothing but my lute in hand.
Oh, grant my song a place to stay,
And hear my tune this happy day.

I sing of captive hearts that yearn,
For freedom’s light, for love’s return.
Oh, king, within your grandest hall,
Have mercy on us one and all.”*

The heathen king was captivated. He summoned the young lute player to perform for him. “Where are you from, and what do you seek?” he asked.

“My land lies far across the seas,” the disguised queen replied humbly. “I travel the world, earning my way through my music.”

“Stay here,” said the heathen king. “Play for me, and when you leave, I will grant you whatever you desire.”

For three days, the queen played and sang, weaving her melodies with such beauty that the cruel king forgot his cruelty. “Your music lightens my burdens,” he told her. “It feels as though every sorrow has been lifted from my heart.”

On the fourth day, the queen asked for her reward. “What is your heart’s desire?” the heathen king asked.

“Sire, grant me one of your prisoners to accompany me on my travels,” she replied. “The sound of his voice will remind me of your kindness.”

The heathen king agreed and led the lute player to the dungeons. The queen searched through the captives and chose her husband. Together, they set off on the long journey home, though the king never recognized her in her disguise.

The King’s Return
When they reached the border of their kingdom, the king said, “Kind lad, let me go now. I am the ruler of this land, and my people must be searching for me. Name your reward, and I shall grant it.”

“Do not speak of a reward,” the queen replied. “Go in peace.”

“Then, come with me,” said the king. “Be my guest, and I will repay your kindness.”

“Perhaps, one day,” she answered. “For now, I must continue my journey.”

The queen took a shorter route home and arrived before the king. She changed out of her disguise and returned to the palace as if nothing had happened. Shortly after, the king arrived to great celebration, but he refused to acknowledge the queen.

Calling his council, he declared, “This queen of mine has shown no loyalty! While I suffered in prison, she did nothing to rescue me. It was a young lute player who saved me, and I owe him my life.”

The ministers, however, spoke in the queen’s defense. “Sire, when your letter arrived, the queen disappeared. No one knew where she had gone, but she only returned today.”

Angry and confused, the king dismissed the council. Just then, the queen disguised herself once more, took her lute, and began to play in the palace courtyard. Her sweet voice echoed:

“I sing of captive hearts that yearn,
For freedom’s light, for love’s return.
Oh, king, within your grandest hall,
Have mercy on us one and all.”

The king rushed out, exclaiming, “It is the lute player who saved me!” He took her by the hand and led her into the palace. “Ask for your reward,” he said.

“I ask the same as before,” she replied, throwing off her disguise. “But this time, I will not let you go—I want you, my husband.”

Realizing the truth, the king was overcome with joy. He embraced the queen, thanking her for her bravery and love. To celebrate their reunion, a grand feast was held for seven days and seven nights.

And so, the king and queen lived happily ever after, bound by a love that had withstood every trial.