Excerpt: ... the stone column. This time the queen addressed the warrior. "Knight," said she, "show us the road, and I will reward you richly." "I am the Master Spirit of the Steppes," answered he. "I demand payment for showing the way, and my payment is always in kisses." "Very well, my twelve maids of honour shall pay you." "Thirteen kisses are due to me; the first must be given by the lady who addresses me." The queen was very angry, and again the attempt was made to find their way. But the carriage, though during the ...
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Excerpt: ... the stone column. This time the queen addressed the warrior. "Knight," said she, "show us the road, and I will reward you richly." "I am the Master Spirit of the Steppes," answered he. "I demand payment for showing the way, and my payment is always in kisses." "Very well, my twelve maids of honour shall pay you." "Thirteen kisses are due to me; the first must be given by the lady who addresses me." The queen was very angry, and again the attempt was made to find their way. But the carriage, though during the whole time it moved in an opposite direction, still returned to the stone column. It was now dark, and they were obliged to think of finding shelter for the night, so the queen was obliged to give the warrior his strange payment. Getting out of her carriage she walked up to the knight, and looking modestly down allowed him to kiss her; her twelve maids of honour who followed did the same. A moment later stone column and horseman had vanished, and they found themselves on the high-road, while a perfumed cloud seemed to float over the steppes. The queen stepped into her carriage with her ladies, and so the journey was continued. But from that day the beautiful queen and her maids became thoughtful and sad; and, losing all pleasure in travel, went back to the capital. Yet the return home did not make the queen happy, for always before her eyes she saw the Horseman of the Steppes. This displeased the king, who became gloomy and ill-tempered. One day while the king was on his throne in the council chamber he suddenly heard the sweetest warblings, like unto those produced by a bird of paradise; these were answered by the songs of many nightingales. Wondering, he sent to find out what it was. The messenger returned saying that the queen and her twelve maids of honour had each been presented with a girl baby, and that the sweet warblings were but the crying of the children. The...
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Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.