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After a long reign, the aging King had grown weary of his court and his duties. After all, he started out as a knight and had worked his way up to the title of lord and had just recently inherited the title of king. He discovered the ease of ruling over others, and he knew that he was good at it.
As time had passed, though, he grew disappointed in the people in his lands. Many had expected riches and benefits, but he couldn't seem to give those to his subjects, nor did he seem to be able to grasp the desire of keeping them happy. He saw all their complaints, their suggestions, and saw how much they needed his help.
Finally, he took action by posting a reward for a mischievous leprechaun who did not abide by the laws of his people. The reward was huge and would make his entire kingdom rich, and if he couldn't get the leprechaun himself, he accepted that someone would inevitably arrive who would have the power to capture him. He was tired of being fooled by this leprechaun, tired of the dangerous pranks he played, tired of the lack of justice for the swindled townsfolk, tired of watching his title slip through his fingers. It was time.
Why, he wondered, had he not done this before? Perhaps if he had, his subjects might not have had such a tough time and there might not have been so much trouble.
And then there was the bounty. For years, the people of his kingdom had begged for him to take any type of local villain or bandit and make them pay for their misdeeds. But, he was unable to settle for just a few coins. If he was to pay out such a large bounty, he certainly would need the help of his loyal knights.
In the end, the Knights of the King's court led by his right-hand, Sir Wraith, later known as the General, were the ones to track down the leprechaun, as they were each well-versed in tracking down this elusive foe. They armed themselves with potions, weapons, and specially made boots that aided in their tracking skills.
In time, they found the leprechaun, who was in fact a woman, who claimed to be a princess of a small kingdom. She refused to tell the king about this kingdom or about the other locations that she was able to visit by using her well-crafted disguise. "These boots seem quite useful," said Sir Wraith, eyeing the boots on the leprechaun's feet. "There must be some magic to these." But, she was able to explain that she was just as powerful with her words as she was with her magic, so there was no reason to believe she was telling the truth.
The King of X had no choice but to take her word, and he sent her on her way; promising her a hefty reward and the glory that was the reason he'd had her imprisoned the first time around. She was swiftly returned to the prison in which she had been previously, and she was promptly, firmly locked away.
The King, without any choice and without any further hesitation, was ultimately able to get a large amount of money together, and he placed it all in a jar and gave it to Sir Wraith. "My people have each given various items, some consisting of precious metals, jewels, gemstones, and other useful objects, and each one has been added to this jar. All of those who have contributed have been given a bequest. We have reached our quota, and all of the precious items that have been brought to this jar have now been claimed. After all, we shouldn't just leave these riches behind for any thief that comes along. To make sure that people know that they have helped the king, I have placed a series of clues, written in runes on this jar, and once we last all of the clues, the king is grateful for any more contributions and will reward you fully. Whether it be gold, gems, and jewelry, or even a shop order, all good things will be given to you and your family for as long as the king lives. I do hope that you take some time to help the king. Money and strength is what he needs now more than ever."
The King of X walked away, and his loyal knights came forward with plates of food and a keg of ale. It had been a long time since they'd indulged in a good feast and enjoyed a good drink. It was a welcome celebration.
Surely, this is a God-worthy man, thought the king, who had long since discovered the power in trusting.