A bedtime story about being ready

A royal sealed scroll arriving at the cloud castle; the owl and the two royal owlets receive it.

The New Rules of the Kingdom

A very short story about new rules, and being ready before the inspector comes.

  1. A messenger owl delivering a great sealed scroll to the castle gate.

    One morning a messenger came from the King, with a scroll for every important castle in the kingdom.

  2. The owl unrolling the royal scroll before the two royal owlets.

    “The kingdom has new rules,” said the owl. “To keep everyone safe, each castle must be strong — and must be ready.”

  3. The great cloud castle standing tall among smaller castles, all lit by the same decree.

    “They are for everyone — even the greatest castles.
    Especially the greatest.”

  4. The Prince and the Princess standing tall and proud beside the owl, taking responsibility.

    “And the King says the rulers must care for it themselves — not leave it all to the guards.”
    The Prince and the Princess stood a little taller.

  5. The castle looking across to a neighbouring castle whose gate has been left ajar.

    “Watch your neighbours, too. A friend who leaves a gate open can let trouble reach you.”

  6. A swift beam of light carrying word from the castle to the distant royal citadel.

    “And if ever something goes wrong, you must tell the King quickly — and truly.”

  7. The owl and the royals readying the castle — strong walls, a plan — as an inspector approaches on the horizon.

    So they made the castle ready — strong walls, a careful plan, and a swift way to send word — before the inspector came.

  8. A dignified inspector owl nodding at the calm, ready castle under a crescent moon; the guardian owl keeps watch.

    When the inspector rode in, the castle was calm and ready.
    “You were prepared,” she said. “We always are,” said the owl — one blue eye, one crimson — and kept watch.
    Goodnight.