Queen

Two travelers, one short and one tall, enter a small village and position themselves beside the local well.  A rich man notices them and asks whether they require shelter for the night.  The tall stranger declines the offer and asks for directions to the home of an old woman.  The rich man indicates that the woman lives in poverty at the outskirts of the village and offers to lead them to her hovel.

The three men are admitted to the old woman’s home.  The rich man asks whether the old woman is family to the travelers.  The old woman indicates that they are not related but wonders whether the tall man is familiar to her.

The rich man urges the travelers not to hurt the old woman.  Citing the old woman’s royal bloodline, the short man explains that they are to accompany her to a coronation.  Relieved, the rich man offers to provide dinner for the old woman and her guests.

Servants arrive with food and set a table.  The tall traveler agrees to postpone their journey until after the meal.  The old woman offers a prayer that is foreign to the rich man.