Part 2

Douglas galloped his horse along the path to the palace. Every now and then he slowed to let the panting animal rest while he thumbed through the hairy godfathers book. He recited several poems out loud, enjoying the rhythm and beauty of the words, and tried to commit them to memory. Then he spurred his steed onward.

By mid-morning he arrived at the palace and entered the tournament. All of the competitors lined up on a field facing the royal box in which the king, queen, and princess...