human
Shame on you! she said to her husband, King Gos,
gpt
No human can fight against the powers of magic, returned the King in a surly voice.
human
That boy is either a fairy or under the protection of fairies. We escaped with our lives only because we were quick to run away; but, should we return to Regos, the same terrible power that burst open the city gates would crush us all to atoms.
gpt
Bah! you are a coward,
human
I am not a coward, said the big King.
gpt
I have killed in battle scores of my enemies; by the might of my sword and my good right arm I have conquered many nations; all my life people have feared me. But no one would dare face the tremendous power of the Prince of Pingaree, boy though he is. It would not be courage, it would be folly, to attempt it.
human
Then meet his power with cunning, suggested the Queen.
gpt
Take my advice, and steal over to Regos at night, when it is dark, and capture or destroy the boy while he sleeps.
human
No weapon can touch his body, was the answer.
gpt
He bears a charmed life and cannot be injured.
human
Does the fat King possess magic powers, or the goat?
gpt
I think not, said Gos.
human
We could not injure them, indeed, any more than we could the boy, but they did not seem to have any unusual strength, although the goat's head is harder than a battering-ram.
gpt
Well, mused the Queen,
human
Go ahead, if you like, replied the King, with an evil grin,
gpt
I'm not afraid, answered the Queen.
human
It is only soldiers and bullies who are cowards.