“Marry me,” said the prince at last, “and come away with me to my castle and my country.”  The girl was torn by this proposal.  “I owe my life to the peasant and his mother,” she explained, “and cannot leave without their consent and blessing, for I am not able to just walk out of their lives.”  “Then,” responded the prince, “I propose that they come along with you, if they agree to our marriage.  Let’s go and ask them.”

The girl and the prince, along with several of the servants, went over to the peasant’s hut and informed the old woman of the prince’s proposal.  After the prince talked with her and her son, they were overjoyed at the idea of the girl’s marrying and going off to live in the prince’s realm.  Not least was the fact that the prince promised to build them a small but beautiful castle of their own.

After the girl married the prince, she went with him to live by his side in happiness and prosperity.  Along came the mother and brother who had been so kind and helpful to her.  The days and years passed by and the new princess bore two children, who became the joy and passion of the kind prince.

One day a group of men in tattered clothes came to their door, led by an imposing man well advanced in years.  Signs of weariness and sore distress could be seen on all their faces.  They asked to see the prince, who went out and asked their business.  “I am the king,” the old man intoned, “and these with me are my companions and servants.  We went on a hunting trip, but a great wind rose up before us.  Some of the party were lifted up and blown to the desert and distant riverbeds, and the rest of us were blown off course for many days.  Our horses perished from exhaustion, hunger, and thirst.  Many in the party collapsed and died.  We few remaining have been wandering aimlessly in the desert for more than a month until we saw your city and castle.  Now we come to you in need and ask your help and goodwill.”

While the tired old man was talking with the prince, his wife noticed through the small window that it was her father, still recognizable after all these years.  She was overjoyed at seeing him again, for she truly did love him.  She hoped that her husband would welcome them and assist them in any way possible.

When the prince heard the king’s story, he took pity on him and invited him to enter the castle with his companions.  A special room was prepared to house the king in comfort.  The prince came to his wife and asked her to provide the guests with whatever food or drink they desired during their stay.