"So, now that I'm back, what should we do?" Leslie asked regaining her queenly posture.
"You've been away many a long moon. I have done the best I can to defend our country, but in vain. I am weak, o Queen," the king replied.
"I will strengthen you, King. Do not give up hope, for we shall once again rule a free country. Pick up your sword and prepare to fight," the Queen said valiantly.
The children ran around the country and fought like true rulers. After ten minutes, or it could have been an hour, they leaned against a tree breathing heavily.
"We have prevailed," Leslie panted. Jess laughed. First it was just a chuckle but it turned into a full bellied laugh. Soon he had Leslie laughing with him, though she had no idea why he was laughing.
"I'm so glad your back," Jess finally said.
It was late when Jess finally remembered that he was supposed to be home. He ran as fast as he could, leaving Leslie waving goodbye to him at the bridge.
Jess crept silently in the house; trying to avoid making much noise. Perhaps his parents would think he had been watching TV the whole time. His wishful thinking got him nowhere, however and when Jess came into the kitchen he was facing his father who looked angry.