A/N: Sorry for the long hiatus, writer's block and all that. But I'm back with our annual movie adaptation, and this time it's one of my personal favorites: King of the Railway!

Disclaimer: I wish.

Chapter 325: King of the Railway Part 1

Long ago, before the railways were even thought of, Sodor was ruled by Kings and Queens. The most famous of all was King Godred, whose wise tactics and strong leadership kept Sodor protected for many years. Godred's most prized possession was his crown. But one fateful night, thieves broke into the palace and stole the crown. The thieves were later caught, but the crown was lost. Time moved on, new Kings and Queens rose to power, but Godred's crown was never found.

One day, Bill and Ben arrived at Brendam Docks to find a long train of trucks waiting in a siding.

"Geez! I didn't think we were expecting this much supplies."

"There's no way we'll be able to take all of this at once. We'll have to make several trips!"

"You go ahead and take the first lot, I'll supervise!"

"Uh, no! You take the first lot, and I'll supervise!"

"Will you two shut up?" Cranky shouted from overhead. "They're not for you, anyway. They're going to Ulfstead Castle."

"That old place? Why would anyone want to send anything over there?"

"Beats me!"

Just then, the top of one of the crates slipped off, and a metal arm slipped out.

"A robot!" Bill cried, making Ben jump. Salty, who had observed everything, chuckled.

"That's no robot! It's a suit of armor just like the ones knights used to wear into battle."

Bill chuckled sheepishly as his twin glared at him.

"Oh, of course. I knew that, totally."

A few days later, Sir Topham Hatt came to the sheds with a big announcement.

"Sir Robert Noramby, The Earl of Sodor, will be returning home in a few days for a big project."

This got everyone excited.

"Oooh!" Percy whispered excitedly. "What is it?"

"He didn't say, but he promises it'll be big, and that he'll need several of you to help with it. I'll let you all know more when he tells me, but I expect you all to be dressed in your best attire when he comes home."

"Sir, if you need someone to collect him, I'll be more than happy to do so. After all, an Earl deserves to ride in style!"

"Sorry Gordon, but the Duke and Duchess have already allowed him to borrow Spencer to do so."

Gordon spluttered in fury as the others laughed at his misery.

"Spencer? Oh, the indignity!"

"Oh come on, Gordon!" Molly said, trying not to laugh. "It can't be all that bad."

"That's easy for you to say, you've never met him!"

Gordon drove away before she could retort. He could already tell this was going to be a long visit.

A week later, Knapford Station was decked out for a party in The Earl's honor.

"Is he here yet? Percy whispered to Thomas.

"Not yet…wait, here he comes!"

An all too familiar whistle was heard as Spencer's engine came into the view. The crowd cheered, and the brass band played as Spencer pulled into the station. Spencer chuckled, and waved.

"Thank you, you're too kind!"

Gordon rolled his eyes.

"For pete's sake, Spencer! No one cares about you, we're here for The Earl."

Spencer snorted.

"Oh please, like you've never made that mistake."

Gordon wisely declined to comment. Just then, The Earl stepped out of the carriage.

"Sir Robert, welcome home to-"

"Oh, a party, how fun! Who's it for?"

"Uh, well, it's for-"

"Oh, am I interrupting the celebration? Forgive me, I thought we'd reached Ulfstead Castle. Sorry I can't stay to chat, I promised Millie I'd be home by noon."

Before anyone could stop him, The Earl had climbed back into the carriage.

"Good day!"

And just as quickly as he had appeared, he was gone, leaving everyone speechless.

"What just happened?"

"That's The Earl?"

"Who's Millie?"

One thing was for sure: things were about to get very interesting.

Later that day, Thomas had just reached the top station of his branchline where Sir Topham Hatt was waiting for him.

"Leave the coaches there, Thomas, Emily will take over. There's a special train headed for Ulfstead Castle at the docks, and I want you to take it."

"Ulfstead Castle?"

"I was just as surprised as you are. Apparently, it's for Sir Robert's big project."

That was enough to pique Thomas's interest, and he immediately set off for the docks.

"Ulfstead Castle? Sir Robert Noramby, you are an enigma."

When he reached the docks, he found a long line of trucks waiting for him.

"All of this for Ulfstead Castle?"

"All that and more," Cranky responded. "This is just the start of it."

Thomas mopped the sweat from his forehead.

"I'll never be able to take this by myself."

"Then I guess that's where we come in!"

Thomas looked back to see James and Percy's engines pulling up alongside.

"You didn't think you were the only one who was so curious about that old castle, did you?" James asked.

"What do you think The Earl wants with all of this stuff?" Percy asked.

"I don't know, but I can't wait to find out!"

"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"

So the three of them coupled their engines up to the long train. First Thomas, then James, then Percy. The guard blew his whistle, and the cavalcade set off.

"Ulfstead Castle, here we come!"