2742. Damsel in distress © Bruce Goodman 2 June 2023

It was in the days of medieval Europe. Harold watched as Genevieve walked across the drawbridge over the castle’s moat. She entered through the giant doorway arch. The solid door slammed after her. Harold thought that could be the last he would see of Genevieve. Bluebeard, who owned the castle, had demanded the hand of Genevieve in marriage, even though she was already engaged to Harold. Harold had no option but to relinquish the love of his life. But of course, there’s nothing particularly surprising at this time in history for a knight in shining armour to appear and save the damsel in distress. In the dead of night Harold scaled the castle wall and entered the private section of the castle where Bluebeard slept. Harold had his trusty sword. He plunged it at Bluebeard asleep on his bed. Harold said: Out, out, brief candle! Life’s but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. Genevieve was so taken with Harold’s magnificent lyricism that she fell in love with him all over again. As they escaped down the castle wall on ropes (they couldn’t work out how to operate the drawbridge) Genevieve slipped and broke her neck. Contact Author Back to Index Next Story Previous Story