The year is 1699.
The king sat on his favorite steed high on a bluff overlooking a vast and lush green meadow.
It was field day. On this day the male youth from the kingdom came to compete in games of agility, strength and speed.
The winners of the competition would gain the highest honor, entry into the military academy.
The king and his advisors watched throughout the day.
One young man, an amputee with a peg leg, was giving it his all. The other kids were tripping and teasing him.
They were mocking him as he always came in last and his lance throwing was never accurate as he only had one foot to truly balance on.
A few of the advisors told the king that they would go down and remove him.
The King said: “I’ll take care of it, follow me.”
The King and advisors rode down the bluff towards the little lame boy.
They approached him as he was being encircled and beaten by some full bodied boys.
The King dismounted and one by one, like weightless layers of an onion, he threw the bullies off to the side.
The lame boy, realizing the King was present, knelt down on his good knee and bowed his head and said: “Your Grace.”
The King spoke: “What is your name, boy?”
The lame boy answered: “Timothy III of the house of Lavensham.”
The King spoke: “You are obviously lame and have finished last in every event. The other boys are beating and mocking you. Why do you persist in this insanity? What are you thinking?”
The lame boy answered: “That I will be a knight in your royal guard. That is why I am here. I practice day and night to impress you."
The King spoke: “But what can you do?”
The lame boy answered: “So many things. Glad you asked. The main thing I can do is outthink every other boy on this field, and your trusted advisors who flank you.
I have studied every battle your kingdom has fought in for the past 300 years. I know why the ones that were lost were lost. I know that your entire army has their stirrups too low. Your great grandfather made the same mistake at the battle of Rye 60 years ago. I have about 20 other important observations that will save thousands of your men if you have time now.”
The King made a hearty laugh.
The King extended his hand and hoisted Timothy onto his saddle behind him.
He exclaimed: “Men, we have our first winner of the day!”
His main advisor asked: “The little lame boy sir?"
The King answered: “Timothy, I think you’re right, you are smarter than him!"
They both laughed for a long time as they returned to the high bluff to watch the rest of the day’s events.
Timothy eventually became the minister of war and married the King’s third daughter.
The King never lost another battle.
