The King's Appeal

The King's Appeal was the introductory short story from the original King's Quest IBM release.

The King's Appeal
In the kingdom of Daventry, King Edward is dying. Although his kingdom had been wealthy in the past, recent disasters and have brought hardship to his loyal subjects. To make matters worse, the king has no wife, children, or relatives to inherit the throne. Unless the king's quest is fulfilled, the country will be doomed.

King Edward calls his bravest knight, Sir Grahame, to he throne. The noble knight bows before the king and asks, "Your Royal Highness, what may I do for you?" The weakened king answers, "Sir Grahame, Daventry is now a poor country desperately in need of help to overcome its misfortunes. Recently, I have heard tales of three magical objects that would end Daventry's troubles. I am an old man, Sir Grahame, and my death is near. I am depending on you to search the countryside and find three objects. If you do, the throne will be yours."

Sir Grahame eagerly questions the king, "Please, Your Magesty, what are these objects?"

King Edward wearily looks at the knight and says "You need to find a jewel-inlaid treasure chest that refills with gold coins every time it is emptied. Also, an enchanted mirror exists revealing the future to the beholder. Finally, there is a magic shield that fends off all enemies. With these objects, Daventry will never be poor again!"

The knight declares, "Nothing would give me more pleasure, my King, than to capture these items. Where do I start?"

"That, Sir Grahame, is what you must find out. I only know they are in the kingdom of Daventry and are guarded by dangerous characters. It's an extremely risky task that could be fatal. Go now, Sir Grahame but be careful. Please do not fail me or your kingdom."

Quietly, Sir Grahame leaves the room and hurries down the hallway of the Royal Palace. "A jewel-inlaid treasure chest, an enchanted mirror, and a magic shield," he murmurs, "but where to find them?"

Sir Grahame promises himself that he will not return to the king until has found the magical objects.

With deterimination, he leaves the castle and begins the quest.