Good evening, children.

It's Granny Macduff, ready with a story.

So make yourselves comfy, and I'll begin.

Once upon a time, there lived a merchant and his wife who had a young son.

They were comfortable enough, but the man's business sometimes thrived and sometimes

suffered. But they were rich in what mattered, family. Their child, however, had no godfather,

and it was important to them that he did. But the merchant and his wife knew no one who could fill the role.

So the merchant decided to set out and find a man who would be suitable.

It did not matter if he were rich or poor, but that he knew the world and was kind.

So off he went down the road when he came upon a traveller.

The man had little, a small sack and the donkey that he rode on.

How tired my legs are, said the merchant.

Been walking a while then, the man asked.

I have.

The merchant fipped.

Then take my donkey and ride alongside as I walk.

It's time for me to stretch my legs anyway, said the man.

The merchant was surprised at this, a kind man who was not poor,

but not rich. When the merchant inquired where the man was headed, he told him he was headed

to town to work. I'm a locksmith, he said.

And before that, a blacksmith.

And before that, a sea captain.

...