Good evening, children.

It's Granny Madduff, ready with a story.

So make yourselves comfy and I'll begin.

Once upon a time, there lived a Duke in the North Country,

all the way north, in a country they call Norway.

This duke was no ordinary duke. He was a great magician.

His magic was known far and wide, and he knew everything that would come to pass.

He had in his possession the book of fate.

One day, when his son was four years old, the Duke looked into the book to see what his son's life would be.

The book told him that his son would be married to a girl, not of his choosing, but to a farmer's

daughter. The Duke was stunned. He had already promised his son as husband to the daughter of a neighbouring nobleman.

The children were best friends, and it was a deal struck in good faith.

Breaking it would cause much trouble for him.

He knew he must do something. The Duke knew exactly which farmer.

He and his wife had just had a sixth child, a girl they named Theodora. The Duke went to see the farmer.

He found the man sitting out front of his home, looking quite forlorn.

What is the matter, my good man?

The Duke asked.

Well sir, I got six children, barely enough food to feed us all.

"'Crops were short this year. I...

"'I don't know what I shall do,' said the farmer.

"'Do not be sad. Let me help. I shall take her in. The Duke told him.

...