Stories. Settlement

The journey was short. Soon they left the forest, and tall, wood and stone ramparts surrounding the settlement appeared in front of them. They reached a wooden bridge leading inside. Duke Mieszko leaned out of the carriage and called out to the armed guards standing on the ramparts and in front of the gate:

‘Open up! I’m coming with Princess Dobrawa!’

The guards shouted some orders and the gate was opened. As soon as the carriage went through, its passengers were welcomed by a deafening noise. Behind the gate gathered a huge crowd of people who were waving, smiling, clapping and shouting cheerfully. It looked as if all inhabitants had come to welcome the princess. Franek looked around and saw that the wooden thatched huts were decorated with wildflowers. The whole settlement was incredibly colourful. Duke Mieszko and the others got off the carriage.

‘My subjects!’ called out Mieszko. ‘Let me introduce you to my future wife, Princess Dobrawa!’

A volley of applause and cheers resounded. A little girl approached Dobrawa shyly, holding a flower wreath. The Princess bent and let her put it on her head.

‘Let’s feast!’ said Mieszko, holding out his hand to Dobrawa.

They went to the adjacent part of the settlement, where, next to the Duke’s stone palace, stood an enormous oak table groan with food. There was everything you could ever hope for! Roast meat, various types of groats with vegetables, and forest fruit. Everything was served in clay bowls and on wooden plates. The Duke, the Princess, the family and the subjects all sat at the table on benches. The kids, especially Franek, enjoyed the fact that everyone, even grownups, ate with their hands instead of using cutlery. Every now and then grandpa dropped some delicious nuggets to Spryciarz. It was loud, people were laughing, joking and looking curiously at the comers. Duke Mieszko was talking to Dobrawa and there were happy smiles on their faces.