Iron John(Part 8)

The next day, the princess inquired about the gardener's assistance, and the gardener replied, “He is working in the garden. This strange man also attended the celebration and just returned to me last night. Moreover, he has shown my children the three golden apples.”

The king ordered him to be summoned. When he arrived before the king, he still did not remove his helmet. However, the princess approached and lifted the helmet from his head. Suddenly, his golden locks spilled down over his shoulders, and he was so handsome that everyone was astonished. The king asked, "Are you the warrior who attended the celebration every day, changing your saddle each time and seizing the three golden apples?" The young man answered, "Yes, and here are the apples." As he produced them from his pocket and handed them to the king, he continued, “If you seek further proof, you can look at the wound inflicted on me by your soldiers during their pursuit. Besides, I am the warrior who aided you in the battle against your enemies.”

The king said, "If you can perform such feats, then you cannot be the gardener's assistant. Tell me, who is your father?" The young man replied, "My father is a powerful king, and I have as much gold as I desire." The king said, "I must thank you. Is there any favor I can grant you?" The young man replied, “Yes, you can. Give me your daughter in marriage.”

At this moment, the princess laughed and said, "This young man is humble and unassuming. But I knew from the very first sight of his golden hair that he was not the gardener's assistant." She then walked over to the young man, kissed him, and commanded that a grand wedding ceremony be arranged. The princess's parents also attended the wedding celebration and were overjoyed, as they had long since lost all hope of seeing their beloved son again.

When everyone was seated at the dinner table, suddenly the hall fell mysteriously silent. The doors swung open, and a grand king entered with many attendants. He walked directly towards the groom, kissed him, and said, “I am Iron John, who was transformed into a wild giant due to a witch’s spell, but you freed me from the curse. Now, I bestow upon you all my precious treasures.”