The King who did not like Fighting Battles

Once upon a time there was a King who did not like fighting battles. As he said to his Queen, the soldiers expected him to be in front, it was very frightening, and he didn’t want to be there, As well as this, a lot of people would get killed and hurt, and a lot of things would be destroyed. He definitely didn’t think battles were a good idea…

This King, whose name was Michael, decided his country wouldn’t have any more battles. But deciding what to do with the army was a problem. There was no point in having one if there weren’t going to be any battles. However, Michael was a sensible man, and he said to himself that the soldiers had better go home, learn to live in peace, enjoy themselves and have entertainments. And if another country showed signs of attacking them, he was sure people would want to sign up to protect themselves and their homes.
 
King Michael disbanded the army, sent the soldiers home with 3 gorgeous medals each with the slogan love peace not war on the back, and told them to look after their families and bring their children up properly.

For the boys, they were allowed to organize archery competitions, running and jumping competitions. This would ensure that children kept fit, which was important for them and also for the country (in case he had to call them to arms again).

The girls were to have victory dancing competitions. King Michael also said that he would invite the winners to a theme party in the Palace with real Princesses. Each theme would have its own rooms in the Palace, which the Princesses would furnish in their own style and where they would entertain the winners.
 
King Michael became very popular with the soldiers who were all tired of fighting in the mud and thought it would be more comfortable at home. King Michael gave them all plenty of food and new boots for the journey back and paid them all the money he owed them. It was rather a lot. King Michael said to himself that he couldn’t afford an army, and it made much more sense for the soldiers to work for themselves at home, so he could ask them to pay taxes. In the meantime, he appointed someone to organize all the competitions.

As you can imagine, King Michael became even more popular. Especially as he promised to have a Great Party for the New Year to celebrate the Peace.  As he couldn’t invite the whole country, he decided to have plenty of fireworks, so that everyone could enjoy those even if they weren’t invited.