Monday, May 24, 2010

The Prisoner of Zenda C7 - Where is the King ?

C7 - Where is the King ?

Sapt and Rudolf prepare to ride to Zenda to get the 'real' king. Rudolf is anxious about the safety of the king. Sapt confirm he fears as Duke Michael has received a certain message from Zenda and is leaving for Zenda as well.

On the way, they see Duke Michael and Max Holf riding fast to Zenda. Arriving at the lodge, Sapt and Rudolf find Josef killed and the King is missing.

The Prisoner of Zenda C6 - Rassendyll is Crowned King Rudolf V

C6 - Rassendyll is Crowned King Rudolf V

The city of Strelsau consists of and old part called "Old Town" and newer part, called the "New Town". The people in Old Town wanted Duke Michael to be the KIng as he promised changes and reforms to overcome their poverty. The New Town consists of the richer people who want Rudolf to be the king and he receives a warm welcome.

So, when the procession passes through the Old Town, people cheer for Duke Michael. Rudolf insists on riding unescorted to show the people that he trusts them and he is not afraid. The coronation tahkes place at the cathedral.

Rudolf senses Duke Michael's evil nature. After the coronation, they leave for the palace. Rudolf leaves with Princess Falvia, who urges him to be cautious of Duke Michael.

Sunday, May 23, 2010

The Prisoner of Zenda C5 - Rassendyll Arrives in Strelsau to be Crowned

C5 : Rassendyll Arrives in Strelsau to be Crowned

Sapt orders Josef to shave Rudolf's beard. Wearing the King's clothes, he looks very much like the King. As they ride to the railway station, Sapt brief Rudolf on what to do and how to behave. They travel in a special carriage to Strelsau. As they arrive, the coronation procession starts. Everyone thinks that he is th real King.

The Prisoner of Zenda C4 - Rassendyll Becomes Rudolf the Fifth

C4 : Rassendyll Becomes Rudolf the Fifth


Rudolf wakes up to see Sapt and Fritz looking very pale. He finds the King lying unconciously nearby. The wine given by Duke Michael has been drugged. It a sly plan by Black Michael to prevent the King from attendding the coronation because he wants the throne for himself.
Colonel Sapt and Fritz appeal to Rudolf to pretend to be the King to save the King's throne and life. Rudolf agrees.

Monday, May 10, 2010

The Prisoner of Zenda C3 - Rudolf Rassendyll Meets King Rudolf V

C3 : Rudolf Rasendyll Meets King Rudolf V

The next morning, Rudolf takes a walk to looks at the castle. The beautiful castle is surrounded by a moat and to access to it is to cross a drawbridge. There is also a country house that belongs to Duke Michael.

After a walk in the forest, he sits down to rest and falls asleep. He is awakened by Colonel Sapt and Fritz, the King's advisers. They are also astonished to see Rudolf who is very similar to the King. Soon, he meets the King and they are both equally surprised at their physical resemblance.

The King invites Rudolf to wine and dine at the lodge. A bottle of wine is given to the King. It is a gift from Duke Michael. The King tells Rudolf that Duke Michael has a 'black heart' but his wine is good. So the King drinks the whole bottle.