A young man dressed in magnificent attire walked down the street. Strangely, though he was handsome and strong, he moved in a great hurry and appeared deeply troubled. This was Prince Erhard, who was rushing toward the royal palace to find his uncle and uncover the truth.
Suddenly, a group of cavalry arrived. Holding wanted posters, they shouted: 'By order of Lord Edward, the Regent! We are searching for Prince Erhard! He has betrayed our country! Anyone who captures him will receive one thousand gold coins!'
Erhard’s heart ached with pain—his dear uncle actually intended to harm him! As the cavalry drew closer, Erhard had no time for anger. Thinking quickly, he made a nimble leap and sprang onto the rooftops.
Erhard hid cautiously behind a chimney, watching the searching cavalry below. Just as he was holding his breath, a pair of large hands covered his mouth , dragging him into the darkness of the chimney.
Erhard struggled frantically, striking backward with his elbows. The person behind him cried out , 'Your Highness, it’s me!' Erhard realized it was his swordsmanship teacher, the old General Jack. Only then did he feel at ease.
Jack explained that after the King fell ill, the Regent replaced the guards and drove him out. 'The Regent has been spreading rumors that you committed treason,' Jack said, 'but I don't believe a word of it!'
Erhard vowed to seek justice and find the truth. General Jack replied, 'I will help you. I have brought you your sword.' With that, Jack handed the precious blade back to Erhard.
In the palace, Regent Edward was holding a coronation ceremony, dressed in purple robes. He stroked the crown with a wicked smile, whispering to his guard, 'My foolish nephew is probably an ice sculpture on the mountains by now.'
The soldiers knelt around Edward as he was helped onto the throne. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed! It was Erhard, arriving all by himself! He looked formidable, knocking down the guards in just a few moves.
Edward turned pale and shouted for his men to stop him, but Erhard grabbed his sleeve. 'Listen everyone! I have not betrayed the country. It was Edward who deceived me. Edward, tell me now—where is my father?'
Ministers began to whisper, doubting Edward. His henchmen tried to drive Erhard away, but at that moment, General Jack rushed in with his brave allies, stopping the soldiers. Edward was tied up and forced to kneel.
Edward pleaded for mercy, 'I was merely led astray, dear nephew. Please, do not keep me bound. Your father is perfectly fine; I will take you to him right now.' Kind-hearted Erhard untied Edward to see his father.
Edward led Erhard through the dark corridors of the castle and up steep stairs. They arrived before a tightly closed small door. Edward pointed and said, 'Your father is in here.'
Erhard rushed inside the room, but a cage dropped from above, trapping him! Edward laughed loudly: 'My good nephew, you always fall for it!' After saying that, he swaggered away, leaving Erhard trapped.
Erhard immediately brandished his sword, trying to saw through the iron bars. However, they were as thick as a man’s arm and would not break. He worked until he was drenched in sweat and exhausted.
He remembered the fairy’s words and pulled out a dragon scale. Suddenly, it emitted a seven-colored radiance, transforming into a magical sharp longsword! With one swing, Erhard shattered the cage into pieces.
Stepping out, he found a small room behind the door. He found the King, who had drunk too much wine and was fast asleep. Erhard shook him awake and told him everything that had happened.
The King was furious! Meanwhile, Edward was laughing on the throne, thinking he had won. Suddenly, he was seized by Erhard and the King. He pleaded for mercy, but no one would fall for his tricks again.
Edward received his punishment. The King said to Erhard, 'Son, you are now a true warrior. You saved me and the Kingdom of Rhine.' Erhard firmly gripped his sword, ready to protect his people.