The Adventures of Marcus & Nelson: Meeting the King

Marcus Harris could hardly believe it. He, Marcus — seven years old, pirate enthusiast, and proud Newport County fan — was on his way to meet the King. His mum had even combed his red curls (though they’d already sprung back into their usual chaos), and Nelson, his cheeky glass eye, was sparkling brighter than ever.

“Now behave,” Mum whispered as they entered the grand hall. “This is a royal palace, not the playground!”

Marcus nodded solemnly, but Nelson rolled slightly in his socket, giving a mischievous wink that only Marcus could feel. “Don’t you dare start, Nelson,” Marcus muttered under his breath.

The room was enormous — golden walls, tall windows, chandeliers glittering like stars. Then, there he was — the King, sitting in a tall chair with soft red robes and a crown that looked almost too heavy for his head. He smiled kindly.

“Ah, young Marcus Harris,” said the King, his voice warm and booming. “I hear you and your… friend… have been doing fine work for charity.”

Marcus bowed, just like Mum had taught him — except Nelson popped out of his eye socket at that very moment and bounced across the red carpet.

“Oh no!” gasped Marcus.

Nelson rolled merrily along the floor, dodging the King’s shoes and coming to rest beneath the royal chair. The King peered down, eyebrows raised, then chuckled. “I believe your friend wants to meet me personally.”

Everyone froze — except Marcus, who scrambled forward, red-faced. “Sorry, Your Majesty! Nelson’s got a mind of his own sometimes.”

The King laughed — a proper, hearty laugh. “Well, every good pirate needs a crew with spirit.”

He picked up Nelson carefully, turning the glass eye in his hand. “He’s quite the character, isn’t he?”

Marcus nodded, grinning. “He’s always getting into trouble. Once he jumped into a bowl of jelly at school!”

The King’s eyes twinkled. “I dare say he’s braver than most.” He handed Nelson back to Marcus with a wink. “Hold on to him tightly — the crown jewels aren’t the only treasures in this palace today.”

The hall filled with warm laughter. Even Nelson seemed to glow a little brighter in Marcus’s hand before slipping neatly back into place.

After the ceremony, the King presented Marcus with a small golden medal for his charity fundraising — helping children’s hospitals by selling his homemade pirate bookmarks and keyrings.

“You’ve got the heart of a leader, Marcus,” said the King. “And every good leader needs a loyal — if slightly naughty — companion.”

Marcus stood proudly, medal shining on his Newport County shirt. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Nelson says thank you too… though he’s eyeing up your crown.”

The King chuckled again. “Tell him it’s not up for trade.”

As they left the palace, Marcus could feel Nelson giving a happy little wiggle. “We did it, mate,” Marcus whispered. “You didn’t get us sent to the Tower after all.”

Nelson gave a cheeky glint — which Marcus was pretty sure meant: Well, not this time, anyway!

By Mark “Hawkeye Harris”