Inside the castle the boy found that everyone was grieving and lamenting as had been since the day the three princesses had disappeared.
But the boy still went up to the hall and asked to be permitted to play music for the king along with his dogs.
When the courtiers heard the boy’s words they thought that this was a good way to dispel the king's sadness and so they allowed the boy to come to the hall and show his tricks.
Then the king came to the hall.
He felt very happy looking at the dog's dance and listening to the tune that the boy played on his pipe.
This was the first time that the king looked glad for the past seven years since he had lost his daughters.
When the boy had finished playing, the king nodded at the boy. “What reward do you wish for having given me such a treat?”
The boys smiled. “I have no interest in gold but I want permission to go on a quest to find the three princesses who are now in the power of the mountain ogres.”
The king lowered his brow. “I do not know how you think you can save my daughter's. Men who are far better than you have failed in that. But if anyone can save my children I will keep up my end of the bargain once it is done. Because I am not a man who breaks my word.”
The boy then took leave of the king and started his quest to save the three princesses.
Adapted from Swedish Fairy Tales
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