KINGDOM DRAMA — the arguments everyone is having.
The village is divided, and this time it is about storytelling.
Jack's position: the oldest person present should tell first, because oldest stories are best, and also because he has a very good one ready. Alice's position: the shortest story should go first, because then everybody gets a turn, and also because her story is short, and very good.
The village, asked to mediate, has suggested a compromise: shortest first on weekdays, oldest first on Sundays, and Jack and Alice to take turns holding the lantern while the other tells. Jack says this is fair. Alice says this is fair, provided Jack does not take too long with his very good one.
The lantern, for its part, has agreed to be held by whoever is not talking, which is the sort of answer that settles nothing and pleases everyone.