The keeper of the key

[Sonyme]

The king had summoned his knights from all corners of the realm and when all were assembled proclaimed "On the morrow we go forth to the port where our ships are waiting and set sail to meet the enemy and engage with on his own soil"
When the morrow came the king called aside one of the knights - Knight Sir Goodfelllow and addressed him thus " Good knight Sir Goodfellow Thou hast been my most loyal and trustworthy knight and a very good friend to boot, and tis my wish and command that ye shall stay here and ensure that the castle is kept secure and in good order, see to it that the serfs do their bidding and pay their due taxes. " the king then handed Sir Goodfellow a key and said "It is my further wish and command that thou shalt guard this key well and keep it secure at all times, for on my return I shall command that ye shall deliver it up to me. But if the fates so decree that I am to fall in battle and not return thou shalt deliver the key to the Queen - for tis the key to her chastity belt and if I am no more she may wish to find comfort with another"
The king the rode to the head of his assembled knights and rose off at a canter towad the port,
Somr ten minutes later Knight Sir Goodfellow mounted his horse bade the gatekeeper to open the castle gate and galloped furiously after the cavalcade. After some 30 minutes he came upon the king at the head of his knights and gasped - "Sire!! Sire ! Thou hast given me th wrong key"