by Marie Sontag

The year is 1520. You work with your father as a cook in the Olsztyn (Ol’-shten) Castle in northern Poland. You have numerous duties, but in your spare time you enjoy swimming in the many lakes near the castle, playing in the River Lyna and talking with the castle administrator, Nicolaus Copernicus.

While some people find him strange, you love hearing Master Copernicus talk about the heavens. He spends much of his time staring into the sky. You don’t understand a lot of what he says, but your mind races whenever he talks about God’s creation.

One afternoon, on your way to fetch some cheese for your father, you notice Master Copernicus has left his door open. Do you peek into Copernicus’ chambers? Go to 9. Or do you continue on to the cellar? Go to 16.

1. “I’m so glad you returned.” Copernicus gives you a weary smile. “I just learned word has already been sent to King Sigismund. Now we only need to hold out until help arrives.” Go to 6.

2. The knights search you and discover Copernicus’ letter. The leader reads it and smiles.

“Well, your good King Sigismund won’t be much help now!” he laughs. “Tie our little messenger to that tree near the river. We’ll let the snakes guard our prisoner as we take the castle.”

After a cold, sleepless night where you’ve given up hope, you feel somebody untying the ropes. You turn and look straight into the face of your father.

“King Sigismund’s troops made it. The castle will be saved!” he shouts as he hugs you.

Too bad you couldn’t have been more help!

3. “I’m not really sure the world is ready for your ideas,” you tell him.

Copernicus leans over and ruffles your hair. “That’s probably good advice,” he says.

You talk awhile longer, before you finally go to the cellar to bring back some cheese.

The next day your father tells you Master Copernicus wants to take you on as an apprentice. You find studying the stars much more rewarding than cooking!

4. “I think Master Copernicus will order us to hold the castle,” the Captain of the Guard replies. “He may be a stargazer, but he’s no coward.”

Suddenly the captain looks up. “You there!” he shouts. “How much have you heard?” If you run out of the room, go to 12. If you stay, go to 15.

5. You tell Copernicus to publish his findings as facts, even though you know it could get him killed. Upon hearing this, Master Copernicus shakes his head.

“And I thought you were such a wise child,” he says. “You need to watch what you say. Remember the proverb, ‘A fool’s mouth is his undoing, and his lips are a snare to his soul.’ Now get out of here.” Go to 16.

6. The Captain of the Guard and many brave soldiers fall in battle, but King Sigismund’s royal troops arrive in time to save the castle. It’s a good thing you stayed. Otherwise you may not have lived to see the victory!

7. No one seems to notice as you ride out of the castle. Soon you reach the city gates. The sound of clanging swords and neighing horses fills the air as the Teutonic Knights and the castle guards battle. Touching the letter tucked inside your tunic, you turn your horse toward the western hills and King Sigismund’s palace. You must decide quickly. Should you take the flat route along the river? Go to 14. Or do you ride the harder, but better covered, route through the hills? Go to 17.

8. “Many would find it difficult to believe that the Earth is not the center of the universe,” Copernicus sighs. “But just because many people believe something is true, doesn’t make it so. I plan to publish a book on my findings.”

Do you think Copernicus should publish his book right away, proclaiming his data as scientific fact? Go to 5. Do you think he should wait awhile to publish his findings? Go to 3.

9. “Come in,” a voice behind the huge desk invites.

“But you look very busy, Sir.”

“I would enjoy some company. I’m just jotting down a few notes about my study of the stars.”

Master Copernicus motions to a chair next to him, and you sit down. He picks up a chart from his desk.

“See this diagram with Earth in the center? It shows how people have viewed the universe for more than 1,000 years. Ahh, but this one!” Copernicus breaks into a smile. “It explains my findings.”

Beads of perspiration break out on your forehead. The second diagram places the sun, not Earth, in the center of the universe!

“But Master Copernicus,” you exclaim, “some church leaders would be upset if you made such a claim!”

Suddenly you remember your father’s errand. Do you leave to finish the job? Go to 16. Or do you want to hear more? Go to 8.

10. You whisper a quick prayer. “Lord, what should I do?” Words from Proverbs 19 come to mind. “It is not good to have zeal without knowledge, nor to be hasty and miss the way.”

You’re eager to get word to King Sigismund, but instead you run back to Copernicus’ chambers. Go to 1.

11. You struggle to get away, but it’s no use. You are pushed into a clearing, and then the cloak is removed.

“So what have we here, a Teutonic Knight spy?” A well-dressed man sits on a rock opposite you, warming his hands near a little fire. “Come closer.”

You step into the light of the fire.

“I am from Olsztyn Castle and serve King Sigismund,” you state.

“Well, you are in good company.” The nobleman smiles. “I am Hetman of Elbag and this is Sir Zowski. Bishop Luzanski has sent us to alert King Sigismund of the Teutonic Knights’ attack.”

In the morning, the three of you ride out together. Help arrives in time. The castle is saved!

12. A while later, you pass by Master Copernicus’ open door.

“Young cook, I was hoping to see you again today,” he says as he waves you in.

You slowly approach his large wooden desk.

“I just received word,” Copernicus says, “that the Teutonic Knights have broken through the town gates. I must get this letter to King Sigismund.” The administrator hands you the letter. “Have the Captain of the Guard deliver this.” Go to 13.

13. You find the captain in the stables.

“Captain!” you shout.

“Not now,” the captain snaps as he mounts his horse.

You reach to grab his horse’s bridle, but the captain gallops away. A group of knights ride out behind him. Do you decide to deliver the message to King Sigismund yourself? Go to 7. Do you go back to Copernicus? Go to 10.

14. The river route seems easier. But as you crest a hill, a group of Teutonic Knights surround you. They grab your horse’s reins and bring you alongside their leader.

The leader points his sword at your stomach. “What have we here?”

“Perhaps a deserter,” one knight suggests.

“Or maybe a messenger!” the leader exclaims. “Search the little one.” Go to 2.

15. “I, I only overheard that the Teu-Teutonic Knights may be upon us by dusk, Sir,” you stammer.

“Well, no harm,” the captain replies. “Fetch us more bread before we have to get our horses ready.” Go to 12.

16. You head to the cellar. Returning with a block of cheese, your father asks you to serve a group of soldiers seated around the long wooden table in the Great Hall.

“The Teutonic Knights will be upon us by dusk,” one soldier states. “Do you think Master Copernicus will order us to hold the castle or to abandon it?” If you decide to go back to Copernicus’ room, go to 12. If you decide to stay in the Great Hall, go to 4.

17. You decide to pray. The Lord reminds you of some words in the book of Joshua: “I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and courageous.” You ride toward the hills.

Darkness soon overtakes you. You stop and tie your horse to a tree. Suddenly, you hear men’s voices. A cloak is thrown over your head! Go to 11.

	Q: How do bees telephone one another? A: They just give each other a buzz. Zephan S., 9, Kentucky Clubhouse Jr. Click here to subscribe