JACK

Keep your voice down. These big halls make big echoes.

ANNIE

(whispering)

Right. Hey, maybe sneaking past those guards was our test?

JACK

I doubt it, We haven't even met the Black Knight.

(#9 - MINSTREL MUSIC #2 begins. The JESTER and MINSTRELS enter dancing and skipping with tambourines, whistles, flutes and lutes, making medieval merriment.)

ANNIE

There's the music again. Sounds like a party. Let's follow it.

JACK

Good idea.

(JACK listens for a moment.)

I think it's coming from that way.

(THE ROYAL COURT applauds the MINSTRELS. JACK and ANNIE follow the sound, and stand outside of the entrance to the Great Hall and watch in wonder.)

MINSTREL

Ahh thank you. Thank you, kind friends. And now, it is time for requests! Your Grace?

(DUKE takes center stage, strutting in front of his guests, enjoying his power.)

DUKE

Hmmm. What shall we have our minstrels sing? So many songs& so many subjects!

(pacing the hall as if deep in thought)

I know! How about a song about ME!

THE COURT

Ohhh. Ahhh. Yes, yes, a song about the Duke!

JESTER

Minstrels, you know the one.

(to the COURT)

'Tis a wonderful song with a catchy tune, so feel free to warble along.