The royal banner : $b or, Gold and rubies

"The Royal Banner; or Gold and Rubies" by M. H. is a tale set in the Scottish Highlands, where three orphaned siblings named Ronald, Nora, and Eric bravely confront life's obstacles while growing up. The heartwarming story focuses on themes of bravery, belief, growing as people, and moral principles, especially for Ronald, who wants to follow a guiding moral standard when difficult times come about. The story begins with Nora, who is twelve years old, looking at her mother’s diadem of gold and rubies as she thinks about finding something "better than gold." The reader soon finds out how close the siblings are and that they live with their aunt and uncle. Ronald, who is the oldest, struggles between taking care of Nora and Eric and his desire to join a noble crusade, until he meets someone mysterious who asks him to achieve a higher goal. With a magical Wishing-Well as well conversations about character and virtue, this narrative introduces personal growth and the importance of living a life full of purpose and love.