The Royal Family is in trouble and they need your help!

The sun has set as the King, the Queen, the Knight and the Lady arrive at the bridge right outside the castle walls. They have just returned from a long and dangerous trip across the realm. Scouts have spotted the King's arch enemy closing in on the castle. It is estimated that the King's foe will arrive accompanied by merciless troops in 17 minutes. That means that all four member of our Royal party must cross the bridge and rest safely together on the bridge's other side before disaster strikes!

It's not as easy as it seems. Only two people can cross the bridge at once (it's not as sturdy as it used to be) and those crossing the bridge must carry the torch (so that they can see!). The torch can't be thrown across the bridge... it's windy tonight and the torch would probably blow out... leaving our Royal friends to stumble in the dark.

To make matters worse each person takes a different amount of time to cross the bridge. If two people cross the bridge together it will take them the longer of the two travel times to cross. In other words, the Knight can cross the bridge in one minute, but the Queen requires ten minutes. Therefore, if the Knight and Queen cross the bridge together a precious ten minutes will have past.

Remember that the clock is ticking... there is only 17 minutes for us to figure this little problem out... GOOD LUCK!

It only takes the Knight one (1) minute to cross the bridge. To be honest, he's as worried as the rest of our little group. He knows that the others are counting on him and he most certainly doesn't want to let them down. (He is referenced by the letter "A" in the puzzle.)

The Lady admires the strength and courage of the Knight. She is no dummy and knows that they will have to act fast to avoid disaster. It takes her two (2) minutes to cross the bridge. (She is referenced by the letter "B" in the puzzle.)

It's partly the King's fault that we are all in this mess. His new trade policies are not loved by all in the realm. The King isn't as fast as he used to be. It takes him five (5) minutes to cross the bridge. (He is referenced by the letter "C" in the puzzle.)

The Queen is wishing that they would have stayed home to avoid this mess! She is the slowest traveler in the group, taking her a full ten (10) minutes to cross the bridge. (She is referenced by the letter "D" in the puzzle.)

The bridge isn't what it used to be either. It has gotten into disrepair and can only support a maximum of two (2) people at a time. That means that the torch (see note below) must be carried across the bridge each time someone crosses. Remember all four members of our party start on the same side of the bridge and all must cross to end up together on the other side before our time runs out.

Remember how we said that it has gotten dark outside? Well, whenever someone crosses the bridge they must have the torch with them. It can't be thrown across. Nobody, not even the King can cross the bridge without having the torch with him to guide the way.

Well, that pretty much covers all you'll need to know. Good luck and keep an eye on the clock. ;)

Are you ready? Let's go...

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