In this excerpt from "Black Swan, White Raven" by Jane Yolen, the speaker addresses the listener's skepticism regarding the truth of the story, suggesting it seems too fantastical because of the presence of a king. The mention of a king typically signifies a fairy tale, reinforcing the idea that such narratives often blend reality with myth. The speaker clarifies that during the time the story is set, kings were a common occurrence, implying that the existence of a king doesn't automatically render the tale untrue.

The analogy of planting corn and kingdoms illustrates how prevalent kings were in that era, making the story's elements more relatable. Instead of dismissing the tale as mere fantasy, the narrative prompts the audience to reconsider the context in which such stories unfold, framing them within a reality where the extraordinary seemed commonplace. This challenges the assumption that only truth can exist without the fantastical, as it suggests that even fairy tales can be rooted in the genuine experiences of a time gone by.