In the busy Italian town of Atri, a wise king builds a "Bell of Justice" to ensure every citizen, regardless of status, can have their grievances heard. As the city grows peaceful, the bell's rope rots and is temporarily replaced with a gnarled grapevine. Meanwhile, a greedy retired knight named Sir Crudeell abandons his aging, faithful horse, Rusher, to avoid the cost of feeding him. Hungry and cold, Rusher wanders the empty streets until he finds the grapevine hanging from the bell tower. As he nibbles on the dried raisins, he accidentally rings the bell, summoning the judges in the middle of the night. Upon discovering the neglected animal, the judges rule that even a horse deserves justice. Sir Crudeell is fined a hundred gold pieces to provide Rusher with a comfortable retirement in the royal stables. This story serves as a reminder t ...