Errol Fern - A Tale Of Two Kings

A Tale of Two Kings

by Errol Fern

Published by Errol Fern 2021 Manila

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or modified in any form, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author.

In a faraway and distant land lived two great kings: a mighty lion who ruled the land and a graceful but fierce eagle who ruled the skies.

Although both were kings and good friends, they felt something was missing from each of them. The lion wished that somehow he could fly and see the skies, while the eagle wished he could at least have the power and daunt of the lion.

As days went by, envy grew larger and thus, conflict arose. Alas! They could not stand each other anymore.

Now, both kings are claiming the whole paradise for themselves.

I own the whole jungle together with my fellow land animals! the Lion said fiercely.

We, the bird family, can see the whole place from above, and therefore, I am the rightful king! the Eagle boasted with his mighty wings.

There is only one way we can settle this... we fight! the Lion roared.

I agree! Prepare your army and I will meet you at sunrise! the Eagle exclaimed.

The next morning, the two kingdoms gathered at the battlefield. They were ready to strike out in a battle when suddenly an owl appeared in the middle of the field.

It was the legendary Owl, the teacher of kings.

I was supposed to be sleeping at this time, but the noise from everyone is keeping me disturbed! What is this all about? Can you settle this peacefully and let me have my rest? the Owl asked calmly.

The birds are claiming the land! It is unacceptable, the Lion answered.

Is that true, Eagle? The owl asked now looking at the eagle.

I only claim what I think is mine, my dear teacher, the Eagle said confidently.

And you plan on settling this with violence? What a shame! A lion thatcannot fly and an eagle that cannot dominate on land. Come here, both of you.

The owl instructed the kings who then followed the order of their teacher.

You were once the best of friends. One of you may rule the heavens and jungle, but only if you can pass the test that I will give both of you. The task must be completed by sundown.

For this test, both of you must enter and journey the mystical forest. Deep inside the forest is a very valuable gem I lost a long time ago. Retrieve it for me and the one who gets it first shall be the king.

However, there is one condition. Not one of you shall cheat and the both of you must get out of the forest safely regardless of who got the gem.

Knowing how dangerous the test could be, they were hesitant at first. However, since both of them just wanted to beat each other, they finally agreed to do it.

And so, the other animals gathered to cheer for their kings. The owl signaled the start of the journey through his powerful hoot, and they began to enter the dangerous and merciless forest.

Upon entering the forest, there was indeed an eerie and strange feeling that loomed the air as the cheers of the other animals faded. And as they got further away from the crowd, it became clear that there were only the two of them on this journey.

But then again, not even the dangers of the legendary forest can stop their rivalry.

I will become the ruler and I will defeat you. You watch! said the Lion.

If I were you, I would conserve my energy and just look for the gem, the Eagle dryly replied.

Although they were the worst of enemies, they decided to stick together for their own safety and to make sure not one of them will get hurt.

After a few hours of being inside the forest, both kings began to tire, so they agreed to rest at the nearest tree. It was not long after when they started to talk casually like before, and eventually praised each others unique capabilities.

Your wings really looked great. I always wished I could fly, the Lion wishfully said.

Your powerful roar and the respect you earned from the other animals, I wished I had that too. answered the Eagle in return.

They reminisce of the time when everything was peaceful, only to realize that the dispute between them only started the moment they envied each other.

Do you remember when we were young? We were so happy and just had to play all day! Nothing else matters. I wished we could bring back those times. said the Lion.

The eagle then flew and teased the lion with his wings jokingly, just like what they used to do before.They were young and friends once again.

Realizing their mistakes and apologizing to one another, they played all day and just forgot about their mission.

It was almost sundown, but still, they havent found the gem. However, they felt that the gem and title no longer mattered to them, and so they decided to leave the forest.

Upon getting out of the forest, the crowd cheered for both kings and everyone was excited to know who won.

The two kings then approached the Owl and said, We couldnt find the gem anywhere; we think it is forever lost.

The owl, knowing he succeeded in mending their broken friendship, said to them, I already found the gem! The gem that was lost was your friendship, and I am glad you found each other again.

The world is beautiful, isnt it? Everyone would be happy if only our hearts are pure. Never let envy and greed destroy your friendship, the Owl continued.

And so, the Owl bid the kings goodbye and left a powerful message for both of them.

Words have power, and sometimes... a good conversation is all it takes to save the world.