WHEN PIGS COULD FLY

Unless you look at a map of planet tellus you won’t find the territory of Beq. As we all know planet tellus is earth’s twin only about 800 years younger. One of the citizens of Beq was Esop who owned a tavern which was popular. Esop trusted his patrons and would talk freely with them. He continued to do so even after Beq’s ruler changed. It was now ruled by King Zeyl who was a puritan. To ensure the safety of his land Zeyl had secret informers who would report various sayings and doings of people about the king.

That day there was a boisterous crowd at Esop’s tavern and he joined the patrons. It was known Zeyl had been crowned after a tie break was decided by a peeing contest. It was recounted and there was much hilarity. Esop said “I’m sure if the king had drunk our liquor he could have set a world record.”

There was a noisy response and the drinking continued. But spies reported the joke to the king the next day. He considered it to be at his expense and ordered Esop to be arrested and imprisoned. The ownership of the tavern shifted to Plato who was Esop’s son. Plato was a handsome young man who was known to have an enquiring mind and was rational. He would say “Don’t blame the new moon for the quake. It could happen any day.”

In the days when his father Esop had been running the tavern, Plato had spent time studying several areas in the land utterly devoid of vegetation and animal life. In fact people were warned not to visit such places as it could be fatal. Plato suspected the air in such areas was contaminated. He tried to capture some of the air but it would escape from bags he used. Then he had an idea. Why not make the bags leak proof? He tried using the sticky exudation from certain plants and succeeded in capturing the contaminated air. It was then that he discovered the sealed bag could float on air. And with it he got the idea to get his dad released.

The queen’s birthday came and ceremonies for two days were arranged. Among several invitees were Zeyl’s parents and his sister Proxyma a very good looking young woman. God Ra who was cruising over Beq was attracted by the festivities and he alighted and watched unseen He saw the king presenting a diamond ring to the queen saying “This has much occult significance. It has been in our family for ages. Take great care of it. If it is lost good fortunes of our family will end.” Ra decided he would play a prank.

At the ceremonial site there was music and dancing by various groups which Zeyl and the queen joined. A travelling cultural group enacted plays on traditional themes. There was a lavish spread of food. As a gesture of regard for the queen taverns offered discounts and were full. That night in his tavern Plato was talking to the patrons.

He said “I’ve discovered a new way to make pigs fly.”

“Yes indeed” said one man laughing. “You will fit pigs with wings. Give him one more glass.”

 Another man said “From the way he is talking I can see he is already full and one more glass will send him to sleep two days.”

The matter was considered a joke and there was much merriment on the topic.

That night before going to bed the queen removed the ring and placed it in her jewel box. She was in an ebullient mood when Zeyl joined her.

 In dim candle light he saw she was bare. He said “I thought you must be tired due to all the activity during the day.”

She said “Remember it is my birthday and you’ve celebrated it. I must compensate you for it. Come to me. As a variation tonight I’m going on top.”

“I remember what our witch Wizma said: “The sword should sheath the scabbard.”

“To hell with her.”

“She had said it will bring ill luck.”

 “Forget Wizma. Now I’m on top. The scabbard is overflowing with desire. I’m sure you’ve started enjoying it.”

As this talk progressed Ra withdrew with the ring. It took a long while for the couple to go to sleep.

Next morning as the queen was preparing to join the revelers she looked for the ring. It wasn’t there! She searched everywhere but the ring wasn’t found.

She told Zeyl about it and said “You’ll now blame the scabbard.”

“Undoubtedly.”

The queen was angry as she said “Once in a way we varied our performance in bed. I enjoyed it. I took the liberty as it was my birthday and you’re cross with me. You take instructions from Wizma about how to do it for the future. May be you would like her to be present at our bedside to instruct. I’m ashamed.”

He said “Let not gloom descend on you on account of the ring. Let us go and participate in the ceremonies.”

They walked towards the decorated rostrum and were joined by revelers. The first item of the day was the prize distribution. The queen gave away various prizes.

 The queen said “Thank you all for having made my birthday a great joy.”

Some who had joined the ceremonies now presented the queen with gifts. One of them, a stranger gave a short bladed sword in a leather scabbard. The queen signed to Zeyl and gave it to him saying “You prefer it this way. So be it.”

It was Ra in human disguise who had presented it.

Plato now came and said “I can show how to make pigs fly.”

Zeyl said “Go ahead. I don’t believe you can. Let us see.”

Ra who was in disguise was surprised at how Plato could make pigs fly. Plato wasn’t a god!

“Let me see.”

A large crowd had gathered to watch. One of Plato’s men brought a piglet and showed it around. Plato took it and waited. Another man brought a large bag holding it close. Plato fastened it to the pig’s body. He said “Watch” and let go the bag. It went up carrying the piglet and went out of sight. There was loud applause all around.

Zeyl wanted to reward Plato but he said “My dad Esop is in prison. I request you to release him.”

Esop was instantly released from prison.

Zeyl’s sister Proxyma was so impressed that she told her parents she would like to wed Plato. He consented and her parents approved.

That night at bed time the queen shouted excitedly “I’ve found the ring. It was in the jewel box.”

She fell into bed saying “Any more suggestions from Wizma?”

“No. The scabbard wins.”

“I’m tired. Let the sword show its might.”

END

NOTE: Beq had helium!