Azagidi: A Short Story

The secret to success in life is to have an opportunity. Our mistakes are major causes of our retrogression; but to be accorded the honour as one of the great achievers in life, you will need a third eye to see. Patience, they say moves mountains; and it is a fortuitous chance that needs to be grabbed without delay and procrastination. Back in the 1840s when there were doubts about the existence of God and other supernatural powers, there lived a famous lion king named Azagidi. Azagidi was a man of courage, integrity and pity. He ruled his people in peace and through him, social conformity and stability were highly promoted. But there was a need in his life which troubled him each passing day. He had no successor and if nothing was done

After the call of prayer echoed, the king gave a deep sigh of relief and began to talk; "My people as I talk to you now, I talk to you with much anguish and pain. I need a successor to the throne. I am fed up with life." Just at the end of his last word, he broke into uncontrollable tears. King Azagidi wished he had never seen the face of the planet, earth. The fear of suffering the ignominy of defeat crept over him as he wondered if he could someday smile at the shore. The scene was really pathetic. There were no utterances until Parrot broke the silence. He began, "My king, a problem, identified, has a solution. Words should be sent to other kingdoms about your desire to find a long lasting solution to this problem. Anyone who will be able to put an abrupt end to this canker should be rewarded handsomely". Everyone present had his or her perception. They gave their opinions and suggestions. With this, a quick and fast decision was made. The king decided to name the child after whoever would

Hyena could not just sleep. He turned on his bed continuously. He went out, came in, sat down and stood up. These movements continued unabated until Hyena’s wife noticed that he was nowhere to be found. She got up and walked briskly to the door where she saw her husband nagging and talking to himself. She was not impressed at her husband's attitude. She decided to confront him. "My husband, what is it that is bothering you that you cannot discuss it with me", asked Mother Hyena. After taking a critical look at things, Hyena decided to seek assistance from the wife. He told the wife everything that had transpired between King Azagidi and the council of elders. Mother Hyena remembered her childhood days when there lived a powerful herbalist who could cure any form of disease. Upon hearing this, Hyena sensed some sort of lightness. He decided that they would embark on a journey to this herbalist early the following