Telling Tales

By Saachi Raja

Mardas was a traveler, who lived long ago. He loved travelling to lands he had never seen before. Once, he had visited an illiterate village where he decided to fool the people there with his story- “Lion and the Tree”.

So, He began, sitting comfortably in the village square. “Once I had travelled beyond the sea. I visited an island called Trilankau. Lush forests covered the perimeter of the landmass. I was exploring on of these forests. At that time, I was young and agile, so I thought I would climb a tree and rest awhile. A suitable coconut tree was found, so I positioned my belongings near the bole and went of in search of some water. When I returned to the tree, to my intense astonishment, I found my possessions all ripped or broken. Looking upwards, I found myself gazing at a large, regal lion, positioned between the branches. It’s beetle- black eyes seemed to be glaring at me!” A gasp went up. “But how, Baba?”, asked a little boy, “How did he climb up?” Before Mardas could reply, an old man spoke up, saying “This foolish man tells tall tales. I’m out!” so saying he stalked off. Abashed, Mardas continued “I was very learned, so I performed a few “mantras” which made the lion run away.”

Some villagers laughed; others murmured. Then a man suddenly burst into the square, shrieking “Lion, outside!” Mardas went pale. So did the others. Until one woman called “Traveler, you are educated. You know how to fight lions!” Then Mardas was pushed outside, eaten by the lion, and punished for his lies.

By Saachi Raja