Treason in the Realm

Treason in the Realm

Written November 2010

(section 1 of 2)

by Kimberly

Have you ever wondered why cats seem shy or even scared of water?   

How about why dogs chase cats?

               Well, read this story for in it might be the answers.

Once long, long ago in a kingdom far, far away, there lived a king who tried to rule his dominion justly.  Now, his kingdom was not the kingdom one may think of, not of humans that is.  He ruled a kingdom of animals.  He himself was a regal golden retriever.  His wise brow would sometimes darken as his subjects would humbly present a case of injustice before him.  He was known far and wide as the Just King.    One fair autumn day a Chihuahua entered the king’s court and squeaked:

            “Your Highness!  I have made a great discovery that may interest you.  BUT it must be told in great secrecy!”

            “Is that so?” mused the noble king.  His head was bent in the familiar way, with one glossy ear raised in thoughtfulness.

            “Very well,” the king consented.  The fair golden retriever sauntered into his private counsel chamber, as the Chihuahua pattered beside him.  When the heavy sound-proof door was closed, the king turned and asked,

            “So what is this great discovery?

            “Well, sire, it is not so very great,” the Chihuahua chirped.

            “But you said…”

            “I beg your pardon, your Highness, what I mean is that it is not very good news.  Indeed it is rather disturbing.”

            “Oh?” The king’s golden brows drew together questioningly.

            “Sire,” the small dog began somberly, “I have discovered a plot against your majesty.  You see, I was hurrying home only a few nights ago, but as I scurried past the Wild Cat Tavern, I heard loud meows and shouting.  I knew that those cats had been drinking again, so I hurried passed.”

            “Good idea,” murmured the king.

            “But then, your Majesty, I heard something that made my blood nearly boil.  One of the cats shouted, ‘Oh! Don’t fear, I’ll have that king down in no time! Indeed, he’s a weakling! How would it be to have a rule of cats?!’”

            “I was indignant!” continued the Chihuahua, “Indeed, I was horrified. ‘Treason!’ I breathed from my place near the Tavern.  Then I heard a great clatter of dishes and cheers from those drunken cats. Well, your Highness, I have been keeping an eye on those cats, with the help of trusted friends, and we have discovered who their leaders are.”

            “Oh?” commented the king, not quite sure what to think of this new information.

            “Sire, there are three main plotters, five main supporters, and a mass of uncivilized cats who simply follow because it sounds exciting.  I believe that as soon as it doesn’t seem appealing to part of the mutiny, this mass will change and once again become content under your noble rule.”
            “Ah, but my friend,” inserted the king, “the trouble comes in doing justice to the plotters.”

            “But I have their names so it should be easy to…”

            “No, you see, if the punishment is a whisker too harsh the cats are sure to be bitter against our rule and it will only be a matter of time before they get their revenge.  But if the penalty is not severe enough it may not prevent another uprising, or it may cause the dogs or other animals to believe that I favor the cats because of my lenience.”  The king sat a moment in thoughtful silence before he asked,

            “May I have their names?”

            “Of course, sire. The main three are Fur-Ball the Tiger-Eyed, Heart-Breaker, and Horrid-Joe.”

            “Oh? But Fur-ball the Tiger-Eyed is in my court!”

            “Treason!” shouted the easily excitable chihuahua.

            “Yes…But are you sure these are the ones?”

            “Very sure, sire.”

            “Hmm… Well, you should return home, but do not tell anyone what you have just disclosed to me. I do not want any bad consequences falling upon you.”

            “Yes, sire. The conspirators will be gathering at Pull-Yur-Fur Inn tomorrow night just after dark in order to put some final touches on their plan.  If I may suggest, sire, you may want to listen to their plans a little before you capture them so that you have enough evidence.”

            “Very thoughtful.  I thank you for informing me of this matter.”

            The chihuahua bowed and left the king to his thoughts. Shortly afterwards the king called an assembly of his most trusted guards and they made a plan. 

(to be continued in the next post)