It was a busy period for the king. He was busy recently with those who needed his attention for one purpose or the other. Most of what made the subjects frequented the palace was to thank him for his support and his promises concerning the entertainment held nights ago which he fulfilled.
“supposing two participants from the same Hamlet would be allowed to reach the final section of the competition, those black rough ass would both take the glory. They merited it”
The king said feeling very delighted. He was comfortably occupying a rocking chair with some fresh fruits right on the table. The foliage above his head gave him a conducive temperature he deserves at the moment. At least to relieve him of the stress caused by those surging into the palace to see him day after day.
“Impressive, however” The queen contributed turning from watching those about leaving the gate. That’s been a topic she’d always wanted to talk about. She would need somebody to listen to her which she hadn’t gotten until now. And luckily for her the king was there for her and not only that he would listen to het, the king was instead the one bringing up her favorite topic. That was more interesting and she had to fuel it as much ass she wanted.
“their skill were incomparable. I wonder how they learnt all that. I doubted there were bones in those bodies. The way they wriggle, hop, swing, twist and roll amazes me”
“Their acrobatics were perfect”
“both of them merited the finest offer”
“exactly, and shouldn’t be neglected”
“which you didn’t”
The last comment put a smile on the king’s face. He likes been praised for doing something good. Therefore, he often strives to do what seems the best for his subjects to appease them and also to be continuously praise and revered.
“I can do anything to make my people happy”
“I’m proud of you and will forever be” they starred at each other like two lovers that have just began the journey.
“I reasoned that the idea of announcing the winners and their rewards publicly was good also” the queen said.
“Yeah. You see? It’s good appreciating or rewarding a good work for encouragement. The witness also, seeing the gain in what the rewarded person did, will be inclined to emulate so as to achieve something too. A praised worker works wholeheartedly”
“those are the things you do that create in them positive spirits. It’s clear to everyone one that since your reign crime have reduced. For your deeds are virtually eliminating evil thoughts and disunity”
The gate was opened for two elderly ibex from the hills who look very much exhausted. Their dust coated hooves simply entails how lengthy their trekking too.
“Are those the goats you told me they came to see me?” the king verified from his servant who he would surely give him the best answer.
“Yes your highness. They are the ones”
“what could make them head from the far mountains to see me?”
“I don’t know. They did not tell me either”
They watched out steadily without a blink as though if they look away the ibex won’t speak of their purpose for coming or, their looks was rather like one strongly expecting a bad news. The ibex were both grey in color with large strong black horns stretched backwards. But they differ in size. The bigger one was the size of a premature buffalo.
“Greetings your royal Highness” they bowed at once to the gorilla who can’t wait to hear their story.
“Welcome good ones from the mountains” the king showed them seats to occupy and sent for water.
“I am astounded to see you”
“a serious trouble prompted us to coming here” the oldest ibex said while the other concurred with a node at every food point made.
“But I think it will be more proper if we first introduce ourselves before any other thing follows. I, my brother here hails from the extreme Northern mountains. It’s really a weary journey we have embarked on but we prefer it to staying to face to the worse. We were here four days ago. We couldn’t see you because we came at the wrong time. Though, we waited and even attended the splendid night’s festival after which we were accommodated by a kind-hearted bonobos for the night hoping to see you in the morning which we came to realize it was your busiest day, and it was impolitic to burden you with this stories of ours coupled with other things you may have at hand unsettled. We wouldn’t have come today but we fear we may not be able to secure a place to lay our heads tonight and we don’t want to be a liability to anyone. It’s still not the right time to see you, we know but please accept our apologies for the disturbance. Actually, we don’t mean to. Condition made us”
“No problem. You’re welcome. That’s why I am your king, to see that things go well with all of us. However, as should be, I’m always available. You came at the right time”
“Thank you so much your highness. You have given us confidence beyond expectation”
“Don’t mention it. If one does good he does it also to himself. Here, it’s for your well-being and for my good reputation. We both gain”
“You are right your highness. But not many in your kind of position will consider that. You are really for us”
“I’m only praying for more strength and wisdom”
“and that you shall get abundantly” he continued with his purpose of coming when the king gave him the chance.
“It’s about the mystery of how those of us inhabiting the boundary side of the Northern hills disappear on daily basis. They go out in good health and never return. Both in the day and at night. We have lost over seven relatives. I’m not talking about those I don’t know. And we don’t ever find them not even their carcass. No trace instead, we see blood which we believe are theirs. Your highness, we are scared. We don’t know what to do. We didn’t go out not even to look for food because we fear to be the next and now starvation is doing worse than what we really fear”
“This is weird. I heard such things happened centuries ago and all seemed to me a fairy tale. I never knew it can possibly happen at my time. I couldn’t even imagine it. Anyway, I will look into it be patient with me. You know we had a festival days back and I’m yet to level every thing. The harvest is still coming up some days ahead. It’s close and I need to there to witness everything. But it won’t take long. Not more than a week everything will be done. So, after that you will see what I can do”
“ your highness I can’t thank you enough” Both ibex expressed their gratitude with a satisfying smile.
“My duty. Don’t forget. You made me king for this purpose. If I hesitate on things like this and my people perish who do I rule over. My leadership is in vain. I need you just as you equally need me. Your existence adds value to mine, so do not be marveled at whatever I'll do”
No one comes to the palace and leave the same way. He must have a way to relieve one of his burden. Either by doing what took you to him the way you want it or given you the right and befitting words to came your nerves. The king is good at using pleasant words while discussing a serious matter likewise his queen. So the ibex travelled back to the hills hopefully after been fed and stocked with what they could eat on their way home.