By Bobby Tingle

 

The real king (Reki) was a war hero.  He was courageous and exceeded all expectations on the battlefield.

Reki was destined to be king.  He did not choose to be king.  He was made king.

After assuming the throne and subduing his enemies, the former kings grandson (Fokiga) emerged in need.

Reki was not hostile to Fokiga or his family.  Fokiga’s father was beloved by Reki.

Fokiga became lame soon after his birth.  When Reki discovered he was in need, he restored his grandfather’s land for his sustenance.  A servant (Stew) was appointed as steward to manage the estate.

Stew pledged to fulfill his duties to the king and the former king’s grandson.

Reki ruled well and continued in his quest to subdue his enemies.

As he grew older, he remained at home while his troops pursued his pleasure on the battlefield.

He grew discontent and soon began to desire the possessions of his subjects.  His pursuit to fulfill his desires proved to create chaos in his household.  His son’s followed in his footsteps and soon increased the chaos with one treacherous act after another.

One of the king’s sons (Kiso) was handsome.  Because of Kiso’s treacherous acts he fled his home.  But Reki missed him.  Kiso eventually returned to his home.

In time, he devised a plan to win the heart of his father’s subjects.

His plan succeeded.  He devised a plan and had the people declare him king.  His father fled.

His father’s trusted advisor (Truad) joined the rebellion.

Reki took his family and left his castle seeking safety elsewhere.  The fleeing kings confidant (Kico) followed but was turned back.  Kico was old and a burden to a fleeing man, but he was given a task: return home to undermine the advice of Truad.

As Reki moved his family along to safety, Stew met him bearing gifts.

Stew also had a message; Fokiga stayed home seeking to have his grandfather’s kingdom restored to him.  If true, then Fokiga would be the second traitor seeking to usurp the king.

Reki believed Stew and awarded him by taking what had been granted Fokiga and transferring ownership to him.

As the king continued on, he encountered a man who cursed the king and his family.  One of the mighty men with the king asked permission to cut off the assailant’s head, calling him a dead dog (Deado).

But Reki spared Deado.

Back home the plan worked.  Truad gave Kiso good advice.  Kico, when asked his opinion, successfully undermined Truad’s advice and Kiso pursued the alternate plan.  It proved fatal.

Kico was able to send messengers to warn Reki allowing him time to escape harm.

Truad, distraught and fearful, put his house in order and hanged himself.

Kiso, emboldened by lust for power, executed Kico’s plan.  But in his zeal, he got himself caught in a tree as he rode his mule through the forested battleground.

Those he sought to subdue, found him.  He was killed.  His death brought his quest to an end.

Reki, in spite of his victory, mourned the death of Kiso.

Deado, concerned for his fate, pursued the king with gifts.  Reki spared him, but on his deathbed acknowledged his error in doing so.

Fokiga cleared his name with Reki when he revealed Stew’s deception.

It was one chapter in the saga of this nation.

What came before and what came after was no more or no less filled with treachery.

Eventually, Reki’s son (Reso) followed in his father’s steps and assumed his throne.

Reso experienced a period of rest from his enemies and notoriety among his peers.

If you find this story difficult to follow, then join the club.  It is a sad, but true, story.

It sounds a lot like the world around us.

Reso left us with his book of wisdom.  But in the end determined, though he was rich, his acquisitions were all vanity.

Fortunately, there are still roses and other flowers around to stop and smell.  Stop and enjoy them every chance you get.

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader.  You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.