Stephen | Developer

Long ago, when animals still gathered beneath the great iroko tree to settle disputes, the Lion was king of the forest. In those days, the forest was blessed. The streams were full, the trees bore fruit, and every animal could find something to eat if it worked hard enough. But as the years passed, Lion became greedy. He began demanding a portion of every animal's harvest. The monkeys surrendered their bananas, the antelopes gave up their yams, and the squirrels were forced to hand over the nuts they had carefully stored for the dry season. When the animals complained, Lion told them that maintaining a kingdom was expensive. "Do you think it is easy being king?" he would roar. "You should be grateful that I allow you to live in my forest." At first, the animals obeyed because they feared him. But eventually, their food began to run out. The monkeys could no longer feed their young. The squirrels had nothing left in their holes. Even the antelopes, who once grazed happily across the meadows, began to wander farther into the forest in search of grass. One evening, the animals gathered beneath the iroko tree. "We cannot continue like this," said Elephant. "If Lion takes another portion of our food, some of us will starve." "We must speak to him together," said Buffalo. And so they agreed that the following morning, they would go to Lion's den and demand that he reduce the tribute. Now, Tortoise had been sitting quietly nearby, listening to everything. Tortoise was not the strongest animal in the forest, nor was he the fastest. But he had one gift: he knew how to make powerful animals believe that he was useful. That night, while the others slept, Tortoise crept towards Lion's den. "Your Majesty," he whispered, "I have come to warn you." Lion opened one eye. "Warn me about what?" "The animals are planning to rebel. Tomorrow, they will come together and demand that you surrender your tribute." Lion rose to his feet. "How do you know this?" "Because I am small, Your Majesty. Nobody notices me when they speak. They believe I am too insignificant to understand their plans." Lion studied him for a moment. "And why are you telling me?" Tortoise lowered his head. "Because I know that a kingdom needs order. These animals do not understand the burden of leadership. Someone must help you explain things to them." Lion smiled. At last, he had found an animal who understood him. "What do you want in return?" Lion asked. Tortoise pretended to hesitate. "Nothing much, Your Majesty. Perhaps a small share of the tribute. A few palm kernels, some fallen fruits, and enough food to feed my family." Lion laughed. "Done. From today, you shall be my adviser." The following morning, the animals arrived at Lion's den. But before they could speak, Tortoise stepped forward. "My friends," he announced, "I have spoken with His Majesty, and I have good news. The king has agreed to listen to your concerns." The animals were relieved. "What did he say about the tribute?" Elephant asked. Tortoise cleared his throat. "His Majesty has explained that the tribute is necessary to protect the forest. Without it, who will maintain order? Who will protect us from enemies? We must all make sacrifices." "But we are hungry!" cried Monkey. "And the king has a responsibility to eat, too," Tortoise replied. "Do you expect him to rule on an empty stomach?" The animals stared at him. Tortoise continued speaking until the meeting ended, and Lion never had to answer their complaints. That evening, Tortoise received his reward. A small basket of palm kernels. A few fruits. Enough to make his family comfortable for a little while. His wife asked where the food had come from. "The palace," he replied proudly. "And what did you do to receive it?" "I helped the king maintain peace in the forest." His wife looked at the basket. ↓