Ablaze - Part Three

[Continued from Part Two] The elder took no notice of risking life and limb. Hither, thither ran the children, glancing up at him, while indulging mindlessly in each impulsive whim, with no apprehension of the future looking grim. Their chances for salvation seemed increasingly slim… That aged man’s deep compassion filled him to the brim. The father knew the children liked any strange device, exotic playthings, trinkets, whatever would entice. He needed now to improvise a mode, in a trice, that could capture their attention— something to suffice to hold their young imaginations— to be precise, a mechanism marvelous, no matter the price. He had stores of immeasurable wealth, beyond doubt, and his warmhearted love was impartially devout. Just then the elder had the thought that not in the least would his limitless riches and reserves be decreased, even if to a kingdom vast he were to dispense his overflowing fortune… so why shouldn’t he hence give out his wealth directly to his progeny all, before the children’s catastrophic deaths should befall? The aged man reflected on what tactic to pick— an expedient means that was sure to do the trick. He told the children of exquisite toys he possessed along with lots of precious carts of the very best craftsmanship and quality, that all had been designed expressly with the youngsters’ own enjoyment in mind. The elder next, in order to persuade them, stated that right outside the house at the entrance awaited, to suit the young ones’ fancies skillfully created goat, sheep, deer, and ox carts, ornately decorated. He said that they must rush to leave the mansion, in haste, and he’d give them everything— there was no time to waste. Then the children finally fulfilled his desire and scurried in a race safely out of the fire. The father beamed with bliss that the urgency had passed. They had securely left the burning building at last! When they’d exited and scampered out, they all sat down on the dewy earth and asked their father, with a frown, where the toys and carts were that the elder had portrayed for their own special likings to have been tailor-made. The youngsters had escaped and the elder’s heart was eased. But now each one of their capricious wants must be pleased. [Continued in Part Four] ~ Harley White