The Old Bear

The Old grizzled Bear... was now keenly aware as he lay in his Cave all alone. Where his time as King... was a mere passing thing and must choose another to take up the Throne. He had eaten no food... which did not temper his mood as the Bear's stomach was prone to rebel. He was somewhat depressed... and in need of some rest and was not feeling at all very well. As was his long habit... he called in dear Rabbit to tell of his anguish and pain. The Old Bear said... 'No matter what you have read, I have come to the end of my reign.' 'My time grows shorter...so we must gather the Reporters and even though they show no respect. We must promise the Press... a most rigorous test to whomever I choose to select.' The Press was informed... and the Forest was forewarned for every species to send forth their best. And the Old Bear fervently hoped... the Animals would cope when he was finally laid to his rest. The Forest had been blessed... and now felt quite distressed as the Animals gave into their fear. There would be great strife... should the Bear lose his life and they all shed a great many tears. Before the Old Bear... had taken them into his care, there was widespread chaos and tension. But the King had brought order... to defending their borders and thus became worthy of praise and attention. There was much discussion... on possible repercussions and how long the recruitment would last. But no one was in a hurry... to show they were worthy and face a Press who would dig into their past. Finally some showed nobility... and embracing humility stepped up to put forward their names. But the Reporters took to lying...as none were clearly aligned with the views the Press had inflamed. At the Rabbit's direction... they came for the selection and the Animals gathered at Government Rock. Where they saw all that were left... for the Bear to select were a Skunk, a Pig and a Fox. The Press thought it historic... and were plainly euphoric on these three they had pushed from the start. They had been kept safe from attack... from the Media Hacks and would serve them well once the Bear would depart. The Old Bear was frail... and knew he had failed when he saw the three from whom he must choose. He lowered his head... and was filling with dread knowing it would be the Forest Animals who would lose. As much as he dared... the Old Bear boisterously declared he would select the one who was wisest and brave. And only after passing a test... to see who is best one would emerge as King from his cave. The Pig, Skunk and Fox... quickly left Government Rock entering the Cave with the Bear closely behind. And once they were there... all were told to prepare to each answer the question assigned. The Bear turned to the Pig... who was dancing a jig and moved with a big smile on his face. The Bear quietly asked... 'What would be your first task if chosen to serve in my Place?' 'I haven't a clue,' said the Pig. 'But the first thing I'd do is get rid of those I considered a threat. Then to quickly begin... by hiring only my Kin and use the Forest's money to pay off my debts.' The Bear now confronted the Skunk... who was clearly a Drunk and was snickering as if telling a joke. 'I don't wish to seem rude...but could you ensure there was food and not tax the Animals to the extent they go broke?' The Skunk's answer was sparse... as he continued this farce. 'I can definitely ensure that none will be famished because... if you're not my Supporter or a friendly Reporter the chances are good you will just up and vanish.' The Bear was getting disturbed... and feeling perturbed and asked the Fox who was trying not to laugh. 'Can you follow our Code... where no freedoms erode and choose only the wisest of Staff?' With not an ounce of chagrin... all three wore the widest of grins as the Fox spoke to challenge the Bear. 'No matter your choice... we will speak with one voice and rule as Gods and take more than our share.' 'We will steal your thunder by engaging in plunder to loot and pillage for us and our friends. We will make it much rougher and the Forest will suffer as everything will be ours in the end.' 'The rules are clear... so no matter your fear we will win with whomever you choose. So it's time we got started... just admit you've been outsmarted and allow us to begin our great ruse.' Outside of the Cave... the Animals remained brave but were unsure on what could cause such a ruckus? So their breath they were holding...as events were unfolding and hoped their new King would do them all justice. But they had nothing to fear... as the Old Bear appeared and walked towards Government Rock. He stood there a while... was now wearing a smile while the Animals looked on in wonder and shock. 'I'm feeling less beaten... now that I've eaten and not the least bit tired or nervous. But as for those three... I think we can all agree they have gone on to serve a much higher purpose.' The Animals were excited... and almost all were delighted except the Press who went completely berserk. There was thunderous applause... from the clapping of paws as the old Bear would continue his work. Now some were amused... on how the Press was confused on why the Animals would not give their support. So the Press thought it imperative... to keep pushing their narrative and obtain their agenda by stacking the Court. The End *Inspired by Aesop's fable 'The Lion, the Fox and the Beasts.' *For those who might be interested. I will be posting my cartoon 'Bob's Your Uncle' on my homepage. A new one will appear every second day.