King Zeus was distributing gifts to all in his kingdom in celebration of St. Patrick's Day. There were different packs of gifts and no one was kept for anyone in particular. The boxes of gifts were either heavy or light.
These gifts were to be handed to individuals by Zeus himself. He didn't wank any news of hanky panky in the distribution process.
Seven days was designated for this great assignment. He was young and wanted to see a smile on the face of all the dwellers of his kingdom.
His late father, King Hermes had been a very cool headed king with compassion on the poorest of the people. So, King Zeus thought it was to follow in the footsteps of his late father. The people loved him during his reign so much so that his eulogy was still praised in their mouth while Zeus ruled as King.
A season ago, the people were hosted to a beautiful carnival with a local dancing troupe entertaining everyone. The city of Nez came alive during the period. It was a time both the great and small in the city would never forget in a hurry.
As a matter of progress, King Zeus had spoken to the young leaders, asking them what they thought would be wise to do this season.
Molluscs, the youth leader and an entertainer said to the king:
Your Lordship, your people adore you a lot for taking after your father the king. It would be a record in the world if you would find it in your heart to give everyone a gift.
Every other person who heard what he said during the council meeting, applauded him. King Zeus noticed that his suggestion was wise but an expensive venture but he accepted.
Thank you Molluscs. You are a great leader and of good thought. The people will have a gift from me, each and everyone will be endued.
They all left the palace happy, expecting that the St. Patrick's Day celebration of this season would take another form.
The king contacted his wives, they all hailed from outside Nez. He asked them to go to their native homes to gather as many gift items as possible. They were to box all the gifts and all gifts must be in the palace two nights before the celebrations.
Queen Ella was the first to take her leave from the kingdom. She returned home to her father's native land and purchased as much as possible gifts that she can muster. Being the first wife of King Zeus, she ensured that the first were well packed and that they contained valuables.
The second wife, Queen Katty had a different opinion. She returned to her father's native land and ordered gifts from far away kingdoms such that could not be found around her father's country no Nez. These gifts were expensive and durable.
Whereas the third Queen Irene went to the locals in the vicinity of her father to get local products including some precious stones, though they didn't cost much but were very durable.
All three queens came back to Nez with a bountiful load of gifts.
On the day of the distribution, the inhabitants of the city trooped to the palace to be gifted by the King. The number of those who came was very large.
Out of all that came, only a little child brought a box of gifts to king Zeus. Not even the chiefs brought a dime.
The King was so encouraged that he called back little Emelec to give him the only boxed gift from the king.
Every other person got a gift from one queen or the other but issued out by the king but only little Emelec got a King's packed gift.
Emelec was celebrated around the city as commanded by King Zeus. He became famous for the art of giving.
I had a big question at the end of this story, @mrenglish. What was the gift the boy received? I would have loved to read some examples of the gifts the queens collected as well!
Wow. The Queens we're only responsible for packing the gifts for everyone on behalf of the king. And the boy was only honoured, Oh!/I ought to mention what the little boy got in return.
There is love and service in giving and little Emelec displays this very well in this story.
Ha! To think that even the Chief's themselves could not bring even a dime for their king just makes Emelec's kind gesture the more deserving!
Great story bud!
Quite often, people are concerned with themselves only. It takes the heart of generosity and selflessness to be concerned with others. Such is the heart of a little child!
It was interesting to note that the queens had such different ideas of what would be valued as a gift for the people of the kingdom. They were all so creative in their approach to bring unique gifts.
The gifts of the queens went to all the members of the kingdom, but only one gift was given from the king? What was inside?
Really good writing skill and I enjoy your writing. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for coming around.
The subtle art of giving and receiving. Well written story
Thanks for joining the St. Patrick's Day challenge, @mrenglish. However, this story must include something about St. Patrick's Day to qualify for the contest. It mentions St. Patrick's Day, but it isn't anything about that topic. The contest requests stories about leprechauns, shamrocks, pots of gold, or other St. Patrick's Day paraphernalia. So you'll need to make it about that topic if you want it to qualify for the contest.
Also, to be counted in the contest, you need to add your link to this post: https://peakd.com/hive-170798/@theinkwell/march-2022-news-and-fun-from-the-ink-well.
Thank you.
Alright. I'd take that into consideration forthwith.
That's a natural principle of life. Give and receive.