Baital continued, “But I have a condition. You will not utter a word till you have arrived at your destination. If you speak on the way, I will fly back to my peepal tree.” King Vikramaditya agreed to the condition immediately. Baital continued, “During my travels, I recount to have heard that you are the most sensible King ruling your kingdom. Now, listen carefully to the story I am going to tell you. You will have to answer my questions also regarding the story. If you deliberately evade answering my questions, I will break your head into pieces.” The King replied, “Baital, as you know, truth always prevails. I promise not to let you down. I am prepared to hear your story.” Baital responded, “I expect you to keep your word.” Saying so, Baital began the story—
Baital’s Condition
