Meghavarna completed the story and smiled, saying, “So you see, Sir, when there is a motive to gain something, you can carry the enemy on your back too. That was why I made friends with the Swan King.” Doordarshi told the King not to get influenced by the stories Meghavarna was telling. “That is all in the past, Sir,” he advised the King, “Let us look at the future and make friends with King Silver Plume. He is a worthy ally to have.” But King Jewel Plume was so full of the pride of his victory that he would not listen to his wise minister. He wanted to see the Swan King as a subordinate, not an equal. But suddenly, the parrot messenger arrived, looking worried. “What happened?” asked the King, “Why do you look so worried? What is the news?” “our kingdom, Jambudweepa, has been attacked by the Crane King of Sinhala,” said the parrot.
The Stubborn King
