African Tale
The Black and Red Sweater
Sometimes even small misunderstandings can end a friendship. This is what the two inseparable friends in this African story learn when a cunning traveller tricks them.
The Inca king was over the moon when his daughter, princess Uru, was born. He gave his baby girl as much love as he had, and he was looking forward to passing the crown down to her to let her be a just and honourable queen. So he was eager to provide her with the best education possible. He called for the most respected of scholars and advisors to help him raise the most noble and perfect queen.
But princess Uru had no interest in being all those things that everyone expected her to be. She was arrogant and selfish and she refused to study. Even her main teacher didn’t know what to do with her anymore.
Sadly, all too soon the girl’s father and the Incas’ ruler passed away. The whole kingdom mourned, but at the same time greeted their new queen – princess Uru. However, she didn’t like her new job one bit, because everyone expected her to be polite and responsible all the time.
Ruling bored her just after one week. “Ruling is definitely not for me! All I want is to have fun at parties, travel the world, wear pretty clothes and eat delicacies. Find someone else to do the rest of the job,” she snapped at her advisors one morning.
“But your majesty, I’m afraid that’s just not possible. Your people need you. They need you to be their beacon of justice and stability,” the advisors explained. But they were just pouring oil on the flames. The queen took out a long whip and cracked it above her head. “Everyone on your knees, right now!” she shouted furiously.
The advisors were well aware of what was to come – a painful lashing as a punishment for daring to talk back…