The Distant Fire 🔥

It is said that in ancient times, a young man named Arha lived in the city of Addis Ababa. He left his village in his childhood and came to the city and became a servant to a wealthy merchant, Haspatam Hasiyai.

Haspatam Hasiyai was so wealthy that he had bought all the things that wealth could buy. His heart was filled with the pleasures of life, so sometimes he felt bored in his life.

One winter night, when a cold wind was blowing, Haspatam ordered Arha to gather wood to light a fire. When Arha had lit the fire, Haspatam began to say, How much cold can a person endure

He was talking to himself. Is it possible for a person to spend the whole night on the hill of Intoto without blankets, clothes, and fire and not die

I dont know, said Arha, but wouldnt it be foolish Perhaps if the man didnt get the reward for it. But I am ready to make a bet. I am sure that a courageous man can stand on the hilltop all night, but as far as I am concerned, I have nothing to bet on.

Haspatam said, If you are sure that a man can do it, then I am ready to make a bet with you. If you spend the whole night on the hilltop of Intoto without clothes and fire, I will give you ten acres of land, a house and cattle as a reward.

Are you joking or serious Arha could not believe his ears.

I fulfill what I promise, said Haspatam.

If that is the case, I will try my luck tomorrow night and then live comfortably for the rest of my life. Arha had made the promise but was very worried. He was afraid for his life. He knew that spending the night on the hilltop was no childs play and that staying alive in this winter was nothing less than a miracle. Arha knew an old man in this city who had seen the world and was very wise. He went to meet him.

The old man heard Arhas words and conditions and said, I will help you. A few miles away from the hill of Intoto is a high rock that can be seen from the hilltop of Intoto. Tomorrow evening, when the sun sets, I will light a fire on this rock so that you can see it from the hilltop of Intoto. You will keep looking at this fire all night and thinking about its heat, its warmth and about me, who is your friend. I will sit by the fire all night for your sake. If you can do this work despite the cold and darkness, you will still be alive in the morning.

Arha thanked the old man from his heart and returned home with a light heart. The next day, Haspatam sent Arha to the hill of Intoto with his servants at three oclock. When night fell, Arha took off his clothes and stood naked on the hilltop in the cold air. From the other side of the valley, Arha saw the fire that his old friend had lit for him. The fire was shining like a star in the darkness.

As the night deepened, the cold reached Arhas flesh and bones. The hilltop became as cold as ice. Every moment he became numb. There was a time when he feared that he would freeze to death, but he did not take his eyes off the fire and thought that his old friend was encouraging him.

Sometimes the fog would come in front of the flames for a few minutes, but he would stare until the fog cleared and he could see the fire again. He shivered, coughed and staggered all night but remained steadfast in his place. When the morning dawned, he dressed and descended the hillock.

Haspatam was very surprised to see Arha alive. He asked the servants, Did Arha stand all night without clothes and fire

Yes, all the servants answered in unison.

You are a very brave man, Haspatam confessed Arhas greatness.

But tell me how you did all this

I kept my attention focused on a fire burning on a rock all night.

What did you say You kept looking at the fire. You have lost the bet. You will now remain my servant. You will not receive any reward.

But that fire was very far away. It was on the other side of the valley. Its heat did not reach me at all.

No, I dont believe anything, you lost the bet. That fire kept you alive.

Arha was very sad. He went to his old friend and told him the whole story.

You take this matter to the city judge, the old man advised.

Arha went to the city judge and complained. The judge summoned Haspatam and his servants to court. When Haspatam told his story and the servants said that Arha had been watching the fire burning on the distant rock all night, the judge said Arha, you lost the bet. Haspatam had made a condition that you would spend the night without fire.

Arha was disappointed once again and went to his old friend for advice and said that all his hard work had been in vain. It was his destiny to live the life of a servant.

Dont give up hope, said the old friend, you can get more justice in the jungle than in the city courts.

The old man got up and went to a man named Hilo. This was the man in whose house he had worked as a servant in his childhood. He told Hilo the painful story of Arha and asked for help.

Hilo was also a very wise man. After thinking for a while, he said Dont worry. I will find a solution to this problem.

After a few days, Hilo A grand feast was arranged and all the dignitaries of the city were invited. Haspatam and the Qazi were also guests in this feast.

On the day of the feast, all the dignitaries came dressed up and rode on their horses and mules while their servants were walking behind them. Haspatam also came with twenty servants. They had stretched a silk umbrella over Haspatams head so that he would not feel the heat of the sun. Four servants were playing drums in front of his horse, announcing his arrival.

All the guests sat on silk carpets and started talking. The aromas of delicious dishes started coming from the kitchen. These aromas whetted the appetite of the guests. Time passed but the food did not come. Only the aromas of the dishes kept coming. When evening came, the guests started whispering among themselves. They wondered why their esteemed host was taking so long.

Finally, a guest, representing all, asked Hailo Oh host, why are you doing this Are you making us hungry by inviting us to your home

Cant you smell the aromas of the dishes Hailo asked in surprise.

But what does aroma have to do with eating Aromas dont satisfy hunger.

So is there warmth in a fire that is burning miles away If Arha can stay warm by looking at the fire from a distance, then you people can also satisfy your hunger with the aromas coming from the kitchen.

The people understood Hailos hint. The Qazi was ashamed of his decision and the Haspatam was also ashamed of his action. He thanked Hailo and announced that Arha would receive land, house and goods.

After this decision, Hailo ordered the servants and a delicious meal was served to the guests.