The Kite That Became King

The Kite That Became King

BY: Ubaid

Children, gather round—this is the story of a kite who circled a large dovecote for many days, waiting for the perfect moment to snatch one of the pigeons. The pigeons were swift and clever, quick on the wing. Whenever the kite struck, a pigeon darted away and escaped. The kite grew frustrated. “What shall I do?” she wondered. “How can I catch one of them?”

For many restless days she pondered. At last a plan formed in her sharp mind: the pigeons were fast and smart, so she would need a different trick—one that would make them trust her so completely that they would hand themselves over. The kite flew closer to the dovecote and settled near the pigeons. She waited quietly, then spoke kindly in a voice smooth as silk.

“Brothers and sisters,” she said, “I am a bird, too. I have two feet and two wings, as you do. I can fly across the sky just like you. The difference is that I am larger and stronger. I am a hunter; I can fight a cat and wound it with my sharp beak and talons. You cannot do that. You are vulnerable to many dangers around you. I want to protect you so you can live in peace and comfort, just as people once lived long ago. Freedom is your birthright, and it is my duty to keep that freedom safe.”

The kite promised protection and fairness. She painted a picture of a calm life where the pigeons could wander without fear. “If you will accept me as your king,” she said, “I will make your safety my responsibility. Trust me with authority, and I will keep you free and happy.”

Day after day, the kite returned and repeated her gentle words. The pigeons, charmed by her blandishments and reassured by her promise of safety, began to believe her. After long discussion among themselves, they decided to make the kite their ruler. A grand coronation followed, and the pigeons swore loyalty. The kite swore to protect them and uphold justice.

For a while everything seemed fine. The kite made good on her vow—at least in part. One day she and her companions chased off a stray owl, driving it away with such ferocity that none of the pigeons doubted her usefulness. The birds felt safer and went about their routines without worry. The kingly kite visited often and watched over the dovecote, and the pigeons, warmed by the feeling of protection, grew complacent.

But one morning the kite arrived appearing weak and ill. She landed among the pigeons and spoke in a regal voice. “Brothers and sisters,” she reminded them, “you chose me to be your ruler. I protect you and keep your lives peaceful. But rulers have needs too. It is within my royal right to take one of you when I please, to satisfy my hunger. After all, how long can I live without eating? My family and I risk our lives for your safety—shouldn’t we be allowed a small share?”

Before the pigeons could react, the kite swooped down and seized a fat pigeon in her powerful talons. Terror rippled through the flock. That day and all the days after, the kite and her kin returned regularly and took whichever pigeon they desired. The dovecote that had been a place of freedom and ease became a house of fear. The pigeons had traded their liberty for what they thought was protection, only to find themselves at the mercy of the very creature they had crowned.

Now the pigeons lived in constant dread. Their peace and sense of freedom were gone. Whispering among themselves, they realized the terrible price they had paid for their gullibility. “We were foolish,” they said. “We trusted flattery and gave away our freedom. What can we do now?”

Children, the lesson here is plain: never let sweet words and easy promises take the place of your own judgment. When someone asks for authority over you, think carefully. Beware of charm that asks you to give up your freedom in exchange for protection that ultimately serves the protector more than you. Use your head and your heart together—wisdom keeps you safe where flattery will only lead you into harm.

So remember the pigeons and the kite: kindness spoken with a hidden talon can be the most dangerous of lies. Be thoughtful, be cautious, and never surrender your freedom without asking whether it will truly keep you safe.