The New King

The fire cracked and spit forth sparks as the dry piece of wood released the last of its air. The sparks sailed up before falling back to earth, the bright embers fading as their heat died away. Now, it was just ash that would soon mix with the dirt and be forgotten. Those gathered around the fire did not particularly like the wild and jumping tendrils of death that whirled about in front of them. But it was part of the ceremony for choosing a new leader, a ritual that births a new king of the forest. Buffalo watched the flames dance, losing himself in the fond memories of his life. His time was passing and soon, he would be with his ancestors. Before that, however, a new leader must be chosen. It was an important position, not envious but necessary for the way of the woods and prairie to continue. Sitting in a semi-circle facing buffalo were a group of other animals, six to be exact. Three who wished to be the next king and three who were chosen to assist them.

Bear and cougar were sitting on the right, while moose and elk sat on the left. Eagle and owl were perched in the lower branches of a pine tree, overlooking the whole proceeding.

“We are predators, we are hunters, ferocious and feared. Who better to lead the forest folk than myself and cougar?”

Bear was certainly correct, buffalo knew. But the best leaders are not always the toughest.

“We are noble and majestic, protectors who do not run from unknown sounds. The entire forest would walk tall behind us as we lead them.”

This was also true, there were many who considered moose to be much more dangerous than bear. But bullheadedness a good leader does not make.

“We see the entire stretch of forest and prairie from above while you see only the trees and grass in front of you,” said the eagle, “trust the wings of the wise to see and know when to strike.”

A benefit to be sure, but buffalo knew there was always more to be seen. Things were always missed, even from the sky. This was truly an impossible decision. A decision that buffalo could not, and thankfully, would not have to make. As it has been since the trees were simple saplings, it will be once again on this summer’s night.

“We have three gathered here who believe they are most capable of leading, policing, and protecting the prairie, the forest, and the folk who live here. Three who have stated their intent and why they believe they should be chosen. The time of the buffalo has passed, a new time is beginning and the chosen must prove to the gods that they are worthy. So let it be as it has always been. Let the war of riddles commence.”

Eagle and owl went first, starting the war. The riddles flew furiously, back and forth, up and down, and were answered almost as fast as they were asked.

“What grows when it eats, but dies when it drinks?”

“Fire.”

“What breaks but never falls?”

“Dawn.”

“I can run but never walk, I have a mouth but never talk, I have a head but never weep, I have a bed but never sleep. What am I?”

“A river.”

“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, cannot be heard, cannot be smelt. It lies behind stars and under hills, empty holes it always fills. It comes first and follows after; it ends life and kills laughter.”

“Darkness.”

The riddles continued. Being pulled from a seemingly endless supply, the riddles continued. Eventually, things started to slow down. Longer pauses between riddles became more common and it was becoming quite evident that none here gathered would prevail.

“Large as a mountain, small as a pea, endlessly swimming in a waterless sea,” the silence was broken by one final riddle.

Then, silence ensued once more. Not one of them could think of the answer. Not bear or cougar, not moose or elk, not even eagle or the wise owl. What was more, they were all stunned as it was buffalo who had asked the question. Buffalo, with a smile slowly growing upon his face, sat there looking around the fire at the utterly surprised faces of his comrades. Buffalo was crafty. Sure, he was big, he was old, and he was downright cantankerous at times. But he was also wily, and perhaps his time was not up in these woods. While he could not know it then, buffalo would eventually become the oldest animal in the woods, bemusing scientists far and wide. Buffalo would be on the minds of the greater public for the better part of two decades, leading and protecting the folk of the forest. As with all things, buffalo is destined for the great grass fields of the beyond. But for now, he was simply buffalo, king of the forest and prairie.

“An asteroid,” said buffalo as he walked away into the darkness of the trees. “The answer to my riddle.... is an asteroid.”