The crow, who was flying high up in the cool breeze, called out, “Let’s hurry up Your Majesty. I can see the camel, not too far from here.”
But the lion was very tired and had burnt his paws. He could walk no more and lay down under the sparse shade of a thorny bush.
Let’s go back to the forest. I don’t care for camel meat” said the lion.
The advisors were shocked to hear this. They knew that they had left the forest far behind and it was not possible for the king to walk back since he had burnt his paws. The leopard and the fox too had burnt their paws and did not want to walk back to the forest. They also did not want to go back with empty stomachs.
The clever fox immediately thought of a plan. He asked the leopard to wait alongside the king and asked the crow to lead him to the camel.
When the fox saw the camel he said, “Hello my friend. The king of the forest needs your help. He is not well and cannot walk. You can help him by carrying him back to the forest. You will be rewarded for helping him in this hour of need”.
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The young camel was very innocent and at once agreed to help. He followed the fox to the spot where the lion was lying. The leopard and the lion were pleased to see the camel.
The fox presented the camel to the lion and said, “Climb on to the camel’s back, Your Majesty. He will take us back to the forest.”
The lion at once jumped on to the camel’s back. The fox and the leopard too sat behind him. The camel brought them safely back to the forest.
The three advisors were very pleased with their plan. They had reached the forest safely and also brought their food with them. They began to wait for their king to kill the animal to start their feast.
The lion could read their mind. He turned towards the camel and said, “You have saved my life. I offer you a position in my court and promise to protect you from any danger.”
The three courtiers were shocked to hear this. “Did we not save the king’s life”, they thought.
The king ordered the three of them to find some food for him since he had burnt his paws and would not be able to hunt for a few days. They went in search of food but did not go too far and sat down to discuss their next move.
The fox thought of another plan to kill the camel and told his two friends about the plan. They agreed that it was a good plan. The three then went back to the king.
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Upon reaching there, the crow spoke first,” O’ Mighty King, we were unable to find any food in the forest. Hence, I offer myself to you. You can eat me and fill your stomach.”
The fox jumped in. “You are too small. I have more flesh than you. Let the king eat me instead.”
“I am much bigger and have more flesh than both of you. The king should eat me.” said the leopard.
The camel was watching all this. He said, “Your Majesty, you should eat me. I am the largest and all of you will have food to eat. These three are more useful to you than I am.”
Also Read Panchatantra Story: The Cat’s Judgement
Hearing this, the three courtiers became ready to pounce on the camel. But the king had other plans.
He said, “Very well. I will eat all of you in the order that you have presented yourself. First I will eat…”
Before the king could finish his sentence, the crow flew away, the fox and leopard ran away as fast as they could. Only the camel stood his ground, puzzled.
The king laughed loudly. He turned towards the camel and said, “You have been loyal and true. From this day forth, we shall be friends.”
The camel was surprised and very happy to hear this.
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