Wolves of an Abandoned Jungle

The legend has it that a long time ago, there was a thick jungle
somewhere near river Indus. Different animals had inhabited it.
It was always a welcome spot for different species. Its trees were
green; its flowers were fresh and the fruits sweet. The water
splashed through different shrubs and made its way to form a
stream. Oh, so pure and sweet was its taste! The animals believed
that the water came from the heavens.
Most of the times, animals gathered at night and sang and
danced together. Some animals, especially wolves and foxes, did
not like it though. They considered such traits against their
animalistic disposition. However, Ahaserus, the King of the
Jungle, would ward of any threats emanating from them.
Everyone knew that a self-proclaimed priest of the jungle was
responsible for such hatred and envy. Everyone knew him as
Invidus the Wolf.
One day, the sky grew red and the clouds gathered over the
jungle. It was also the night of a lunar eclipse. No animal had
seen such a ghastly view in their lives. Simia, the oldest monkey,
who was otherwise very fond of narrating stories of the yore to
the children, was silent that day. A grim look was visible on his
face. He knew something bad was about to happen but he was

not sure about the details. He couldnt vaticinate into the future,
of course.
He knew that the ancients had made a prophecy. They warned
that the day sky grew dark and clouds congregated on the night
of an eclipse, the peace of the jungle would be gone forever.
Simias sadness was felt only by Ahaserus. But, much like Simia
himself, Ahaserus also had no clue.
Suddenly, strongest of the winds started blowing from the east.
All the animals took to the cave. The eagles, contrary to their
nature, lent a helping hand to the other birds. They helped them
lodge their nests into the cave. After all, they were also birds. The
frogs and the snakes hid themselves into the mud. Rhinoceros
made arrangement for the food for vegetarians, leopards for the
carnivores and pigeons for the insectivores.
Every animal, including Simia and Ahaserus, prayed to Canoon.
He was thought to be a supernatural power guarding the jungle.
Birds, however, believed in the mighty Ptitsa. All animals joined
their hands, and birds joined their wings, in a ritualistic prayer to
their respective deities. Invidus, however, was missing along with
his pack.
The storm grew stronger, the torrents poured heavier and clouds
became thicker. It seemed as if the night of peril would continue
forever. Ahaserus thought that Invidus and his companions had
strayed in the storm. He wanted to help them and take them out

of danger. Simia suggested him to stay with the animals inside

the cave. He suspected that if Ahaserus went out, chaos would
set it since it was Ahaserus who had kept the animals together.
However, Ahaserus was overwhelmed by emotions. He could not
move inside the cave and think about them. It made him uneasy.
After a few moments, the animals saw him setting out for the
search.
Relying upon his animalistic instincts, he paced faster in a
direction. Probably, he was able to follow their scent even in so
damp and humid an environment. He was determined to find
Invidus and lead him through the storm to the cave. Finally,
Ahaserus found a trail of wolves. He was sure that the imprints
were of Invidus and his pack. He followed the trails which led him
inside another cave.
There you are, Invidus, said Ahaserus, and we all were very
afraid for you.
Invidus scornfully looked at the King. Why, tell me, have you
come here?, one of the friends of Invidus questioned him.
It is my duty, lad. I am the protector of all the animals around
here. Thats why, the King replied.
Oh, so you are the protector? Do you know how much chaos have
you caused already? You have made our souls suffer, Invidus
said.

Chaos? Suffer? What are you talking about, Invidus? I am the one
who has kept every one united. All the animals live so happily.
The King seemed to be upset.
Oh, I curse your happiness and that of the others. You have tried
to make us un-animals, said the Invidus invectively.
But, what have I done?, Ahaserus was growing weary on
listening to such accusations.
You have united all of the animals in a single bond of animality.
This is not what we are supposed to do. Dont you see we are
animals? We are supposed to fight, and shed blood. Violence is the
gift for us. But you, Ahaserus, you have snatched all our pride, our
honour, our legacy, Invidus accused him with a venomous spite.
I have come here to rescue you. So, let us save our quarrel for the
later day. Come with me now. This cave is so dilapidated. It will
crush you any time. Come now, dont you listen, Invidus? Hurry
up., Ahaserus was getting uncomfortable.
No, we shall not move until we settle our scores tonight.
Despicable king of the worthless animals!. Invidus along with his
pack attacked Ahaserus. He broke Invidus leg. He fought
ferociously, but was outnumbered by the fiendish wolves. At last,
the great King of the jungle had to pay the price of his affection
for the inhabitants of the jungle. Finally, he breathed his last.

Simia was waiting for the King to return, but he went to never
come back again. All of a sudden, the sky was cleared off the
clouds. The moon was at its usual position. But the colour of the
sky was still red. Simia knew that the prophecy was fulfilled. But
he was still unaware of the fate of his King he loved the most.
Next morning, Invidus came limping. He had his friends along
with him. One of them had dragged Ahaserus all the way
clenched in its strong canine jaws.
Oh Invidus, what happened to our beloved King. Is he injured,
Simia asked him worryingly. He couldnt stop his tears.
Your King is dead, monkey. He was killed by a mad Elephant last
night. Priest Invidus said to him.
Who killed him? Are you fabricating the story? Listen, fellow
animals, our King has not been killed by any mad Elephant but
Invidus, the hater, himself, cried Simia painfully.
You are blaming me for his death? I would only consider it your
madness since I am not responsible. Rather, I am the one who,
while saving your king, broke his leg. You wretched monkey! Why
did you not accompany him to see it for yourself? Werent you
afraid for your life? My piety is enough an evidence to bear
testimony to my assertion, claimed Invidus.
He is right, he is very pious. He cannot kill Ahaserus. Yes, see,
his leg is broken, said Vulpus the leader of the foxes.

My dear Vulpus! Pray tell them that I do not intend to kill anyone.
But if anyone kept blaming me yet or raise his finger in doubt, he
would risk his life for nothing, Invidus wanted some assistance
from his cunning friend.
Everyone muttered to their own confines. No one dared speak
out. Simia took his broken heart with himself and took his Kings
body for an honourable burial. Simia decided to live in seclusion
from the Jungle. He went to live near the base of a mountain. He
didnt want to see anyone from the jungle, nor did he want to
hear from them.
With each passing day, priest Invidus influence grew over the
Jungle. First of all, he made a list of weak animals. He believed
that Jungle was made for carnivores only. Birds and Herbivores
are merely their food. He made a systematic plan to efface their
existence from the jungle and purify it.
The foxes, under the leadership of Vulpus, became his close aides
and special assistants. They also suggested him to keep a strict
check on the intermingling of various animals and birds. He
must not let them eat together and share. No Carnivore should
felicitate a bird on a happy occasion because it was against the
canine laws. No herbivore was allowed to criticise the foxes or the
wolves. Dancing and singing was banned forever. No one could do
such tricks even on their happiest day. These were told to be the
instruments of decadence and chaos.

It was also made obligatory for all to pray to Canoon. Birds were
forced to either migrate from the jungle or to pay homage to
Canoon. Ptitsa, according to Wolves logic, was a bird deity; and
as birds were weaker in number and strength, Ptitsa was also
very weak. It was subservient to Canoon. No one could speak
against him. Anyone who did, he would immediately be killed
without even being heard. He also ordered the Canines to kill
anyone who they hear speaking against Canoon. This was an
attempt to subjugate the birds and herbivores.
After this, many of the foxes killed innocent birds to settle their
own personal scores. Some were killed for nothing. It turned into
a blind rage. He made it a living hell for all, and especially for
birds. It was pretext used by him to compel the birds to leave
their homes. But as the jungle was their only abode, they could
not leave it.
Foxes, meanwhile, started their propaganda in favour of Canine
race, their supremacy, intelligence and fighting skills. Thus, foxes
soon became an important and very treasured asset for Invidus.
He would reprimand anyone against whom foxes complained. He
kept a strict control over the jungle.
One day, Vulpus went to an audience. He started preaching about
his ideology, the Canine race and its supremacy and indecency of
the herbivores and birds. While in a fit of emotion, he spoke
against Canoon. All animals raised their suspicions over his

allegiance. They thought that Vulpus had lost his nerves. He had
grown insane probably. Looking at that, few of the canines rose to
kill him because Invidus had ordered to kill anyone who spoke
against Canoon.
Realising his blunder, Vulpus stood up on the pulpit and said,
You see, I am not very much well versed. I am a very feeble
animal with feeble character. I confess my ignorance. I ask for your
forgiveness for I seek pardon from you. I beseech you all present
here. Bear testimony that I erred and I begged pardon. Some of
the animals including many gullible herbivores believed him to be
veracious. Few of the enraged demanded his execution.
It seemed as if Karma had returned back to Vulpus. The Canines
had killed many of the innocent birds to satisfy their own lust for
blood. But now, it was their turn now. All were sure that Vulpus
will be killed by Invidus. But how could a Canine kill a Canine?
This, the animals and the birds were about to know.
After a few moments, Invidus came to the place where all had
gathered. He looked at Vulpus and gave him a look of
assuredness. He looked at the animals and said, I wanted to
bring peace and tranquillity in this jungle. What is this fuss about?
This is such a trivial matter. Vulpus is very sorry for what he did.
And all animals should forget about this. You sadist animals, you
want to shed each others blood. Do you not have any kindness left
in your hearts? You want to kill Vulpus. He is very pious. I

guarantee that he said this out of ignorance. Let us unite and prove
that we animals are not here to fight.
One of the birds said in a very feeble voice, But why my father
and mother were killed? And why is Vulpus given a generous
amnesty?
Upon listening to this, Invidus became furious and replied
harshly. Were your parents canine? I wish they had been since
laws can be moulded for Canines because they have Canine teeth.
And that is the proof of his piety. His logic was extremely
ridiculous but still he had already made his point.
That moment, it is said that the spirit of Ahaserus came to visit
Simia who was still sitting alone far away from the jungle. He had
tears in his eyes. He told Simia that hypocrites had taken over
the jungle and now there was no hope left. Simia, listening to
that, asked his Kings spirit to take him with himself to the
unseen world. He feared that he would not be able to sustain the
pain. Ahaserus fulfilled his wishes. That day again, the sky
turned red. This time around, however, there was neither storm,
nor torrents, and nor eclipse. The jungle was doomed to
destruction. The Wolves had taken over it completely.