Long time ago, Wildebeest was admired by other animals in the forest for his prowess in dancing prowess. He was the chief entertainer and no animal could match his dancing skills. His skin was flawless and this made him even more attractive to the audience.
He traversed the forest entertaining other animals for free. All he was interested in is to showoff his perfect body and his skills. At times, he would challenge other animals to try his dance moves but none of the animals would impress.
Having been satisfied that he was the master in his own right, the fame got into his head and he started charging the animals for the performances. The other animals did not mind this as they loved him intensely. At first, he charged a little few but with time he reviewed his charges.
Later on, he became arrogant and one had to literally beg him to perform. Since the animals valued his performance; they would go to every length to have him in their occasions.
No single weekend was he free as animals would invite him for birthday parties, bush warming (house warming) and wedding parties. No time did he fail to impress. He was his own manager and therefore he led a solitary life after the performances.
One day, he was invited by Mr. Lion in his house to celebrate the birthday for his wife. He made it to Mr. Lions in time and he was welcomed by other animals with ululations. The party started at 1pm.Since the party was well attended, he pulled some of his best moves and the he brought the forest down.
When the party was over at 6pm, the animals dispersed and he was left behind to sort out the payment issue with the Lions.
“I cannot find the money,” Mrs. Lion exclaimed, “someone has stolen it when the party was going on.”
“That is none of my business!” Wildebeest burst out.
An hour later, Mrs.Lion still couldn’t get the money and she broke in tears. By then, Wildebeest was too angry for the delay. His host pleaded with him to come for the money after three days but he insisted to be paid on the spot.
The Lions had no option other than to ask him what he wanted to be paid with in kind. He ordered Mrs. Lion to bring with her a pair of scissors. When she came with the pair of sciccors, Wildebeest shaved her head clean despite her protest. Those days, Both Mr. Lion and Mrs. Lion had manes in their heads and necks.
When he was done, he carried the long blonde hair with him and left the helpless Mrs. Lion in tears. She couldn’t believe that he beauty had been robbed away from her just like that. She became a bald from that day.
Meanwhile, Wildebeest left to his home and found his wife worried about his lateness. It was the first time he made it home that late. He lied to his wife that he was given mane by Mrs. Lion as a way of appreciating his dancing skills.
Mrs. Wildebeest grabbed the long hair and glued it to her head and neck. She did the same to her husband. That night, the god of animals visited the forest when she heard the cries of Mrs. Lion.
When he realized what had happened, he cursed Wildebeest and his wife for being so ruthless. Since that time, the Wildebeest and his wife acquired an ugly black mane around their neck and shoulders. They were even given beard. His dancing skill also disappeared.
The couple fell from grace to grass. Worse still, Mrs.Lion was given courage to hunt for them to get back her mane.
James Mwangi Kanyi.
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