A Prophecy
“Amidst tyranny and fear, an astrologer’s prophecy holds the key to fate.”
Long ago, there was a King who ruled with an iron fist. He punished his subjects severely for minor faults, or even for no fault at all. His tyranny instilled fear throughout the kingdom.
One day, a neighboring King paid him a visit. The host King took his royal guest on a tour of his fortress. During the visit, they entered the prison. The guest pointed at a prisoner seated in a cell and asked, “My friend, this man does not look like a criminal at all! Why have you imprisoned him?”
“He is not a criminal,” the host King replied. “He is an astrologer. When I asked him, he prophesied that I shall die on a day of festival. I have put him behind bars so that if he proves wrong, my heir will hang him.”
The guest, appearing quite serious, said, “My friend, release him immediately. I will tell you why.” The host King complied and released the astrologer, looking anxiously at his guest.
The guest leaned closer and whispered, “I’m certain his prediction will come true. The day of your death will be observed by the people as a great day. Year after year, they will celebrate it as a festive occasion.” The host King’s face grew pale as he slowly began to realize the truth of his friend’s words!