The Demon’s Secret

Back in the banks of a mighty river lived the nefarious demon, Chandavarman, who was known throughout the land as the Wicked Demon. The Wicked Demon used to chatter with children, jump onto the backs of unwary travelers, and force them to carry him down to the river. When they reached the river, he made his poor victim sit on the bank while he bathed. Then, afterward, he would grab his victim, drag him into the water, and wrap him up.

“Dear me,” said grandfather, looking over his glasses and trying to appear stern. “You talk so much; you remind me of the Demon Chandavarman!”

“Who was this demon?” piped up little Radha, hoping that grandfather would tell them a story. Grandfather put down his paper with a sigh, “Once upon a time,” he began, “a priest was wandering through the forest, and from the low branches of a tree, the Wicked Demon sprang onto his back and ordered the priest to carry him to the river.”

The priest, who was just as inquisitive as all grandchildren, started to ask a lot of questions, to which the demon responded with loud guffaws of laughter. “Tell me,” Said the priest as they neared the river, “Why are the soles of your feet so soft and pink?”

“That’s my great secret,” replied the demon. “The Wicked Demon vowed centuries ago never to walk on dry earth with wet feet.” The priest chuckled to himself as he realized the demon talked too much. Just as they reached the river, the priest jumped to the ground and rested, watching the disappearing figure of the demon and cursing himself for having let slip the answer.