In the heart of a lush forest, there lay a sparkling blue pond where hundreds of frogs lived in harmony. They were led by a King, but he was a ruler of great selfishness. While he ensured his own family lived in luxury, he never lifted a finger to protect the other frogs from hunger or danger. To him, the welfare of his subjects meant nothing.
A large, old serpent lived near the edge of the pond. As the years passed, the serpent had grown too slow and weak to hunt for its own food. It was constantly hungry and looking for an easy meal. One day, the serpent watched the Frog King and noticed how he prioritized his own family's comfort over the safety of the entire pond community.
The serpent approached the King with a sly smile. "O Great King," the serpent hissed softly, "I am old and weary, and I can no longer travel far. But if you and your family ride on my back, I shall serve as your royal carriage and carry you wherever you wish to go."
The King, seeing an opportunity for luxury, thought, "What is the loss of a few frogs? This serpent will make my life much easier!" He eagerly accepted the offer.
Every day, the King and his family would ride upon the serpent's back. However, the serpent soon made a request. "Your Majesty, the journey is exhausting and makes me very hungry. May I take two frogs from your kingdom as a small fee for my service?"
Because the King did not care for his people, he replied, "Of course! As long as my family is safe and happy, a couple of frogs won't make a difference."
Day after day, the serpent fed on two frogs. The King ignored the cries of the shrinking frog population, focusing only on his royal rides. Slowly, the pond became quiet. One by one, the frogs disappeared until only the King and his immediate family remained.
One evening, the serpent slithered toward the King. "Your Majesty, I am very hungry today, and there is no one left to hunt. It is time for the grand feast!" the serpent said. It began by devouring the King's children and relatives.
Terrified, the King pleaded, "Please, stop! I will find you more food! Just spare my life!"
The serpent laughed coldly. "You were happy to sacrifice your people to satisfy my hunger. Why should I show mercy to a King who had no mercy for his subjects?" With that, the serpent swallowed the King as well.
The pond was left empty, a silent reminder that a leader who fails to protect his people will eventually have no one left to protect him.
