The king assembled his nobles and officers again, Earnest playing with his dogs out of sight and behind the throne, just out of earshot as everyone gathered.

It had been weeks since the last story and while Earnest usually liked tales, but his first impression of these "stories of wisdom" left a knot in his stomach. The last story was of death and desperation. He had gone out and met the children of the men who died- it was terrible to think that their lives were ruined and all that came of it was a story.

Even so- the story stuck with him as he trained his dogs, Susan, Jane, Kale, and Saul. Only two of the dogs were technically his- well, three now. The local breeder gave a small litter of the best puppies to the palace for free. It was a nice gesture done some six months ago now, though Earnest never saw the breeder after the deed was done.

Earnest was now the leader of the dogs. Before he had been too complacent with their training, and now, maybe he was playing, but it was a more serious form of play. He was teaching each of the four to sit on command. It was frustrating when the six-month-old pups only wanted to play and several times he was tempted to strike them but- Huen's memory came to mind. If he was too harsh, would he destroy them? He especially couldn't do that with Jane- the dog that was to have been his mother's.

The voice of his father carried to him. The boy fell off his haunches where he had been sitting while he was speaking to the young hounds. Seeing their brave leader fall, the four pups immediately broke their seated positions and surrounded him to be sure he was okay- and see if this was him coming up with some fun new game!

Laughing a few times the boy quickly got up, ordered the animals to sit, and then ran off to join his father.

(***)

Earnest combed down his hair, put on and straightened his royal robe, and then hooked around the dividing wall behind the throne, walking out from behind his father's seat. He took a few steps, bowed to his father, then stood and turned to bow just his head to those gathered, noticing as they were stifling laughter?

Earnest quickly put up his hands as the four puppies bounded around the throne.

The dogs were taken out by nearby servants as Earnest started apologizing to his father who waved it off with a smile. "It's alright. Four animals at once is quite the ask for a boy your age. Just remember to hand them off to someone in the future, yes?"

Earnest nodded. He then was seated on the steps as his father motioned. Just as he was situated, in came the traveler, Narvis. The king rose and the traveler bowed.

"Narvis, from whence do you come?" asked the king.

"From traveling near and far." Replied the traveler.

"And why do you travel?"

"To find stories of wisdom from abroad."

"And do you believe you collect these stories in vain?"

Narvis look at the boy sitting at his father's feet. "Why does he look disheveled?"

"He was training a team of hunting dogs, you'll have to forgive him. I should have given him more notice."

"An entire team of them? Well- I shall indeed continue to see. At least he's not short on ambition." The king patted his son on the head.

The king looked to the traveler. "Have you a tale for us?"

"Of course."

The traveler leaned down, spreading his arms, his shining turquoise tunic reflecting the light of the torches and the incoming sunlight. Dust started to come off his tunic and raise into the air.

"Behold I bring you the story of The Navigator, the Soldier, and the Farmer and their grand journey to the legendary table of the Lizard King, the greatest banquette in all the world. Legend says even his mutts serve him with love and feast on the noblest of food."

Above him, the figure of a two-legged creature dressed in flowing purple robes appeared. The creature was bent forward with a long neck and a snout full of sharp teeth. However, the creature's face suggested it capable expression like that of a man, the creature possessing arms like those of a man. Around him were the heads of three massive dogs and perched on his head was a large raven.

The raven took off and the image faded.

He continued. "This story comes from the cat people of the east, the Krenad, who walk upright like men, but have fur and the heads of our feline friends..."

There was once a trio of three friends. There was the black Navigator, a bombay cat standing an average height of five feet tall. Next was the soldier, a large white main coon, some seven feet tall, towering over his friends. Finally, there was the farmer, an orange rag doll at about five and a half feet tall.

These three Krenads heard the legend of the Lizard King, the king who served his guests the best food in the world. The juiciest chicken, steak full of flavor and falling off the bone, salty and tangy fish, with apples that were just the right combination of crunchy and sweet, plumbs that came apart with a simple twist and had a combination sweetness and tartness that made you thank God you were alive just to taste it. His tables would be filled with hot bread, so soft tempting, and filling, even butter was an insult- not that you would want to pass up his jams and jellies- any flavor you could desire, ready to be served on request. There were even debates- what was the best? Was it his lamb with meat that fell off the bone? His goose with juice in every bite? His berry pies that overwhelmed your mouth in flavor in just one bite? Who could tell?

These young Krenads set out from their homes. The soldier said on oath he would bring back meat for his father- if not from the king, then at least from the journey. The farmer assured his children he would return and said he would bring home pastries better than their sweetest dreams. Finally, the navigator told his friends at the university and his brothers that he would bring them berries to study and taste like nothing they had ever known- adding to that would be the map- his legacy to reveal the land of the great lizard king.

The three met up, the kind rag doll giving his friends packs loaded with bread and grains to satisfy their appetites on their long journey. The main coon simply brought his spear but offered his oath to bring down any beast that threatened them as well as to show them all how to hunt and cook meat, as bread alone was a poor diet. The navigator brought his maps and tools for navigation.

Singing of the food they hoped to taste, they set out, the navigator leading the way, a wagon carrying their provisions, the three men taking turns pulling the wagon as they went, two at at time. When the bombay was not able to lead, he would shout instructions to the free Krenad to ensure they stayed on course.

On breakfast the first day, the farmer gladly brought out large portions of bread.

The navigator stood up quickly when he saw this, "Friend, I know you mean well by this, but the journey ahead will take three months- suppose we are able to go straight to this legendary kingdom that we only have a direction and distance to use to find. We need to make sure your bread lasts- hopefully, until we return home, supposing we do not find the king at all. From now on, I will get out the provisions as I will use my learning in mathematics to determine the best portion sizes."

The rag doll seemed disappointed to not be able to treat his friends, but he nodded and put away much of the bread he got out.

As they moved out, the navigator spotted a mighty elephant on the horizon. "Can you take it down for us?" he asked the soldier.

"This thing you speak of- it would be such a waste of meat!"

"Nonsense!" the Navigator replied. "We need to tan the hide of the creature to make a tarp to keep the bread in our wagon dry so it will not spoil. As for the meat, there is a trading post not far from here, we'll simply tell the men there is a feast just over the horizon for them."

"It's that close?" asked the soldier.

"Of course. I'm not a navigator for nothing, I learned in university everything that is around here."

"My parents couldn't afford university..." the soldier said, hanging his head.

"That isn't your fault, simply how you were born. Go, you are of great use to us regardless, use the gifts you have!" The soldier smiled at this compliment and went off to accomplish his task.

And thus they took time to tan the skin of the elephant for their wagon cover, the soldier running ahead to tell the trading post of the feast of meat that awaited them.

The three Krenads continued forward, the promise of wonderful food in a strange land before them. On the third day, the Navigator took aside the soldier. "My friend, I notice your spear is a simple shaft of wood. It will be worn down quickly will it not?"

"I think it could be sturdy enough for a short journey."

"But this isn't a short journey." He pulled a long iron spearhead from the wagon and handed it to the soldier. "I purchased this at the trading post a few days back. Can you secure it to your weapon?"

"Oh thank you, navigator! I am not able to afford metal aside from what the army gives me at home- thank you, thank you- how do I repay-."

"It is my gift to you! For the betterment of us all, we need our hunter to have the best do we not?"

On the fourth day, the Navigator went to the farmer. "Here, I purchased some sugar. There are a number of trading posts between here and our destination. Your bread may not last as long as we hope- however if we take portions of our bread at each post and make it sweet bread, we made be able to trade it for fresh bread, thus lengthening the life of our provisions- do you know how to make sweat bread?"

"Yes I do- but I must admit, without your quick thinking I would never had struck upon such an idea."

"Yes- but my friend, it is your skill."

"Nonsense!" chimed in the Main Coon. "Where would the two of us be without you? You are guiding us with your maps, and you are enhancing our skills as we go. You are instrumental to this trip. You have not only done your task, but you have proved valuable to each of our tasks. You have been key to our trip already and it hasn't been more than a week!"

The coon and the doll cheered on their companion for his help. He felt bashful at first, but the young Krenad finally took the compliments in turn and smiled as he continued.

A few more days passed and the bombay began to feel sick, soon he was barely able to walk. His friends quickly put him in the wagon, refusing to hear him as he said he didn't want to be a burden. He was given extra food as well, as his friends took good care of him, the concern in the eyes of the rag doll especially evident. The farmer even found medicinal reeds for him that eased his suffering rather quickly.

The navigator quickly insisted those reeds be added to their provisions, in case they were needed again, the rag doll obeying him quickly, eager to just know his friend would be okay.

As he rode in the cart, thoughts started to come into the mind of the bombay. 'It's actually good that they care for me- how far could they even make it without me? Without me, a few weeks from now the farmer's provisions might have spoiled and the soldier's spear would have been useless. It is my mind that is keeping this trip going smoothly... my mind should be preserved really. I say I surely matter more to this journey than they, as I make their jobs go smoother in the end. Why if I were out there, I would still be in the lead. The leader is the most important is he not?'

The bombay recovered. He had however discovered that he liked the extra food. He kept to his calculations for how much of their provisions could be eaten every meal, however, he started taking from the portions of his friends to add to his. 'My mind is of supreme importance here, we can't risk me getting sick again- who knows how much food these two might have wasted that day anyway? No, I must be preserved.'

On they traveled. The soldier would often bring them meat, which the navigator insisted he smoke into jerky so they could preserve that as well. Even adding this meat to their provisions, the navigator still took from the portions of his friends, every meal secretly having more bread and meat than his friends.

The weeks dragged on. Finally, they were only one month out.

A bird flew overhead as they traveled. It cried out, "This way to the king, this way and your taste will sing!"

Hearing this, the Krenads smiled and sighed- taking it as a sign that their journey would not be in vain. Again, as on the first day, they sang of what foods they hoped to find ahead of them.

The next day the raven flew overhead again. "Be careful what you give and what you keep, careful about how you live and in what you steep."

Watching the bird as he read his map, the navigator paused. 'Hmm... such a strange thing to be saying... I wonder what it means... but why should I worry? I'm carrying this team! I give of my mind every day for navigation and it benefits us all. I give the best... and I take the best I suppose... but to take the best is to have the best to give no? I should have the best- I am the most important after all.'

Two days later, the raven flying over once a day calling its advice, the farmer fell ill. Seeing the frame of the farmer was becoming thin, the soldier was concerned. "Navigator, we should give him extra food, I fear he is famished. You and I are strong and our frames don't seem to lack meat- we should let him ride in the cart so he can recover."

"With the food? He's sick! He'll infect our food you fool," said the Navigator in return.

"But we carried you. What is the meaning of this my friend? Did the rag doll not get you medicine when your own health was on the line? Did he not watch over you until your fever broke?"

The bombay scratched his chin. "Yes- he is useful to me, I can't let him go to waste. True, I had to tell him to make them in the first place, but without his sweet cakes, we will have nothing to trade for fresh bread at the next post. Hmm... but let him rest on the top of the wagon and I should say- he needs rest more than food- yes, just let him rest through a few meals for the next few days."

The days passed, the raven flying overhead, its call going out each day. "Be careful what you give and what you keep, careful about how you live and in what you steep."

As the Krenads were camping one day, a storm came- finally, the bombay allowed all three could stay under the tarp, though he stayed in the center of the wagon himself.

The rag doll did recover, though he seemed old even as he did, his body was wasted from recovering without food and out in the elements at that. Still, he took his turns when the wagon was pulled and still he made his cakes.

One day, a wolf stood in their path, its fur raised. The main coon stepped forward, spinning his spear in front of his face, his display meant so the others could retreat and hide while he kept the creature's eyes on himself.

The wolf leaped at the main coon, its own weight impaling the beast on the main coon's spear. Even so, the wolf was able to sink its teeth into the shoulder of the main coon.

The main coon tried to resume his place pulling the wagon with the navigator, as it was the navigator and his turn. However, the main coon could only yelp at the pain in his shoulder.

"You did well- let me pull," came the weak voice of the rag doll.

Onward they traveled, the soldier each day trying to resume his turns pulling the cart, the rag doll taking his turn and the bombay continuing to do as he always did- lead the way, take his turns, and cheat his friends.

They started to wonder, not seeing the palace of the lizard king. Days after they should have already arrived, the three Krenads became exhausted and took a break at a waterfall.

They dozed there, for they had been wandering without hope of finding, and this they agreed was the last day they could keep looking without result. Especially the soldier and the farmer felt discouraged, feeling their wounds, knowing they would get nothing for them.

As they let their feet cool in the stream, the gentle rag doll look up and let out a shriek! He ran for the falls as the growl of a large gray wolf startled both of his dazed companions. The main coon grabbed for his spear, but the wolf jumped on it, snapping the wood and scattering the pieces of the weapon. The main coon stood between his friends and danger as the rag doll pulled his friend the bombay into a small cavern he saw under the falls, praying the soldier would survive.

The wolf pulled back and leaped at the unarmed main coon as- a cur slammed into the wolf from the side, sending the wolf crashing into the side of the stream. The wolf scrapped and snapped, but the fur of his attacker was too thick and healthy for any but the surest bite to get through.

A second dog, half the size of the wolf, came barreling out of the falls, snapping its jaws down on the wolf's neck. Finally, a third dog shot out of the falls, this one a large hound with a loud echoing bellow of a bark that he blasted straight in the face of the wolf. The second dog seemed to lock its jaws as the wolf couldn't shake it- which would only matter if the larger dog would let it get up, but it couldn't focus as the third dog kept baying in its face.

Out of the cave under the falls, a creature with the frame of a man strode. His visible skin was green, his neck was long and a snout was visible under the hood of his black cloak. The new creature wielded a three-foot war hammer which he now tapped on his left hand, holding it in his right. He walked over to the mass of struggling animals. The lizard man blew a whistle, the dog scattering.

The wolf staggered, bleeding, but mostly just disoriented- until the hammer connected with it's upper jaw, shattering the top of the creature's snout. Blood now pouring out, the wolf staggered back from the master of the curs, no longer even able to wine for pity as the hook back of the hammer came down and drove through its left ear and straight into the animal's brain.

The dogs surrounded their lizard master. "You serve me well my friends- take your prize to the kitchen, it will be prepared for you."

The creature turned to the Krenads, all three still standing near the entrance of the falls. He walked over to the main coon, reached up-, and patted him on the shoulder. "You- you have protected the entrance to the kingdom." He examined the soldier. "You appeared injured, come, you will be treated- though, I believe I know why you are all here."

The bombay and the rag doll came out from behind the falls, their eyes wide, wonder filling their hearts- could it be, after all they had been through, after everything they had all endured- would this creature take them to the great table? From his form, he must have been related to the king himself!

The komodo looked at them. "My name is Able," he said. "Come now, come to the hall."

As he moved through the cave the farmer tugged on his cloak. He looked down at him. "What is it your heart desires?"

"Might I see and help in the preparation of the wondrous foods? Would that be allowed?"

"How far have you traveled that you wish to be the one to serve?" asked the lizard man.

"Well I can't just sit by while others work, it's not in my nature."

They moved through the cave until it branched. The lizard guard pointed down the branching passage. "Go then, join the servants."

A large black bird suddenly came flapping down the cave cawing loudly. The lizard king held out his arm as the bird landed on it. The bird hopped up to the komodo dragon's shoulder and clacked into his ear. The lizard listened as the farmer walked away. "These are them?" the guard asked the bird. The bird seemed to nod. He looked up and spoke loudly for the benefit of even the Krenad who was walking away. "Oh well- my bird friend has told many of us of some of your travels. Your adventures have helped a king while away some boring hours friends." He turned back to the bird, "Go, tell the servants to prepare all tables in the thrown room. I so long to know these creatures myself."

The bird jumped down and flew away.

The three creatures continued into the cave.

After a few minutes of walking, the Krenads stopped as they entered a hall, their eyes wide adn their jaw down- "massive", "majestic", these were words that failed to describe what was before them. Gold lined the pillars that held the ceiling and limestone lined the floor, the walls made of marble so well sanded it could be used as a mirror for a shave. The lizard man lead them over to a large outcropping in a far wall. This alcove was so large three long tables were set under it, at the head of all three was a single golden throne.

The guard walked over to the throne.

The navigator took the middle table, his eyes were able to lock with the soldier lizard, the soldier cat taking the left table. All three tables were made of fine cedar, with green velvet tablecloths.

Finally, the lizard took off his cloak to reveal himself dressed in purple robes with gold lining, a gold band encrusted with ornate jewels around his neck. The bombay and the main coon quickly stood back up and bowed to their knees.

"I'm curious why you did not bow before," the lizard king asked. "Did you think I was a relative?"

"There was some doubt in my mind you were the actual king himself after you helped the dogs yourself?" admitted the soldier.

The king looked to the navigator as he spoke up. "I'm sorry your highness, but what king fights alongside his curs?"

"Had I allowed that fight to go for too long, who knows, one of the dogs may have been injured, would you have me leave my subjects alone when they are in danger?"

"I... I suppose that might not be best..." said the navigator.

"Indeed." The king paused, looking at his guests as they stared a the floor. Finally, he said "Rise and take your seats."

Servants came pouring out of two doors behind the king's throne, the rag doll at their head.

The rag doll was guided to a seat, the servants putting plates and silverware on the table in a perfect rhythm, humming a giddy and lively tune as they went. Goblets of fine wine, delicious juices, and even refreshing lemonades and limeades were set before the king's guests. The refreshments set, and out came the fruits and berries. Even the root vegetables seemed tantalizing, steamed to perfection.

With one bite into a nectarine, the soldier said his cheek hurt- but it was worth it just to try this tart and flavorful masterpiece.

Out came the meats. Each Krenad was given a large goose, steaks, and lamb so tender, that when the farmer picked it up, the weight of the meat really did tear it off of the bone and fall back on his plate. With one bite of that goose, the bombay discovered flavors he didn't even know COULD reside in the breast of a goose.

The tables were filled with far more food than one creature could eat- well- not quite.

The black bombay looked to his left and right and noticed those tables filling up, but his table wasn't even half full as the last of servants were cycling out. The navigator's companions had to eat like their tables were meant just to try, as such variety created a quantity of food too great to actually finish a dish.

The komodo king lounged on his throne, drinking wine and juice, sampling nuts and berries as he watched his guests. "Your Highness... if I may..." the bombay asked. The komodo motioned his goblet to the navigator, as a servant filled it with a lime berry drink, even as it was in motion, not spilling a drop. "This is all astonishing- the best food I could ever hope to taste."

The king laughed. "Hear that servants? You've done it again!" He grinned. "And from the looks of things I had you over prepare again. Oh well," he started to laugh. "Well, best not to make our guests pop no? Take the leftovers to your families below- hurry, it's all best eaten warm at least!"

"Yes but- why was I given less?" the bombay finally pushed out.

"Hmm?" the tables were being cleared almost with a musical rhythm, the servants looking to take a certain pride in everything they did, noses in the air and feet moving quickly, humming a new tune as they went, this one a little quieter as if to set the mood for resting and digestion. "Well I mean- did you not hear the raven? She told you the formula did she not? I suppose she's a little prone to poetry. Still, what you gave to others would be re-payed here."

"But I gave my friends much- what is this comical insult of-"

"Silence!" The king shouted, standing back to his full size, the bombay dropping his current bite, realizing the seven-foot creature looked more than a match for a mere feline. "This is my home. I will not be gainsaid in my own hall by a creature I have treated like a prized son- what have you done for me that I should even hear you out hm? Your soldier protected my abode, the farmer volunteered to help my servants cook- and through it all you sat or stood, doing nothing."

"Well... they are simple folks, isn't that their place... to work?"

The lizard cocked his head to the bombay.

Still, a smile crept on his face as he waved off the comment, "baaagh!" he said, "To all three of you, I have a purpose. Be my subjects. I have cooks a-plenty and dogs to hunt my food, but I lack soldiers and tillers of the earth. I'm sure I could even find a place for a cartographer- I'll look around, I'm sure there's a use for you bombay,"

"Would we eat like this-" the soldier started.

"Every day that you live in my home!" the king declared. "You and those you bring from home. Come, help me grow my kingdom."

All three Krenads rose and bowed to the king as a sign of agreement.

The servants were gone and the room was as clean as it had been before anyone entered. The king sat back down. "I give you three gifts for your journey back home."

He held up a box, "For the farmer- a magic compass- it points ever to the desire of your heart, and will never lead you astray." The rag doll accepted the gift, bowing as he took the artifact.

"To the soldier, I give a magic salve- not only can this heal injuries, but it can repair any object. Anything it is applied to repairs stronger than before." The soldier took this too.

"Now then, I would have you leave, as I'll have no more eruptions of jealousy. After all, a gift fit for a noble like your navigator- it surely would be grand!"

The navigator's companions left, taking their gifts and patting their friend jovially on the shoulder. They were led to the cave and soon enough out of the palace.

The lizard king turned his back on the bombay. "So- navigator, what do you think you have earned?"

"I... well I was instrumental to your new citizens coming. I fixed their portions to make sure they could arrive. I guided them along their way. I even showed them the best ways to use their talents on many an occasion."

"Yes, yes, all that you did. And one so useful as you, one would think I would want you and your kind in my kingdom more than others," the lizard continued to keep his back to the bombay.

"Yes, yes, one would think."

"Yes- would he not think so? Of course," the lizard turned his head to look in the direction the others departed, "One would think you were instrumental beyond your peers to hear you speak."

"Yes, one would think."

"One would think..." The lizard king took up his goblet again, sipping at his wine. "As expensive as wine is, one would think it the most beneficial of drinks... but what is the truth?"

"I..."

"The simple red juice I serve is a combination of apples, berries, and pineapple, a combination of essentials for the body. The wine can have its uses but it's nothing compared, which is not to mention what will happen if you drink too much or too often. That which is rich... "All that glitters is not gold as" they say. Too much wine will rob a man of much... might even be best to abstain..." he suddenly threw the goblet to the ground, shattering the crystal on the stone floor.

Now the king turned. "You dare speak to me of insults? You insolent mog!" He said with a growl. "Tell me feline, tell me cat- my kingdom is a legend, but how many maps are there to it?"

"Well- none your highness. Seems that should be rectifi-"

"I have magic compasses, what use have I for maps? But more than that- men stumble upon this place at random- so too could your companions have done. Did you not realize that your portioning the food was little more than a matter of convenience? The farmer and hunter could always have gathered more food with their skills, and always could have had supplies to trade with but a little ingenuity. All you did was make things a little easier. A compass and an abacus and your entire contribution to the journey would have been obsolete." The lizard shook his head. "I let you into my home- I showed you kindness from a king. I showed you a creature in a high position being fair to his subjects- one would think that enough to make you apologize for what you did."

"I... I did nothing I-"

"DO NOT LIE IN MY COURT!" the king shouted, the hall echoing and the bombay starting to shake. "The raven has told me what you did. He will tell your companions in time as well- but your companions are now my citizens- whom you stole from repeatedly."

"I mean- call it a tithe for my services, I help pull the wagon, I did work-"

"I tithe is agreed to and is made fair. You taxed your companions in sickness and in health, you never did with less, while they might even have starved just for your sense of security. Did you REALLY make a sick friend sleep without food in the elements? Did you WANT him to die?"

"I mean... no... I could still use him so that wouldn't have helped me see- so no, I did not wish to murder him."

"You think yourself so high, so noble... do you not?"

Finally, the bombay looked to the floor, the truth of his actions finally resting on his head. "I must apologize..."

"You did not apologize to your friends. You insulted my person. You did not apologize until you had no choice. And so it means nothing."

The navigator dropped to his knees, understanding the truth of those words.

"Still, I will give you your just reward for your deeds," a whistle sounded. "I will give you what you have earned, for the sake of my kingdom." The three large dogs entered the hall.

"Are you... are you giving me your dogs...?" the bombay asked, not sure of his words.

"Noble navigator- did you not hear the legends about me? I give my dogs... the noblest of meats."

The whistle was sounded again as the curs shot towards the terrified bombay.

The bones of the navigator themselves were stripped and crushed, his screams falling on deaf ears. And so that day, justice was served by hounds of hell as the lizard king turned his back.

Narvis stood, holding his right hand up to the king. "So here is the riddle of this tale young Earnest. Who is the Lizard King and what is his kingdom? Who is the navigator, and what is the warning of this tale?"