Once there was a boy. David was his name. Now, with the king's spear
and water jug, lent to him for the occasion, he sets out on a quest. If
he is successful in his completing his task he'll be considered a man.
  Simba saw David that day. He observed him from his back. Simba decided
to take no action and continued on his duties.
  As fate would have it, David and Simba met face to face. David drew
back the spear, preparing to nail Simba to the ground with one thrust.
"Sir," Simba said,
"what are you preparing to do with the object in your right paw?" These
words startled David. First, no one ever called him "Sir" before - he
was just a boy. Second, he didn't think lions could talk.
Sure, the elders spoke of some people
changing into lions. But, judging by Simba's usage of the word "paw "
for "hand" David believed this was a real lion.
   David responded to Simba. "By killing a lion I demonstrate my bravery
and will become a man in the eyes of my people."
   "Killing me proves your brave?  Well, young man, you should know I've
been observing you today and could have killed you long before we met
but I did not. My actions were brave. But your intent is not.
Know in your heart you shall never be a man!"
  Simba's words left David in a quandary.
"I'm sorry," he said, "I have to return these things." David turned  his
back on Simba and left in discouragement.
  "Wait!" Simba exclaimed. "perhaps I can help you out of your
predicament. The daylight grows short, let me walk with you - after all,
its a jungle out there!"

  Later that night David returned to his king. "Sire," he said, "I
return your spear and water jug in the same condition as they were
delivered to me. Today I am a man."
  The king studied the gleaming spear, bereft of blood. Sadly, he shook
his head.
"Well I say he is a man," Simba said. The king tried to summon his
guards. "Your majesty," Simba said, "I'm afraid your actions are futile.
Your brave guards are hiding behind curtains and under beds. Some have
fainted at the mere sight of a lion. David turn his back on me knowing
that I could have killed him. Declare him a man and I will leave in
peace."                    The king agreed.

THE END