An Astrologer and a King / The King and the Astrologer: Once there was a king (Story Writing)

The King and the Astrologer:

Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom, there was a monarch who was deeply enamored with divining his destiny through the means of astrologers. One fortuitous day, a seasoned astrologer arrived in the royal city en route to Benares. The king, as was his wont, summoned the astrologer to unveil his future prospects, and was presented with an unsavory prophesy. The palmist disclosed that the sovereign's subjects would mount a rebellion against him, leading to his eventual ouster from the throne. The king, who was adored by his people, was instantly incensed by this prognostication, which shook him to the core.

In an impulsive burst of anger, the king ordered his retinue to publicly execute the palmist on the following day. The palmist, gripped with trepidation, spent a sleepless night pondering his fate. However, as the day of his execution arrived, the old man's demeanor inexplicably transformed. Instead of weeping, he wore a smile on his face, causing the king to be flummoxed by this display of insouciance in the face of his impending death. He scolded the palmist, accusing him of being a liar and asked him why he was laughing in the face of certain death.

The wily palmist, with a loud guffaw, retorted that the king himself would perish within a week, and that he, the palmist, would be hovering in the ether to receive the king's soul. The stars and the moon had purportedly confirmed this prophecy the previous night, which was why the palmist was chuckling away. The king, rattled by the palmist's brazenness, was overcome with fear and speechless for a moment. He then ordered his men to escort the palmist away, for he could no longer tolerate the man's presence. The king hastily departed from the scene, his mind reeling with the ramifications of the palmist's chilling revelation.

Moral :

Complete the following story following the clue.

Once there was a king in India. He was fond of knowing his future from the astrologers. One day a clever astrologer happened to visit the capital.....

Ans.     An Astrologer and a King

Once there was a king in India. He was fond of knowing his future from the astrologers. Oneday a clever astrologer happened to visit the capital.

Intrigued by the astrologer's reputation, the king decided to summon him to the royal court to inquire about his future.

Upon his arrival, the king eagerly asked the astrologer to reveal his fate. However, the astrologer, foreseeing something unpleasant in the king's future, hesitated to divulge the details. Despite the king's insistence, the astrologer remained cryptic, hinting at impending doom.

Enraged by the astrologer's reluctance to disclose the full truth, the king swiftly condemned him to death. As the astrologer was being led away to his execution, the king, in a fit of curiosity, couldn't resist one final question: "How long will you live?"

With quick wit and cunning, the astrologer replied, "I will only die a week before Your Majesty's own demise. Rest assured, I will be there to greet you on the other side." His clever retort sent a chill down the king's spine, filling him with dread at the thought of his own mortality.

Shaken by the astrologer's ominous words, the king recoiled in horror, ordering the guards to banish him from the kingdom and never allow his return. "Farewell," said the astrologer calmly, seizing the opportunity to escape the king's wrath unscathed.

Thus, through his cunning and foresight, the astrologer managed to outwit the king and evade his impending doom, leaving behind a lingering sense of mystery and intrigue in the royal court.