King Alfred's Dream

Sentient (conscious, alert)
Sapient (wise or learned)
Panoply (ceremonial attire)

King Alfred's Dream


King Alfred the ruler of the kingdom of Pufferane liked to pretend that he was wise, learned and of higher intelligence than the people he ruled but the fact was that he was a wimp. His people ran roughshod over neighbouring kingdoms, killing everyone and everything in sight and King Alfred could do nothing to control them. Then one day all this changed and he became known as the greatest king that every ruled.

His sudden knowledge came from a secret contract he had made with the leader of the school of whales that migrated past his walled and moated castle twice a year.

Today was the day. The news had spread throughout the kingdom that the most high leader of the sentient whale population was to visit. All citizens were instructed to remain in their homes and not interfere with the king and the matriarch of the whale pod.

King Alfred the sapient leader of the kingdom’s population was dressed in all his panoply for the special event.

In earlier days the citizens looked forward to the migration of the whales so they could kill them, just for the sport of doing so. After all, they were known as the most warlike people of the civilized world. Then one day the matriarchal leader of the pod spoke to King Alfred in a dream.

“My name is Airissette, I am the mother of all whales who travel past your kingdom. It is very distressing that your people continue to kill and maim my family. I wish to enter into a contract with you. If you will teach your people not to kill, I will teach you all the wisdom you need, to rule your people in peace and harmony. Your citizens will no longer entertain thoughts of war and killing and you will be known as the wisest of all rulers.”

When King Alfred woke up, he could not forget his dream. All day his mind revelled in the possibility of ruling a peaceful kingdom and, more importantly, he would be known as a wise ruler. But his doubts were stronger than his conviction.

The next night before he went to bed he prayed to his gods, asking them for direction. Again he dreamed that Airissette spoke to him.

“It is my promise, my king. The dream was sent to you directly from the superior spirit of the whale kingdom. Begin teaching your people that killing is wrong and when we pass your castle in three day’s time, I will enter your moat and pass important information to you. Then, each time we pass your land, I will again visit you and continue to inform and advise you. Enter this contract with us and you shall benefit more than I can tell you at this time.”

King Alfred was convinced. Many years past in peace and harmony. And each year just before the annual migrations, the whales sent telepathic messages of peace to each resident of the kingdom. They sent encouragement and wisdom to the king, and each spring and fall, Airissette entered his moat. At these visit she renewed the hypnosis she had placed on the entire population. The most effective hypnosis was placed in the king’s weak mind making him think that he was the smartest man in the known universe.



565 words