The Lost Heir

A tale told to Noble children growing up to teach them necessary lessons about the nature of their position

Once upon a time, in a great and ancient oligarchy, a noble child was lost in the deep, shadowed woods. Clutching only a simple knife, they wandered aimlessly, uncertain of which path to take, for the world beyond their estate walls was vast and unkind.

After hours of wandering, the child stumbled upon a mighty bear. The beast, towering and fearsome, studied the child with keen eyes before speaking. "I see nobility in your bearing, young one. You have the right to rule, but rulership is nothing without strength. Come, I shall teach you. And so, under the bear’s tutelage, the child learned to stalk the woods, to strike with power, and to command their place atop the natural order. "Take what you need, for you are the strongest," the bear rumbled. "This is the way of the world."

With this lesson seared into their heart, the child departed, only to come upon a hive buzzing with diligent bees. The Queen Bee, grand and golden, emerged and regarded the noble child with knowing eyes. "You are of noble blood, and as such, you must understand the nature of order. Watch and learn. "The bees swarmed with precision, each knowing their role, each working in harmony under the rule of their queen. "They toil, for it is their duty," the Queen Bee explained. "And in return, I lead them to prosperity. Rule wisely, and your subjects shall thrive, knowing their place."

The child nodded, absorbing the wisdom of the bees, and ventured further, following the enchanting melody of a songbird. The bird flitted between branches, its song captivating all creatures within earshot. It landed beside the child and inclined its head. "Ah, young noble, you must learn another lesson. Strength and order alone will not keep you atop the oligarchy. Words have power, beauty has sway. Learn the art of charm, and the world will bend to your will." So the child learned to weave words like spells, to captivate an audience, to hold the gaze of all who listened. The songbird sang, and the child echoed its melody, learning how appearances could mesmerize and command.

At last, as the child neared the edge of the forest, a serpent slithered from the undergrowth. "I have watched you, noble one," the snake hissed. "You have learned well—but you have yet to understand the most important truth of all." The snake’s eyes flicked to the knife in the child’s grip. "You have been taught how to hunt, how to rule, and how to charm. But a true ruler must take what is theirs. There is no room for hesitation. Allow me to teach you." The child listened, and when the lesson was complete, they turned back toward the woods with renewed purpose. First, they found the songbird and, with swift hands, plucked its brilliant feathers and claimed its eggs. Next, they returned to the hive and took the bees' honey, unchallenged. Lastly, they sought the bear, and with steady resolve, they took its hide and its meat, wielding the knife as the snake had shown them.

Stronger than before, the child returned home, bearing all they had claimed. Their noble house, seeing the proof of their cunning, strength, and ruthlessness, named them the rightful heir. And so they ruled long and prosperously, never forgetting the lessons of the woods. The importance of might, the necessity of order, the power of charm, and above all, the truth that what is desired must simply be taken.

And thus, the noble children of the oligarchy were taught, so they too would grow to rule as the strong must always rule over the weak.