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CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE NEWBORN PROBLEM

They all sat around Ms. Tulla’s home. The door was closed. It was also locked. She never before had felt the need to lock her rock door. These were different times. Ms. Tulla looked around the room. All of the best minds in the Green Kingdom were present. Most were scientists, artists, some poets, and all were scared. She called — they came.

“Thanks for coming. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that our civilization is in trouble. What you don’t know is the problem is worse than just murky water. The Blue Kingdom’s water is getting thick, creating thick murky water in both Kingdoms for the first time in ages, or maybe even ever.” The assembled brains gasped but kept silent, listening. “A messenger from Mr. Optic in the Blue Kingdom came to me today, to inform me that their problem is also getting worse, by the hour. Mr. Optic has assembled his Smart Creatures just as we have gathered now.”

“What does the Green King say that we should do?” asked a Smart Creature.

“The Green King is ill. He is not giving his full attention to the problem.”

“The Prince, Ma’gas, what does he say?”

“He eats his staff.” There was a collective gasp.

“I’m afraid we should not look for leadership from the Prince, even though he may be the King,” said Ms. Tulla, looking around the cramped room at the assembled Smart Creatures. They didn’t look confident about the future.

The finest botanist in the Kingdom asked, “You know more. I sense it. You know what’s causing this change or at least you suspect you might know. Tell us.” he pleaded, needing information like they needed clean water.

“Has anyone heard of the Bayabob tree?” asked Ms. Tulla. No one did, except the botanist, who was naturally yellow, but, now was turning as white as a fish’s belly.

“It is a myth — a rumor, mythology folklore, an urban legend…,” replied the botanist.

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