The Magic Twigs

The animals could tell they would become fast friends with this human.

Indeed, for the next few years Amadi happily stayed at the Community of the Animals. They had much to teach one another. But there came a time when Amadi began to feel restless.

"Of course I understand," said the lion, when Amadi told him it was time for him to leave the Community of the Animals. "You're older now, it's time for you to rejoin your people, find a wife and start a family. Amadi, you are our friend. Take these magic twigs with you, in case you need them. But you must promise not to tell the humans about the magic of the twigs, or about us."

Amadi promised. He said goodbye to all his Animal friends and returned to his village. At the outskirts of his town he broke one twig and a fine house sprung up, complete with blankets and pots. He entered the village and tried to be friendly, but the people there hadn't forgotten about the incident that had prompted his flight. It seemed strange to them that this young man should return so suddenly, produce such a fine house, and all so quickly. "How could anyone save enough money in such a short time to build a rich man's house?" they whispered among themselves. "It must be ill-gotten gains from thievery! Now he's come back to steal from us again!"

One night a mob gathered around Amadi's house and stormed inside, grabbing him and carrying him to the chief. "You will pay for your crimes!" boomed the chief. Amadi's fine house and belongings were confiscated and he was thrown in jail. When Amadi was released he had no choice but to return to the Community of the Animals, his only friends in the world.

Despairingly, he told them what had happened at the village of the humans. How the people turned against him, how they took everything he had and had thrown him in jail. That night while Amadi slept, the Community of the Animals held a whispered meeting. The next day, the lion said to Amadi, "Last night we discussed your situation.