The Moonlit Sky-by Christopher Warren

A long time ago in a remote village far, far away their lived a young boy named Chikabash and his family. Like many other villages they were self-reliant. In other words they were responsible for farming, hunting, cooking, and staying under the loyal command of the chief. Now this chief was growing old and he needed to choose the next chief in order to carry out the tradition of their ancestors. Now the chief had a son named Kamashaka. Now the chief chose to consult the gods. So of he went up the cliffs to relinquish his anxiety and to pray for guidance. When the chief returned from his journeyed quest a few days later, the people wanted to hear his verdict. The Chief said: “I have prayed for many nights and I have been told by the spirits to hold a contest of leadership. It will be the winner who will be confidently chosen to become the next chief.” Now in a small house just outside of the village lived Chikabash and his family. They worked hard all day when they were interrupted by the news. Chikabash’s cousin rode to tell the family of the contest. That night Chikabash imagined himself as the chief and all of the peace that he would bring to the village. He would end the silly war with the Obliweis and bring prosperity and peace between the two villages. As he dreamt and angel of God came to Chikabash and said: “Chikabash, God commands you to enter the contest and to continue with your daily work”. Chikabash awoke, startled and realized that it was a dream. He then fell asleep.
The next morning, Chikabash did as God had commanded him: he did his chores and walked into the village where he saw many strong men competing and he entered the contest. Chikabash was no match for the others physically, but he knew how to farm and that was the first contest. As expected he won that section with flying colors. The chief cried “what a sight, a boy defeating a man!, better watch out Kamashaka” as Kamashaka was getting up. Chikabash then returned to his home and did his chores before he went to bed. For the next two days the competitions were drawn between Chikabash and Kamashaka. However trouble was brewing as Kamashaka had hatched a plan to ruin Chikabash. That night Kamashaka had said to his father that Chikabash had said that he could capture the skull that the ogre had stolen from the villagers. So one day…
The king called Chikabash to appear before him. “Chikabash” he asked, “is it true that you are telling everyone that you can bring back the skull that the ogre keeps locked up under his bed?” “No” said Chikabash, “I did not say that great chief. But if you wish me to I will try, however I will need an invisible blanket and a filer” It took the chief some time to find those things, but finally he handed them to Chikabash. Chikabash put on the invisible coat, placed the file in his pocket and walked towards the forest. The ogre lived in the centre of the forest in a big house next to a river. Chikabash travelled and travelled until he reached the house and peered into the window. He saw the ogre and his family. They were just finishing their dinner and heading off to bed. Chikabash crept inside and began to file through the lock. When suddenly the ogre woke up and said: “Someone is in this room” The ogre’s wife then said “be quiet and go to bed, there is no one there” So the ogre dutifully went to bed. Chikabash then finished filing the lock and he grabbed the skull and ran. When he returned and presented it to the chief, the Chief was grateful. But Kamashaka was still not happy…
So he decided to again got to the Chief and say that Chikabash was persisting that he could return the moon from the ogre’s house. So once again the king called Chikabash to appear before him. “Chikabash” he asked, “is it true that you are telling everyone that you can bring back the moon that the ogre keeps hanging up on his coat rack?” “No” said Chikabash, “I did not say that great chief. But if you wish me to I will try, however I will need five pounds of salt” It took the chief some time to find the salt, but finally he handed the bag to Chikabash. Chikabash put on the invisible coat, placed the bag in his pocket and walked towards the forest. Once again he travelled and travelled until he finally reached the house. Again he peered through the open window and snuck in. He then emptied the five pounds of salt into the ogres soup then ran away and hid. He waited ten minutes until the ogres took their seats. Papa-ogre, Mama-ogre, and Baby-ogre started to eat their soup. When he was done Papa-ogre said: “Daughter please bring me some water from the well outside so that I can quell my great thirst after your mother put too much salt in the soup”, the mother said: “you fool, I would never put that much salt in the soup; I mean you know how expensive it is!” The daughter then said: “It is too dark and scary outside!” so Papa-ogre said: “fine, daughter take the moon with you to guide you” So Baby-ogre did just that: she took the moon and leapt out the door. Now Chikabash was waiting for her and when she got to the well he crept behind her, grabbed the moon and ran for the village. When he returned the king was found to be dying. However it was on his death bed that he muttered the words “rule justly, and fairly , end the war that has destroyed our village , and keep god on your side arise chief of Carrack”

Soon after Kamashaka left the village in exile, Chikabash married and the village was blanketed by peace for the rest of their days.