CRISPY TRIANGLES

CHAPTER-1
MARNIE
“Madam Marnie! Come down and have your breakfast!” called the servant. Marnie came down the steps in
the most stylish of her walks. She was wearing her Levi’s jeans with worn out ends, specially done by her
with her “sandpaper trick” and patches which she had sewed onto them. The original “LA FEM” top which
she was wearing added to her smashing looks.

Marnie was a resident of Danville, America. She lived with her parents in a huge bungalow. Marnie had
everything that she wanted. Clothes, accessories, latest fashions, cell phones, servants etc. were nothing for
her. But with this she had some attitude too. She was that kind of rich, spoilt, got-some-attitude-cause-I-am-
rich girl. She would never leave an opportunity to dominate and insult a person, be it any reason, any
circumstances. In school, she was one popular girl, with her two only friends always walking behind her.
Bunking classes, making fun of teachers- she did it all. And no one ever said anything to her, because of her
father. Her father, Mr. Grovel ,was the biggest businessman of the town. Everyone was afraid of him.
Naturally, no one dared to scold Marnie, and she took it as an advantage.
 CHAPTER-2
THE RED STONE
As Marnie went to the dining table, Sebastian the servant followed her and pulled the chair for her to sit.
Still busy on the phone, Marnie sat down on the chair. As Sebastian was about to pour Marnie’s breakfast
cereal into her ivory bowl, Marnie suddenly shouted at someone on the phone, ”What do you mean you
can’t get for me? I’m going to sue you! Understood? I want it at any cost by Monday evening or else……”
Saying this she kept her phone down. She turned to Sebastian and shouted,” What do you want now?
Waiting for me to fire you from your job? Get lost!” Sebastian got scared and quietly went away. Marnie sat
down in haste. She poured her favorite box of cereal “CRISPY TRIANGLES” into a bowl. To her surprise,
she found a red stone in it.

“What would a stone be doing in a box of cereal, that to such a peculiar stone?” she thought. Thinking this,
she started exploring the stone.

It was unlike any other stone which she had ever seen. It was a glittery red colour on top and like any other
stone at the bottom. It had no specific shape. As the shimmering stone glittered in the sunlight, Marnie was
forced to concentrate on its beauty. She had rarely ever looked at anything so earnestly, except a red gown
at a store in a mall, which she had got a couple of hours later. Curious, Marnie started to explore the stone,
turning it round and round.
 CHAPTER-3
THE ADVENTURE BEGINS
As Marnie explored the stone, it was simultaneously being rubbed by her, though unknowingly. Suddenly,
Marnie felt dizzy. Everything was fading from the front of her eyes. The front of the stone opened and a
bright light emerged from there. Marnie felt herself being pulled in by the stone. She fainted.
When she opened her eyes, she found herself in a strange place. It seemed to be a forest. “What place on
earth is this? And how did I land up here? I do not remember anything.” Said Marnie, holding her
head. Then more cheerfully, she said, “Perhaps, it is the only place on earth which I haven’t seen on
earth. Why did daddy do this to me?” exclaimed Marnie. She was so engrossed in shedding the dirt
and mud from her clothes that she didn’t notice the surroundings around her. The trees were just the
height of bushes, and the bushes as tall as the trees! When Marnie was finished, she looked around.
All she could see were trees, bushes and more trees and more bushes. “Where to go now? Let me
just walk straight, and see where I arrive.” Said Marnie. She started walking.
 CHAPTER-4
AN UNUSUAL FRIEND

As Marnie wasn’t used to walking so much, she started panting after she had walked for about 200 yards.
Sitting down on the grass, under the shade of a tree, she closed her eyes for a minute. As the light of
the sun fell on her face, she felt the warmth of the sun, directly on her face. “I just wish that the cities
would also be so enchanting” sighed Marnie. “WHO ARE YOU?” exclaimed a loud and heavy
voice. It so sudden, that Marnie nearly jumped up from the grass. It seemed to come from a tree. In
a trembling voice, Marnie said, “Whhhh-oooo is it? I am M-M-M-M-Marnie. Marnie Grovel.” “I
AM THE SPIRIT OF THE TREE. AND YOU ARE AN INVADER! YOU WILL NOW HAVE TO
BECOME MY SLAVE! HA! HA! Haaaaaaaaaaaa! Yikes!” said the voice. “Huh? What was that?”
thought Marnie. She was sure that something was fishy. She went ahead and brushed the leaves
aside. To her horror, she found a ferret there! “Ummmm, Hi!” said the ferret.
“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!” shouted Marnie. “Wow! Hey! Hey! It hurts! Easy girl!
Easy!” said the ferret. “What are you!” exclaimed Marnie, her hand on her chest. “Well! I am a
ferret. My name is Olly. Unfortunately, though. I consider myself to be trapped in the body of a
ferret. I knew I was born to be a writer. The way I used to sink into the ocean of imagination and
bring out with me, the pearls of great writings. My mom used to say, tha…..” “Hey! You.. whatever
you are, Perhaps you know what place is this, and where do I head for, to find some HUMANS!”
said Marnie. “Hey! That’s very rude of you! Never, ever interrupt a ferret when it’s talking.
Understand? Never mind. You’ll be glad to know that this is forest Rovelli. And for finding humans, you
need to walk 50 miles from here, towards Clover city. If you want, I can take you there. Agreed?”
said Olly. “And why do you expect me to take you with me, you irritating ferret?” screamed
Marnie.” Cause I am the one who knows the way to Clover city, and not you.” Said Olly, rubbing his
nails, and added” But now that you are so rude to me, and probably don’t want me to come with you,
then I will gladly be left behind, rather than go with a person who doesn’t want me….” said Olly,
settling himself comfortably on a branch of the tree. Marnie thought,” I think the ferret is right. I do
not know the way to the city, and if I venture deep into the forest, I might become an appetizing
lunch for the ravenous animals in the forest.
I better take the ferret along with me.” “All right ferret. You’re coming with me. Let’s go.” Said A Marnie.
As she started to walk, Olly said,” Not so fast, young lady. You still have a work left. Yup. It is…
apologize to me. That is for all the rudeness you have shown towards me.” “Apologize, to you! Puh-
lease! I haven’t ever apologized to my dad, you think I’ll apologize to you?” “ As you wish, young
lady. No apology, no humans. Now will you excuse me, I want to return to my eternal slumber…”
said the ferret, closing his eyes.
“Fine.. As you say. I’m S-S-S-S-SORRY!” shouted Marnie. “Nice, nice. Let’s go.” Said Olly.
 CHAPTER-5
THE JOURNEY BEGINS

Marnie and Olly begin their journey. They walked for days, resting for an hour or two after walking for
some time. During the walk, Olly and Marnie discussed many things. Marnie came to know that Olly was
one of the 3 children born to their parents, and was also the most intelligent one. At this, Marnie thought
that if Olly was the most intelligent amongst his brothers, then what would the other ones be like! Marnie
told Olly everything about the city Danville, and her status in school and neighborhood. Olly was quite
fascinated, since he had never heard about cities and the normal people before, and Marnie’s livelihood was
something much more than a normal one. Days passed, walking, talking and getting to know each other
better. During this time, Marnie and Olly became very good friends. They helped each other during their
journey. Marnie finally started calling Olly by his name, switching from ‘the ferret’ to ‘Olly’. Even Olly
started calling Marnie by her name instead of ‘young lady’. Now that they knew each other well, many of
their problems were solved. During the journey, Olly described Clover city carefully to Marnie. Its people,
food, shops, homes, etc. etc. Marnie didn’t understand anything, though. She thought she would see for
herself, when they arrive.
 CHAPTER-6
CLOVER CITY

A couple of days later, Marnie and Olly reached their destination. Olly hurried forward and Marnie came
running up, almost breathlessly. “And this, my dear Marnie, is Clover city” said Olly, pointing towards the
city. Marnie looked up, and what she saw made a chill run down her spine. It was a city of animals! All she
could see were animals! And the worst part was, that they walked on two legs! She turned to Olly, who was
busy surveying the city with evident pride. After all, he had brought Marnie to this amazing city!
“OLLY! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!” shouted Marnie. “You told me that you wanted to meet humans, so
here we are!” said Olly, calmly “YOU THINK I AM A FOOL? ARE THESE HUMANS?!” shrieked
Marnie, pointing towards the city. “Yep. What else do you want, Animals? Or rather say, people like you?”
said Olly, beginning to lose his cool. “YOU’RE CALLING ME AN ANIMAL?! HOW DARE YOU!”
shouted Marnie.
Olly said sharply, “What else are you? Those stupid creatures walking on four legs, with hair only on their
head and, two big black eyes, a nose, and something known as ‘lips’. I read about it in a book. Candidly, I
was surprised to see you walking on two legs. I think yo…..” “ Wait a sec, you’re telling me the other way
round. Or I think these cities are upside down.” Marnie thought, thinking hard about something. Suddenly,
she brightened up, and said, “I think I know it…..Olly, what planet is this?” “Planet Znarr. Why do you
ask?” answered Olly, perplexed. “Olly, you’ll be surprised to know that…I do not belong to this planet.”
Sighed Marnie, “WHAT!” exclaimed Olly. “How did you land up here then?” asked Olly. “I don’t
remember. I just know that when I opened my eyes, I was in this forest.” Said Marnie, focusing hard. “So
what are you going to do now?” asked Olly, placing his hand on Marnie’s shoulder. “I don’t know Olly…..I
somehow need to remember how I got here. Something can happen then.” Said Marnie.
To pass away their time, and to cheer up their mood, it was decided that they will spend their time at Olly’s
house in the city.
They proceeded towards Olly’s house. On their way, Olly showed Marnie all the shops, buildings, houses,
etc. While doing this, one of Olly’s friends, Champion Chimpanzee came up to him out of curiosity and
asked him, “Hey Olly! What’s up with that animal walking on two legs?” “I AM NOT AN ANIMAL!”
shrieked Marnie.” IT SCREAMS?” gasped Champion. “Olly, where did you bring it from? Asked
Champion. “I hope you are not up to something again.” he Champion, walking away. “Its none of your
business, Champ. Piss of!” called out Olly. Then turning to Marnie, he said, “Sorry about that, Marnie.
Champ’s a..a..a bit rude. He always talks like that. Lets go”
They went ahead. On their way, many people came and asked Olly about ‘the two legged animal’ walking
with him and Marnie was completely agitated and perturbed by the time they reached home.
On reaching the house, Marnie was shocked. The house did not even reach up to Marnie’s SHOULDER!
“OLLY! What is this?” inquired Marnie. “Ummmm, my house?” said Olly, behaving as if Marnie had asked
an apparent question. “Do you realize that the house doesn’t even reach up to my shoulder?” asked Marnie,
with a lump in her throat, and a face as if she would burst into tears any moment. “Ummmm, I didn’t think
about it….Well! We’ll think about it later….till then you can come inside. I have made a ver….” He said
walking towards his house. “Uhhh, Olly?” said Marnie, folding her arms. “Huh, What?” said Olly, turning
around. Seeing Marnie, and then his house, he slapped his forehead. “Err, my mistake!” he said, scratching
his head. “Do you mind living in Candy Camel’s house, till the time I think of something?” said Olly,
feeling very juvenile. “Uh! Fine. Show me the way.” Said Marnie.
 CHAPTER-7
CANDY CAMEL HELPS

“Here’s the house.” Said Olly, leading a drained Marnie behind him. “Err, Candy! Its Olly!” called out Olly,
standing at Candy’s doorstep.
Candy Camel hurried outside to welcome his friend. “Hey Olly! Nice to see you. Its been a long time since
we met. I rea… Hey, who’s that animal with you?” asked Candy, surprised. He was never surprised at
Olly’s bizarre pranks, friends or anything else eerie. He was Olly’s best friend and understood him better
than anyone else. “(sigh) That’s why I’m here, my friend. Let me in and I’ll tell you everything.” Said Olly.
They all went inside Candy’s house, into his room. Marnie was finally in high spirits to be able to enter a
house! “Fine. Now you may begin.” Said Candy, closing the door. “Okay, it may seem a wee bit baffling,
but this mortal which you see ,actually calls herself a human and calls us animals and also claims to be
living on another planet and has landed on our planet by mistake and can’t figure out how she got here and
frantically wants to go home and can’t figure out how she would do that and has ended up turning me into
her friend and wants me to help her but I don’t know how to, and need some one to do that for me and also
give her a shelter cause she doesn’t fit in mine and that’s why,(sigh) I have turned to you for help….so will
you?” sighed Olly. “I didn’t quite understand what you said, so I’ll ask Marnie. Marnie, can you explain?”
said Candy, calmly. “Sure, Candy.” She said, and explained to Candy, everything that happened from the
time that she opened her eyes to talking to him epigrammatically, and Candy listened paitiently. “Fine. But
how did you clear your confusion about animals and humans?” he asked. Marnie answered politely, “That
was easy. On our planet Earth, animals are the creatures which walk on four legs, do not talk, live in forests,
and are dumb. They have bodies like you, but other features like the creatures whom you call humans.
Humans are the ones who have features like you, but bodies like creatures whom you call animals. So, I
guessed that this planet is inverted. It has things opposite to things on earth.” “ Hah! I see. Nice of you to
figure it out. I’ll help you remember how you came here.” Said Candy, and added, “As for a shelter for you,
both of you are most welcome to live at my house as long as you like.”
 CHAPTER-8
MARNIE REMEMBERS HER PAST

That day, they spent the time telling each other about themselves and narrating experiences and anecdotes.
Marnie felt a feeling of positive reception towards Candy in her heart. He, she felt, was cooperative,
patient, caring and an outstanding listener. Marnie had started giving up her rude, boorish and impolite
behavior, without realizing it. She was daunted by Candy’s ways.
Next day, when she woke up, she quickly took a bath and dressed herself in comfortable clothes given to
her by Candy, since they were almost the same size. She went to the breakfast table where Olly was
watching television and Candy was making breakfast. She wished them good morning and went to have
breakfast. But, when she read the cereal name, she felt peculiar. She had heard that name before. GASP! IT
WAS CRISPY TRIANGLES! All the memories flooded into her mind and she remembered everything. She
started feeling dizzy…. Something was happening…. She was fainting! When she woke up, Candy and Olly
were peering apprehensively over Marnie. “Tha…tha..that stone….it..it…brought me here…” gasped
Marnie. “Which stone are you talking about?” asked Candy making Marnie sit up on the couch. “That
stone….red stone…” said Marnie, holding her head. She didn’t notice the expression on Candy’s and Olly’s
face change, as she said ‘red stone’ “Calm down Marnie. I’ll get you a glass of water.” Candy asked Olly to
get a glass of water. After drinking water, Marnie felt much better. “Now, tell me everything clearly. Which
stone are you talking about?” inquired Candy, eagerly. “I now understand everything. The red stone which I
had found in my cereal box called ‘CRISPY TRIANGLES’ was some kind of teleporter. When I had
touched it, I had fainted, and landed in the forest. To go home, I perhaps need to find that stone. Yes. I am
sure of it” said Marnie. “Are you sure, Marnie?” asked Candy, hoping the answer would be ‘yes’. “Yes.
Very sure.” Said Marnie.
“I think it’s a kind of quest…” said Olly, very quietly. “A quest? What’s a quest?”
“Olly! Shush!” said Candy. “NO! Its time for her to know about it……” said Olly. “What are you guys
talking about? Tell me everything clearly!” screamed Marnie.
 CHAPTER-9
MARNIE LEARNS THE TRUTH
“Okay. Marnie, listen to everything which I say very clearly and conscientiously. We are humans, trapped in
the bodies of animals, and the animals are trapped in our bodies. That is why you were confused.” Said
Candy. “But who did this to you?” asked Marnie, alarmed. “Many years ago, a king named Clovenious
ruled Clover city. He was a kind and just king. All the citizens of Clover city were happy under his rule. He
listened to his subject’s tribulations and solved them in every way he could. But then one day, his sister
Clovenia, compellingly took the country’s rule from him, and killed him. She is a very bad, cruel, malicious
and vindictive Queen. She did this to us. But, a wise monk named Oogway cursed the queen, that a girl
named Marnie would conquer the queen and take over the kingdom of Clemens, of which Clover city is a
part, as queen or hand it over to someone else. Olly was sent to the forest Rovelli about 12 years ago to
bring you to Clover city,” said Candy Camel. “Hey! That was the year of my birth! You were waiting in the
forest since my birth?” exclaimed Marnie, stupefied. “Yes Marnie. The future of Clemens is in your hands.”
Said Candy.
Marnie thought for a while. “Alright. I am ready. I am ready to start the quest.” Said Marnie.
 CHAPTER-10
THE QUEST BEGINS
“Okay. We must first go to Oogway and inform him of your arrival. He will tell us what to do next.” Said
Candy, and a long journey begin. They crossed hills and valleys, mountains and lakes, walking for days.
They rested only at night time, during which they would sleep like logs. Between some days, when Marnie
and Olly felt very tired, Candy would carry them on his back. They drank water from the lakes which they
passed by. Cool, fresh water- just what they needed. Their hunger was satisfied by fruits hanging on trees.
Weeks passed by. Each day, Marnie felt her hopes of reaching home swaying away. “What had I done,
which caused me to face this?” said Marnie, rather brusquely one night. This was the first time when Candy
showed some anger. “Marnie, you need to change this attitude of yours. Everything in the world cannot
happen according to your wish. You need to cooperate with people to survive in the world. This attitude of
yours won’t help you in any way. If you want to get home, you need to listen to others too.” He said.
Though Marnie was astonished to see this behavior from Candy, she kept quiet. Candy was determined to
make Marnie mend her ways. If she was to be the future queen of Clemens, she would become just like the
current queen Clovenia. After walking for days, they reached, a cave. “ In here waits the great monk
Oogway, for the conqueror of Clemens. Proceed” said Candy. Marnie went inside and the other two
followed. Deep inside, Marnie saw a figure. But she couldn’t see clearly because of sheer darkness. She
took a fire burning beside her on a stick in her hand, and went ahead. There she saw a turtle lying on a rock.
His eyes were closed and he looked almost lifeless. “This, my dear Marnie, is monk Oogway” whispered
Candy. “ Why is he in this condition?” whispered back Marnie. “ You see, when he cursed the queen, she
had him captured and tormented. He somehow escaped and came this far to this cave. He has not come out
of this cave since 12 years. Without water, without eating anything, surviving for 12 years… Its quite hard!”
answered Candy. Hearing the sound of someone speaking, Oogway looked up. His eyes were having
wrinkles under them. Apparently, he was almost a hundred years old. Seeing Marnie, his eyes lit up.
Recognizing her as the future queen and saver of Clemens, Oogway hurriedly stood up and stooped as low
as he could. “What are you doing?” said Marnie, jumping back. “Bowing low, your majesty. I pay my
obscene to you.” Replied Oogway. “Master, she is now ready to start her quest. She has come to you for
guidance, my lord. Tell her what to do next.” Said Candy, also bowing low. “Ah! Candy. So you managed
to convince her to take up this challenge. I always knew you could do it.” Said Oogway. Then turning to
Marnie, he said, “Your majesty! You must now find a red stone. You evidently know about its appearance.
The same one which made you enter this world. When you came here, the stone got destroyed and its pieces
fell in different cities. You must now find the pieces and make up the stone. After every piece, you will get a
insinuation of the place where you need to go next. After you find the pieces, you need to join them together
in a strange manner with the help of something. When you find all the pieces, come to me and I’ll tell you
what to do next.” “Thank you, kind sir” said Marnie. She fell into thought then, and asked, “Just one more
question. Where will we find this stone?” “ You need to head towards the city Walnut, towards your south.
Probably Candy knows the way to the city.” Said Oogway. “Thank you, sir” said Marnie. The trio then
proceeded towards the city.
 CHAPTER-11
WALNUT CITY
Walnut city was located 25 Kilometers away from Oogway’s cave. The way to the city was a long and tiring
one. On the way, Marnie kept asking Candy about Walnut city. How was the city like? How were its
people? Who ruled over it? But all Candy answered was “You’ll see for yourself.”
They walked and walked, this time not even resting in small intervals. Within 2-3 days, they reached Walnut
city.
It was a big city. And Marnie was relieved to see that people were humans! It was exactly like cities on
planet Earth…..just a bit less advanced. People wore boring long robes, that too very dull. But they were
polite and helpful. As the trio entered the city, People there were shocked to see all three of them. Candy
and Olly because NORMAL people would certainly be shocked to see animals walking on two legs and
speaking perfect English. Marnie, due to her clothes. People had never seen a fashion-loving mall rat taking
out a small box-like thing and check it like crazy. They stared at the three in astonishment. The children ran
inside their dilapidated houses (they just looked dilapidated) and the elders started wondering amongst
themselves in amazement. Some of the soldiers ran to the king to tell him of three odd-looking people
entering their city.
From the stipulation and appearance of the city, Marnie could easily tell that there was a lot of poverty in
the city. Conditions were at their worst for people and apparently, they had never even known what a shoe
was. They walked barefooted, the stones and thorns cutting their feet now and then. Still, they themselves
and others happy with their warmth and politeness. They had no greed for money, jewels or the luxuries of
life. They barely had enough food for the family to eat twice a day. Still, they felt no want or rather need for
a comfortable life. They had their families and that was all for them. This made tears stream down Marnie’s
face. For the first time in her life, she had felt for someone, had pitied them. But, she kept her thoughts to
herself and quickly wiped her tears as she saw Candy and Olly approaching her. She was successful in
hiding her feelings from her friends. The two had come to ask Marnie if she wanted to tour the city once.
Maybe that would help them get an idea of finding the red stone. Marnie readily agreed.
 CHAPTER- 12
THE THREE ARE IMPRISONED
They proceeded towards the north. There they saw people staring continuously at them. Some impish kids
started hurling stones at them. Trying to dodge them, they ran away. When they were far away from the
kids, they stopped, out of breath. As they looked around, they saw that they had reached a beautiful garden.
It had a gigantic fountain in the middle surrounded by flowers and soft green grass. The flowers were sweet-
scented and filled the air with a sweet smell. The three sat down on the grass and took a breath of relief.
“How did we reach here?” said Olly, looking around. “I don’t know. But, it’s a beautiful place. I feel so
fresh.” Remarked Candy, taking a big breath.
“Lets explore a bit. Come on! Get up. Don’t be such lazy bones.” Said Marnie, stretching a hand.
The trio started to walk. But, the garden seemed unending. They walked everyway, but could not find a way
out. “Candy, we are lost.” Said Marnie, after walking for about an hour. “ I think it’s a maze. Candy, can
you climb up that fountain? I’m sure you’ll be able to see something” said Marnie. “Fine.” Mumbled Candy.
He carefully climbed up a fountain. He looked ahead. Marnie was right. They were stuck in a maze.
Climbing down, Candy said, “You were right, Marnie. We are in a maze. And its not a small one. A real
confusing one.” After thinking for sometime, Marnie said, “ Candy, I don’t think we ran into a maze. We
were running in between dilapidated houses. (I told you they really were not DILAPITATED!) The maze
appeared after we stopped. There is something behind it. I’m sure.” “Can it be someone behind it? You
know…a sorcerer or something?” said Candy, skeptically. “Hmmmm. Can be. But who?” said Marnie,
going into deep thought. Suddenly, there was a thunder in the sky, almost deafening. A voice sounded in the
sky,” HELLO, PEOPLE! YOU DISCOVERED IT OUT. NOW, FOR YOUR REWARD! HA!HA!
HA!” The trio was transported into a room and they found themselves tied in fetters within a second. “What
on Earth..sorry… What on planet Znarr is this?” exclaimed Marnie. “Your reward” said a man.
It was the same voice which they had heard in the garden. They turned and a saw a man with a white and
long beard standing with his hands at his back. He wore similar clothes to the ones in the city, the difference
was that they were made of silk and decorated with jewels. His long turban too was decorated with strings
of pearls.
“Who are you? And why have you trapped us here? We don’t even know you. What have we done?” Marnie
bombarded the man with questions. “It’s your reward for solving the maze.” He said, smiling. “ What are
you saying? Tell us everything clearly” demanded Candy. “You entered our city and angered the king. You
roamed about the city without informing the king. That’s enough an offence to penalize you.” The man said.
“But who are you?” asked Olly. “I am the king’s minister and his royal advisor. I have the powers of a
sorcerer and it was I who conjured a maze and trapped you. But, our king is more powerful than me. Now
you must go to the king and talk to him. Guards! Take them to the king.” Said the minister, waving towards
the guards.
 CHAPTER-13
THE THREE ARE PUZZLED
The trio was taken to the court which was in progress. As they entered it, they saw seats lined on both sides
and courtiers seated on them. At the end of the court sat the king on his jewel-laden throne. As they went
closer, the three friends were stared at by all the courtiers in utter amazement, for the same reasons, of
course. They went to the king and stood before the him. The king looked straight and said nothing, Just
looked straight, as though he hadn’t noticed the three standing right in front of him. “ Your majesty”
addressed the minister, “ the three prisoners are here.” Then a voice sounded, “who are they? How do they
look like?” No one’s lips moved. Still, the minister continued to talk to the voice. He said “your majesty” so
it must be the king. Marnie watched the king closely and earnestly. The Minister replied, bowing low,
“Your highness, one is a camel, another is a ferret. Both can speak very well and walk on two legs. The
third is a girl who is wearing strange clothes. They were caught roaming the city without permission.”
“Take them back and ask them their reason for arrival. If needed, give them the truth speaking potion.” Said
the voice.

CHAPTER-14
 THE THREE LEARN THE TRUTH
When the three were back in the penitentiary, Marnie asked the minister, “Whom were you talking to, sir?”
“To the king. Didn’t you see?” he said, with a worried face and a trembling voice. This look didn’t go
unnoticed by Marnie and she questioned him further, “But the king didn’t even move his lips! How was he
speaking. He was also not moving. Neither did he turn even his eyeballs nor he did any action. Tell me the
truth. He..he,,seemed like a statue!” said Marnie. “(Sigh) I’ll tell you. But only if you promise to keep it a
secret. “We shall say nothing” promised Marnie. “Then listen. Many years ago, our city was a happy place
to live. Our king, King Wollamen was very generous and kind-hearted. He kept our city green and clean.
People were happy under his rule. He considered every being and soul in his city to be equal and helped
anyone who came knocking at his doorstep. He was very rich and was also very charitable. But, alas! His
charitable attitude cost him a lot. Once, he held an assembly in which he donated his wealth. Any person
who would come would get a bag containing gold coins. But, just after the king had donated all his wealth, a
poor Brahmin came begging. He asked for his equal share of money. But, the king had nothing to donate. At
this, the Brahmin got angry and uttered a curse on the king that if he looked at a stone statue, he would
transform into a stone statue himself. The king got all the stone statues in the city broken. All was going
well until one day, a sculpture’s son who belonged to a far away land brought a sculpture as a gift to the
king. He hadn’t heard the news of the curse uttered on the king. He had made a very small pocket-size
replica of the king. He did not tell the guards about the gift. He told them that he wanted to meet the king so
the guards let him in. The king was seated on the throne as you see and when the boy showed him the
sculpture, the king turned into a statue there and then.” Said the minister, wiping his tears. Then he
continued, “ We found the Brahmin and pleaded him to take back his curse. The Brahmin couldn’t take back
his curse, but he made a change. He gave our king life and gave him the ability to listen and talk. So it is to
this day. I am the king’s personal assistant. I work as the king’s eyes.” “Can’t the curse be broken by
someone?” asked Marnie. “ It can. A person who has never given or lent even a small thing to anyone in his
life can break the curse.” Said the minister. “Ummmm……I think I can help you” said Marnie, going into
deep thought. “You can? “ said the minister, quite earnestly. “Yes.