Chapter 6
The Fire on the Mountain (based on an Ethiopian folktale)
Characters
Arha A servant of Haptom
Haptom A wealthy merchant who is often bored because there is nothing
new for him to do
Abdu Arha's friend from another tribe who used to work for Hailu
Hailu A wise good man who tries to help others in need
Servant
Guest 1, 2, 3, 4
Scene I
One cold night, at Haptom's house in the city of Addis Ababa.
Haptom It sure is a cold night, Arha. Hmm, I wonder if anyone could spend an entire night on the highest peak of Mount Sululta without clothing or fire.
Arha Mount Sululta? That's crazy. In winter, people don't even go there in the daytime because it's so cold.
Haptom My thoughts exactly. It's probably impossible, right?
Arha I don't know, but it would be very foolish to try such a thing.
Haptom Perhaps. I'm sure that no man can live to tell the tale.
Arha I'm sure a courageous man could stand naked on Mount Sululta throughout an entire night and not die.
Haptom Well, I'll tell you what. If you can survive an entire night among the rocks on Mount Sululta without food, water, clothing, blankets, or fire, I'll give you ten acres of farmland with a house and cattle.
Arha (In disbelief) Do you really mean this?
Haptom I'm a man of my word.
Arha Then tomorrow night I'll do it!
Arha goes to Abdu for advice because he is very worried.
Abdu Tomorrow night, I will build a fire across from Mount Sululta. Whenever you are cold, look at my fire in the distance and think about its warmth and think of me, your friend. If you do this you will survive, no matter how bitter the night wind might be.
Arha Thanks for your advice. I'll do what you say.
Scene II
The next day, Arha goes to the top of Mount Sululta with Haptom's servant at night.
When he gets there, he takes off his clothes and stands in the damp, cold wind.
Arha It's getting colder and colder. The rocks that I stand on feel like ice. Oh, I see Abdu's fire several kilometers away. (After awhile) I can't feel my hands and feet. The wind pierces my skin like ice needles. (After a while) I feel ill. I think I'll never be warm again. But I will keep my eyes upon the light across the valley. My old friend is tending a fire for me there. (Arha sneezes, coughs, and shivers.)
Scene III
At dawn, Arha puts his clothes on and goes down the mountain back to Haptom's house.
Haptom (To the servant, very surprised to see Arha) Did he stay there all night
without blankets or clothing?
Servant Yes. He did as you said.
Haptom Well, you are a strong fellow. How did you manage to do it?
Arha I simply looked at a fire on a hill far away.
Haptom What! You watched a fire? Then you cheated. I cannot give you any land.
Arha But this fire was not close enough to warm me!
Haptom I won't give you the land. You didn't keep your end of the bargain.
Very sad, Arha goes back to Abdu.
Arha I risked my life to get the land. Yet, I have nothing to show for it.
Abdu Don't give up hope. Let's go to Hailu and ask him if something could be done.
Arha and Abdu go to Hailu.
Hailu Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it for you.
Scene IV
Many people including Haptom in the city are invited to a feast at Hailu's house. On the day of the feast, the hungry guests have been waiting for the food for a long time.
Guest 1 (Whispering)Wonderful smell of food is coming from the kitchen.
Guest 2 (Whispering) My mouth is watering already.
Guest 3 (Whispering) It's getting late. The food should have been served already.
Guest 4 (Whispering) I wonder why Hailu hasn't brought the food out.
Haptom (Speaking out) Hailu, why do you do this to us? Why do you invite us to a feast and then serve us nothing?
Hailu (Surprised)Why, can't you smell the food?
Haptom Of course I can. But smelling the food is not the same as eating it.
Hailu Then, is looking at a fire the same thing as feeling its warmth? If Arha was warmed by the fire in the distance, then you have been fed by the smell coming from my kitchen.
Haptom Ah, now I understand. You have opened my eyes, Hailu. (To Arha) I now declare you the owner of the land, house, and cattle.
Hailu (Smiling) Bring the food in.
The feast begins.
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