The Lion's Whisker

A woman's husband grew cold and distant, and she did not know how to win back his love. She went to the wisest elder in the kaya, a woman known for her powerful knowledge. "I need a charm to make my husband love me again," the woman said. The elder replied, "I can make such a charm, but the price is very high. I need a single whisker from a living lion." The woman was terrified, but she was determined. She went to the area where a lion was known to hunt. For the first week, she simply sat at a distance, letting the lion get used to her scent. The next week, she began bringing a piece of meat each day, leaving it a little closer to her each time. The lion, wary at first, grew to trust her and would take the meat. After a month, the lion would allow her to sit near him as he ate. Finally, one day, while stroking his mane, she gently plucked a single whisker. She ran joyfully back to the elder. The elder took the whisker and, to the woman's horror, threw it into the fire. "You have done the impossible," the elder said. "You have tamed the most fearsome beast with patience, gentleness, and courage. Now go and use the same skill that you used to get this whisker to win back your husband. You do not need a charm, for you already have the power."