The Deceitful Hunter and the Honeyguide

A hunter was hungry and prayed to the forest for food. A Honeyguide appeared and led him to a rich beehive. The hunter took all the honey but, being greedy, left nothing behind for the bird as is the custom. The next time the hunter was hungry, he called for the Honeyguide. The bird appeared again and began to lead him. It led him on a long, long chase, deep into the darkest part of the forest. Finally, it stopped and chattered excitedly. The hunter pushed through the bushes, expecting to see a beehive, but instead, he came face to face with a sleeping Leopard. The Leopard, startled from its sleep, attacked and killed the hunter. The Honeyguide, having taken its revenge, flew away. This tale serves as a powerful warning: the forest provides for those who respect its rules and its creatures. A pact (like leaving a share for the Honeyguide) is sacred. To break such a pact out of greed is to turn the forest from your provider into your executioner.