An updated fairy tale

“At last, the people all came flocking, shouting in the great Town Hall: ‘Our Council’s attitude is shocking! High you sit and far you’ll fall. To think we buy fine gowns of ermine for dolts who can’t or won’t determine how to rid us of our vermin! You’re old and fat and still expect your furry robes to buy respect! Well, wake up! Give your brains a racking! Find the remedy we’re lacking or, sure as fate, we’ll send you packing!” (Robert Browning – Pied Piper of Hamlin) 

That’s how it all happened. People came flocking in to the ‘great town hall’. Our fairy tale has taken different direction. The ‘Rats’ have found a Pied Piper. Protesting townspeople are told to stay home. 

Now the Pied Piper has addressed the townspeople. 

“Your honours, I am able by secret magic to enchant all creatures living beneath the sun that creep or swim or fly or run. What I can do most wizards can’t. Chiefly I reserve my charm for creatures that’ll do you harm – the mole and toad, the newt and viper – and people call me the Pied Piper.” 

 - Pic by Shehan Gunasekara