Fibber's Son

A king demands to meet the ultimate liar. 300 words

Fibber's Son

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I dare do nothing else, my lord Toleman,” the man in chains and rags replied.

“Bring the wretch forward so he may explain himself!”

Guards gripped him under each arm and dragged him to the foot of Toleman’s gold throne.

“Explain yourself!” his lordship ordered.

“My name is Naysayer, from a long illustrious line of the name. To do anything but lie, would disgrace my family. I fear doing that much more than I fear you, sire.”

“Is your father so harsh about such things? Would his punishment be worse than mine?”

“You may see yourself as harsh, but none is harsher than my father.”

“I should meet this man, summon him!”

“Fibber Naysayer, come forward to serve your king,” the captain of the guards bellowed.

There was a whooshing sound, and a black pall filled the throne room.

“I must have torches!” commanded Toleman. Servants hurried forward.

“You summoned me, you puny worm?” said a chilling voice that froze all in the throne room.

Gradually, a giant of a creature stood before the cowering monarch.

You...you are Fibber Naysayer?” asked the king in a quaking voice.

The black creature nodded slightly.

“Among many other names.”

“Is this your son?” asked King Toleman.

“Among legions.”

“I decree that he be tortured and put to death painfully,” the king said haughtily.

“Has he disgraced himself by telling the truth?”

“No, he has lied to his king!”

“He is a Naysayer and has done what is necessary to uphold his name,” the shadowy specter said.

“No one lies to me! No one!” the king sputtered.

“Ah, is that so? I say everyone lies to you, even yourself!”

A choking black pall fell over the people. By the time it cleared, both father and son were gone.