Maria Grazia Gullo - Massimo Longo

Malabù and The Enchanted Sheep

Translated by Laura Jurinich

Copyright © 2019 M.G.Gullo – M.Longo

The cover image and the graphics were created and edited by Massimo Longo

All rights reserved.

Malabù and The Enchanted Sheep

One day, on the road that links the sea to the Mutino village, there was a strange man dressed in a long, orange and green polka-dotted robe. He was walking leaning onto a wooden cane that was taller than him and ended with a twisted root. At the centre of the vortex created by the root, there was a big lapis lazuli with silver pearls all along the edges.

The man was carrying a bucking

sheep. It was kicking and biting as if it did not want to follow the steps of its owner. It was a handsome animal, young and strong, with wool as white as snow. It was carrying a studded black leather collar, similar to those worn by lions at the circus.

The man was headed to the local market. Upon his arrival, the curious came closer to give a better look at him as well as admire the beautiful creature that was with him.

When the old man arrived, he stopped at one of the market stalls, and began praising his goods:

- Whoever wants to buy this beautiful specimen, come closer!

The number of the curious was growing.

- Ladies and Gents, hear ye, hear ye.

A fellow, who had got too close, was bitten by the animal. Luckily, only the sound of the beast’s teeth clacking could be heard.

- Beware, it bites – the owner pulled it back – It’s got a beautiful set of teeth, in great condition. Come on, ladies and gents, it costs only two hundred dinars.

More and more people gathered around him: they were all interested in the sale.

Considering the species, the price really was convenient.

A man named Bad-moke was trying to muscle in on the crowd: he was the richest and the most overbearing man in the village.

Bad-moke was not his real name. He had been called like that since his early childhood because of his

maliciousness and presumption. He was a tall, big man with a small head, gigantic hands and a huge belly that always seemed to be on the verge of exploding. His father was a rich merchant that had travelled far, whose fortunes were of mysterious origins since no one in the village knew how he had accumulated such wealth.

Bad-moke began to drag away his contenders. Many of them fled at the only sight of the man, who scared off those who were brave enough to stay.

So, after taking out the competition, he giggled and asked the old man what he was doing

with the animal, as if he had not realised that he was selling it.

- I’m selling it – the old man replied with a big smile, leaning his chin onto the arm that was holding the wooden cane.

- Maybe, you are interested?

- Of course, I am! If the price is fair, of course – replied Bad-moke.

- It is more than fair. You will never find a sheep younger, stronger and with a better set of teeth for only two hundred dinars. It is a real deal.

- It is way overpriced, old man. Can you not see that no one wants it? - said Bad-moke with a threatening look.

- Yet, it seems to me that there are still a lot of people here – replied the old man, pointing at the few people left and spinning his hand in the air.

Bad-moke gave a quick look around and realised that it was indeed an opportunity too good to be missed. Some farmers that were trembling out of fear, hidden behind him, were trying to resist his arrogance. As a matter of fact, a good sheep at that price was going to come in handy in their humble households.

Bad-moke finally talked the last potential buyers into leaving by throwing dirty looks at them and elbowing them.

The only survivor was a poor old man, who tried to initiate a conversation with him:

- Actually, I...

Bad-moke did not even let him finish his sentence. Instead, he threw himself at him, grabbed him by the head, and whispered something in his ear. The poor

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