Page 12 - Fables volume 3

unoccupied shells is limited. A better question would be about our
soft bellies: why are we so vulnerable when other kinds of crab, and
all the lobsters, are completely protected? The answer to that is lost
in history, my boy. You shouldn’t be here—you should be getting in
line with your fellows for the next larger shell. There’s a lot to learn
about sizing each other up. You have a long way to go, a lot of
battles to fight, before you can ever be king.”
“You have fought your way to the top,” agreed the lesser crab.
“And that means you have taken possession of the greatest shell in
our domain.”
“Yes, it was secreted eons ago by a mighty mollusk.”
“And that makes you king. There is no vacancy chain for you to
join. Where will you go when a usurper comes along who is strong
enough to yank you out of there and take your crown?”
“I warned you not to bother me,” replied the colossus. “I will be
killed and eaten by a shark within an hour. You see: it is not always
good to be the king.”

11