Page 7 - Fables volume 2

The Aurochs’ Dilemma

Elder aurochs bellowed, accepting the youngster’s challenge. Most
of the herd discretely vacated the area: no point in getting kicked or
gored in someone else’s fight.
And they had seen it all before: one would win, one lose. Perhaps
they would have a new leader, perhaps not. Those who knew the
elder’s private grazing patch trotted toward it, certain of getting a few
chews of better-quality grass before being chased off in the event of
his victory. Only a few wide-eyed calves milled around at a safe
distance to see what would happen. Young bulls sniffed the air of
combat and felt a sympathetic jolt of adrenalin. Fighters were made,
not born; and an opportunity to pick up a few pointers would not be
wasted.
Rebel aurochs thought he’d absorbed all the technique he’d need—
not that he could have helped going after the top spot: his time had
come. Hesitation would only trigger a move by a rival in his cohort.
He had stamina, speed and quickness on his side. He pawed the turf
in swift sharp strikes, signaling impatience. He was about to charge
the elder when it occurred to him that maybe he hadn’t seen it all. In
that case it might not be wise to commit too soon. If he exposed his
flank or telegraphed which way he would toss his horns, the old bull
might well come up with a defense the younger hadn’t witnessed or
considered. He stood his ground, snorting and prancing even more
provocatively. Let the elder think he lacked confidence, and draw him
out first.
The aging leader saw the other’s indecision, as well as the
attempted cover-up with bravado. Obviously the rebel did not want
to make the first move—but why? Was it fear, second thoughts
about his readiness to take on the most experienced fighter in the
herd? The elder recalled other hasty off-balance attacks he had
rebuffed with minimal effort. Those contenders mistakenly had
assumed he was too weak and slow to fend off a full-tilt head-on
assault. But he had barely needed to lock horns with them; their own
momentum was enough to send them spinning off in defeat. This
latest competitor showed signs of intelligence: might he have

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