Ludo and the Magical Lie

Part I: The Two Potters

The sun peaked above the  busy, chaotic day at the market, as usual, shining light onto the crowd below. There was a multitude of people such as bakers, grocers, and merchants from across the seas.

Among the vendors sat a potter named Ludo. His disheveled hair and unbuttoned shirt was displeasing to the eye, but his bowl, pots, and plates were the opposite. Every single piece of pottery that was for sale was enchanting, so much so that people flocked to the table to gaze at them. 

“Come on! Don’t just stand there, come and purchase!” shouted Ludo, buttoning up his shirt and combing his hair. “These won’t be here forever!” And yet, nobody purchased a single pot or plate. This happened every day, to Ludo’s disappointment. 

Across from Ludo sat another potter named Claymore, who was also advertising his wares. Unlike Ludo, his sold very quickly, though they weren't as fancy or delicate as Ludo’s. One particular day, just before the market opened and upon Claymores arrival, he found Ludo jealously looking at him. 

“Why, good morning, Ludo!” said Claymore, as he waved. Ludo plastered a smile on his face, as he stalked to Claymore’s tent. “Good morning to you too, Claymore,” he said. Ludo made a big gesture to look over at Claymore’s pots and plates. 

“Claymore, I can’t help but notice that you’ve been selling out every day! From businessman to businessman, can you give me a little advice?” Claymore raised his eyebrows. “Of course, Ludo. But, isn’t it obvious?” The taken-aback expression on Ludo’s face said otherwise. 

“Listen Ludo, my pots, plates and bowls may not be as nice as yours, but mine are cheap and functional.” He gestured to his price tag, 5 copper pieces. Then, he gestured to Ludo’s, which read 50 copper pieces. Claymore shrugged. 

“Have a good day, Ludo!” He waved and jauntily walked back to his tent, which had attracted a waiting crowd. Ludo looked at him, fuming with envy. Then, he stalked back to his stall, where there was a crowd, but it was dispersing, little by little. Ludo’s envy continued to eat at him, as it had been for years, like a boy to his nightly dessert. 

Part II: The Old Man’s Stall

The day wore on. The market got busier and busier, and yet Ludo’s stall remained empty. As the market was closing down for the day, Ludo sighed and packed up his shop. But, as he was about to leave, a certain stall a little ways away caught his eye. An old man that Ludo had never seen before stood in front of his stall, dealing with his last customer of the day. He must be a merchant, Ludo thought. I wonder what kind of goods he sells. 

Ludo’s eyes drifted to the box full of money that the old man had collected throughout the day, and then to his wares. There were dried plants, liquids, and other substances. Ludo didn’t recognize any of them. They must be magical! Ludo thought. All of a sudden he had an idea. Determination, hope, and greed flooded him all at once.

“Why, hello there! I’m sorry to say, my last customer of the day has just passed the borders of the market, and I’m closing shop. I’ll open it again tomorrow.” Ludo nodded his head, a warm and endearing smile on his face. “Of course, old man. I’m just interested in knowing what you sell here.” He gestured to the stall. The old man nodded. 

“I sell medicinal herbs, to help with the healing of the mind, body, and s—” But the old man wasn’t able to finish his sentence, for Ludo cut him off without a thought. “Did you say magical? I really think you did!” He shook the old man’s hand excitedly and raced back to his stall. And that’s where he stayed. All night, Ludo worked tirelessly to change the signs and price tags of his wares. The pots were the same, though Ludo dismissed that thought. A little trickery was worth it for money, right? 

Part III: A Royal Customer

The next morning, Claymore arrived to set up shop. He was quite early, so he paused to pay Ludo a visit. What he saw was astounding. Ludo had changed his stall quite dramatically. His new sign read, “Magical Pottery,” and the prices had been dramatically lowered. He spotted Ludo in the corner, polishing one of his very, very fancy pots. 

“Ludo!” called Claymore, waving at his neighbour. “What a dramatic change. Are your pots actually magic?” he said, gesturing to Ludo’s new sign. Ludo smiled. 

“Why, of course! And, they all have a special use,” he said winking. Claymore crossed his arms. “But, aren’t those the same pots that you always have, since you never sell any?” he said. He thought it best to get Ludo riled up. With an enraged expression, Ludo pointed his finger at Claymore. “Get out! You are not welcome here!” Claymore shrugged as he backed away. “Alright. Let's see how business goes today, neighbor!” Ludo crossed his arms definitely and muttered to himself, “He’ll regret that. I’ll show him.”

The day wore on. Claymore sat at his stall, happily doing business with customer after customer. Around midday, there was a break in the action for him, and he decided to check on Ludo, and see how his business was doing. He peeked around the corner, only to find Ludo with a customer. She was very finely dressed, one of the king’s court. Claymore was impressed and intrigued. So, he crept a little closer and hid on the side of Ludo’s stall, out of sight. To his surprise, Ludo’s “customer” didn’t sound like a customer at all.

“But that pot was there yesterday, and you didn’t say it wasn’t magic!” It was a woman who was obviously upset with Ludo. Ludo raised his hands. “Listen, I understand your worries, but I’m selling magic pots, take it or leave it.” His hands ran along the top of an ornate vase with flower decorations. “This one has very special abilities. It—” Ludo was cut off by a fanfare of horns announcing the arrival of the most important person in the kingdom. The king had come to pay a visit to the market.

Everybody in sight flocked around the king's carriage. What could he possibly want from this humble market? Suspicion and anticipation rose as everybody awaited to see which stall the king’s carriage would stop in front of. The clatter of horses’ hooves was music to Ludo’s ears as he schemed to find a way to get the king to browse his wares. His mind racing, he also awaited the king's decision.

Finally, the king’s carriage stopped, and murmurs rippled throughout the crowd. Ludo’s eyes almost popped out of his skull. The king had stopped right in front of the old man’s stall. Jealousy rippled through Ludo as he racked his mind even harder for ideas to get the king to notice him. Finally, as the king and the old man’s transaction was complete and the king’s carriage was clip-cloping back in front of Ludo’s stall and back to the palace… 

“Wait!” Ludo shouted, as all eyes turned to him.  The door to the king's carriage flew wide open so that Ludo could see inside. The king, dressed in fancy silks, comfortable cotton, and adorned with his jeweled crown, poked his head out.

“I am in a hurry,” the king boomed. “My son is sick, and he needs these medicinal herbs. I’m afraid I must leave.” His regal and majestic voice filled the town; everybody was looking at him. The door was closing as Ludo recovered from his shock.

“Your majesty, you say your son, the royal prince, is sick? Well, then he needs the best of care.” Ludo waved his hands in disregard at the old man’s stall. “Those old, shriveled-up plants won’t do your son any good.” Ludo practically shouted, though he really had no idea what they were anyhow. “My magic pots will heal your son up in an instant!” Ludo dramatically gestured to the pot that the woman and Claymore had been upset about. 

“If your son drinks from this pot, he will be cured!” The king’s eyes lit up, though they were doubtful. He paused for a moment, then nodded to one of his guards. The guard bought the pot, and the king turned to address the public. “You all would best be on your way.” Then, he turned to Ludo, his eyes growing cold. “Report to my palace tomorrow.” The door of the carriage slammed shut, the driver spurred the horses on, and the sound of their trotting echoed through the market, fading away slowly.

The people slowly turned back to their own business, though rumors and depictions of what would happen were quickly circulating. Would Ludo’s magic pots work and heal the prince? After his sale to the king, Ludo was flooded with customers, and soon he was sold-out of every single pot, pan, jar, and vase he had for sale. All the while, Claymore was watching with a look of disbelief. Did Ludo really think his plan was going to work?

After the market had closed for the day, and its vendors were packing up their shop, Claymore rushed his way to Ludo’s sold out stall, shaking his head. 

“Ludo, my dear Ludo. How in the world are you going to pull this off? You realize that your pot isn’t actually magic, right?” Instead of looking pale with realization or even looking up at Claymore, Ludo just huffed and shook his head. “My dear Claymore, you are mistaken. Once I’m finished with the king, you’ll be the one who’s sorry. You’ve been doing so much better than me all these years; I’ll finally catch you.” Claymore narrowed his eyes. Had Ludo’s greed taken advantage of him? So much so that he would trick or deceive the king into thinking that Claymore had something to do with the fake healing pot? Claymore’s mind raced, thinking of a plan that he could execute that would make sure Ludo was the one who would get caught, not him.

Part IV: The King’s Judgement

The next morning was chilly and grey, much like the mood of a mourner. It was as if nature itself was awaiting Ludo’s meeting with the king. Ludo arrived at the king’s palace. Dressed in his best clothing, he felt very confident in his plan. He was finally going to get his revenge on Claymore, if everything went according to plan. And so, the very self-assured Ludo brushed the lint off of his shirt and strode into the palace, head high. Nearby, Claymore watched as Ludo went into the palace. 

“He looks so confident,” Claymore whispered, shaking his head. “But I think I know what he’s planning.” He smiled and quietly slipped into the palace, tiptoeing after Ludo.

The doors to the throne room opened, and what a sight it was! There were three large windows that allowed light to fill the room. There was a beautiful and ornate carpet running from the entrance to the throne. The throne was majestic, with ornate designs that were painted in with the finest pigments: gold, white, and red covered it. And finally, along the sides of the room were rows of seats. There sat the council and the higher-ups in the kingdom. All eyes turned on Ludo as he peeked into the room, his nerves suddenly doubling in size. He swallowed hard, then strode in with a confident smile, though fake.

Sitting atop the regal throne was His Majesty, the king. He was dressed in the finest of the finest silks, cotton, leather, and more. Atop his luscious brown locks and hard chin, sat the royal crown. Somehow, Ludo found him very intimidating.

“Welcome,” the king declared. “Ludo, was it?” Ludo nodded. 

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The king looked down on his nose, his face reddening and his brow furrowing. “You were the one who sold me the magical pot.” Ludo looked up at the king and beamed with fake pride. He knew the king was furious because obviously, the pot had not healed his son. Worry not, he told himself. This is all part of the plan. 

“Can you guess what happened when I had my son drink from your so-called ‘magic pot’?” Sweat was rolling down Ludo’s neck as he responded. “I have full confidence that it healed your son!” he said with fake pride. The king narrowed his eyes, and a hint of a smile played on his lips.

“Ah, yes. Please, do tell me more about where you got this pot,” said the king, crossing his legs and leaning back. Ludo could tell something was up, but he was in too deep water to back out now. So, his mind racing furiously and sweat glistening on his brow, Ludo spoke.

“I- I got it from the other potter, Claymore!” he blurted. Everyone in the room gasped, and the King raised his eyebrows. “So, you sold me something you had bought from another vendor?” Ludo nodded. “Yes, Your Majesty.” Then, the king leaned back in his chair, fury developing on his face once again. “Even though you claimed it was yours?” Ludo was burning up with guilt, frustration, and embarrassment. He gulped and decided enough was enough. He couldn’t take this any longer!

“Fine!” he blurted, looking at his shoes. “I was lying. The pot isn’t actually magic, I just said it was. I’ve been so desperate for sales!” said Ludo, hoping that his excuse would give the king a reason to forgive him. Instead, when he looked up, the king had a look of confusion on his face, though a smile was slowly growing.

“What do you mean? You think the pot won’t heal my son?” Ludo slowly nodded. 

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m sorry.” At this, the king laughed. 

“It looks like I just caught you red-handed! My son actually is healed.” Everyone gasped and looked at Ludo. He turned as red as a beet. 

“Well, you see… uh…..” The king shook his head. “Luckily, I have at least one potter who tells the truth in this city. Claymore!” he said, beckoning to his right. “Come and present your evidence.” Ludo’s eyes almost popped out of his head, as Claymore strode confidently into the room.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” He began. “I have a very strong case, unlike our friend Ludo here.” The king nodded. 

“I am here to claim that the magic pot really is Ludo’s,” Ludo’s eyes sparkled with hope. Was Claymore here to bail him out?

“But, I am the one who healed your son.” The king’s eyebrows raised. 

“I have a witness,” declared Claymore. “You,” he pointed to someone in the crowd. “Please stand.” Ludo turned to see who Claymore was talking about and gasped. It was the woman who was ripping into Ludo the day before! She dusted off her dress, for she had a lot to say about Ludo.

“Your Majesty, this man is a con! True, his pots are beautiful. But, he lied!” She crossed her arms in defiance. “I saw the pot you took the day before, and he never claimed it was magic. In fact the price was so high, I couldn’t afford it!” 

“Aha,” muttered the king. Then, he turned to Claymore. “This is very strong evidence that the pot is a fake, but then how did it heal my son?” 

“You see,” Claymore began, “I bought some medicinal herbs from the old man, and put it in the magic pot. Now, those are truly real!” exclaimed Claymore. 

“It's true. I saw him do it!” Exclaimed the castle’s doctor. He had stood up to make a point. “Everything this man is saying is true, I swear on my life.” The king smiled.

“Well, as long as my son is healthy again, everything is fine.” Then, he looked at Ludo. “But you! You tried to trick me!” He started to walk towards Ludo, and Ludo started to slowly back up, hands trembling. 

“To the dungeons with you!” demanded the king. Ludo was escorted from the room, sobbing.

The king turned to Claymore, gave him a reward, and sent him on his way. Claymore lived the rest of his days peacefully selling his humble pots and jars, never giving another thought to Ludo.