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Chapter 12: Aesop Outsmarts a Bird Sign

Back in Aesop’s time, people were wild about bird signs—thinking the way birds flew or chirped could predict good or bad luck. One day, Xanthus sent Aesop to the yard with a funny task. “Look around,” he said. “If you see two crows, it’s good luck coming. But if you spot just one crow all alone, it’s a bad sign—trouble’s on the way.”

Aesop stepped outside, peeked around, and hurried back. “Master,” he said, “I saw two crows!”
Xanthus nodded and went to check for himself. But when he got there, he saw only one crow—the other had flown off! He turned red with anger. “Aesop, you’re teasing me!” he shouted. “You’re in for a whipping—strip him down!”

Just as the servants grabbed Aesop to punish him, a friend poked his head in. “Xanthus, come to supper with us!” he called.

Aesop grinned through the chaos. “Hold on, Master! What about your bird signs now? I saw two crows and I’m about to get whipped, while you saw one and you’re off to a party! Guess those omens aren’t so smart after all!”

Xanthus paused, then laughed despite himself. Aesop’s quick words made sense—and saved him from a sore back that day.

Chapter 13: Aesop Digs Up Trouble and Treasure

One sunny day, Xanthus strolled through an old graveyard with Aesop tagging along. They stopped at a stone covered in strange Greek letters. Xanthus squinted at it, scratching his head. “I can’t figure this out,” he mumbled.

“Let me try,” Aesop said, stepping closer. He studied the letters for a bit, then turned with a sly smile. “Master, what’ll you give me if I find you a pot of hidden treasure right now?”

Xanthus raised an eyebrow. “Half of it—and your freedom,” he promised.

Aesop grabbed a shovel and dug four steps away from the stone. Sure enough, he pulled up a pot stuffed with gold coins! He handed it to Xanthus. “There you go—now keep your word!”

Xanthus clutched the treasure, eyes gleaming. “I will,” he said, “but first, tell me how you knew it was there. That secret’s worth more than the gold!”

Aesop shrugged and pointed to the letters. “It’s simple, Master. These symbols—α, β, δ, ο, ε, θ, χ—mean ‘dig four paces from here, and you’ll find gold.’ That’s how I knew.”

Xanthus’s face changed. “If you’re that good at finding treasure,” he said, “I can’t let you go yet!”

Aesop saw the trick coming. “Wait a sec,” he said. “This gold belongs to King Dionysius. The same letters say, ‘Give the gold you found to Dionysius.’ Check it—α for ‘give,’ β for ‘king,’ and so on.”

Xanthus went pale. “The king’s money? Keep quiet about this, Aesop, and you’ll still get half!”

Aesop nodded. “Good thing, too, because the letters also say, ‘Divide the gold you found.’ It’s meant to be shared!”

They hurried home with the pot, but as soon as they got there, Xanthus had Aesop locked up tight. “No blabbing!” he warned. Aesop shouted, “This is what I get for trusting a philosopher!”

Xanthus winced at the jab. He unlocked Aesop’s chains but wagged a finger. “Watch that tongue of yours if you ever want freedom!”

Aesop just smiled. “Don’t worry,” he said mysteriously. “I won’t need to beg you for it—my freedom’s coming soon, whether you like it or not!”

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