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Chapter 14: Aesop Turns an Omen into Freedom

Aesop had faced slavery’s tough times with a wise and steady heart. He never bragged about how smart he was or sulked about his hard life, even though he knew he was special. He always looked for honest ways to show his worth, and one day in Samos, where he lived with Xanthus, he got a big chance. It was a super important festival day when something wild happened: an eagle swooped from the sky, snatched a ring with the town’s seal on it, and dropped it right into a slave’s shirt! The Samians freaked out, thinking it was a scary sign—like a giant disaster was headed their way. They called a council of their smartest people right away, and Xanthus, being a philosopher, was one of them. He asked for a few days to figure it out.

Xanthus shut himself in his study, staring at books and scratching his head over the eagle and the ring. The more he puzzled, the more confused he got, and soon he was downright gloomy. Aesop noticed his master’s frowns and wouldn’t let it slide. “Master, what’s wrong?” he kept asking. “Tell me—I’ll help you, no matter what it is!”

Finally, Xanthus gave in. “The town’s in a panic over this eagle thing,” he said. “They think it’s a bad omen, and I’m supposed to explain it. If I can’t, I’ll look like a fool—or worse, the crowd might tear me apart!”

Aesop grinned big. “Don’t worry, Master,” he said. “I’ve got a plan to save you—like I’ve done before. Tomorrow, when you talk to the council, say this: ‘Listen, wise folks, everyone’s got different ideas—tons of heads, tons of thoughts! Every job needs its own special skill. People run to philosophers like me for answers, but that’s a mistake sometimes. We’re like other workers—shoemakers fix shoes, barbers cut hair, and each has their own trick. Sure, wisdom’s about knowing big stuff, like gods and people, but does that mean I can stitch boots or shave beards? Nope! If you’re asking about life, manners, stars, or duties to God and others, I’m your guy. But figuring out bird flights or animal guts? That’s not my thing. For this omen stuff, my servant Aesop might know more than me. He’s at home if you want him, though I get it if you’d rather not ask a slave—unless you’re really stuck!’”

Xanthus’s eyes lit up. This plan kept him looking clever no matter what! Early the next morning, he stood before the council and gave the speech just as Aesop told him. The crowd buzzed, then shouted, “Where’s this servant? Why isn’t he here? Bring him out!” So they sent for Aesop right away.
When Aesop shuffled in, all hunched and scruffy, the whole room burst out laughing. “This guy?” one man snickered. “He looks like a walking puzzle!” Another yelled, “Where’s he from—where rocks talk?” A third pointed, “Maybe he reads signs with that hump!” Everyone chuckled together.
Aesop didn’t blink. He stepped forward and said, “You see a funny-looking fellow here, and yeah, I’m not much to look at. But don’t laugh me off yet—or give up hope! Smart people judge others by their brains, not their faces. Haven’t you ever had yummy juice from an ugly cup? Or tasted sour stuff from a shiny gold one? My body’s odd, sure, but that doesn’t stop my mind from working. I don’t need strong arms or a pretty smile for this—you need sharp thinking. So please, don’t toss me out before you hear me. Give me a chance!”

The council settled down. “Okay,” they said. “If you’ve got something good for Samos, let’s hear it!”
Aesop took a deep breath. “I’m here to help,” he said, “but it’s tricky. You’re all big, important council people, and I’m just a slave. It might not look right for me to give you advice—or for you to take it from someone like me. Plus, if I mess up, my master might get mad. There’s an easy fix, though: make me a free man first. Then I can talk without being scared, my shyness won’t hold me back, and you can listen with your heads held high. It’s the best way!”

The Samians nodded. “That makes sense!” they agreed. They started talking about how much his freedom would cost. Xanthus saw it was happening whether he liked it or not, so he made a bold move. “I won’t haggle over a price,” he said. “I’ll give Aesop to Samos as a gift!” The crowd cheered, handed over the money, and made it official—Aesop was a free citizen, proclaimed loud and clear.

Now free, Aesop stood taller. “You don’t need me to tell you wise folks that an eagle’s a royal bird—it stands for a big king,” he said. “That ring falling into a slave’s shirt? It’s a warning. A powerful ruler’s got his eye on your freedom, and if you’re not careful, he’ll take it away!”

The Samians whispered nervously. Not long after, messengers showed up from King Croesus of Lydia, demanding money and threatening war if they refused. The council argued—most wanted peace, even if it meant giving in. But they turned to Aesop first. “What should we do?” they asked.

Aesop faced them. “Every person’s got two paths in life,” he said. “First, there’s freedom—it’s narrow and bumpy at the start, but the farther you go, the smoother it gets. Then there’s slavery—it looks easy at first, but soon it’s full of awful troubles. Choose smart!” The Samians jumped up, shouting, “Freedom! We’re free now, and we won’t make ourselves slaves!” The messengers stormed off, and war was coming.

When Croesus heard how Aesop’s few words turned the Samians brave, he got curious. He sent a message: “Send me Aesop, and I’ll hold off my army—for now.” Aesop heard this and told the council, “I’m okay with going, but let me tell you a story first.”

“Way back when,” he began, “animals talked better sense than some folks do now. Wolves and sheep were fighting a fierce war. The sheep had dogs helping them and were winning. The wolves offered peace, but only if the sheep gave up their dogs as a promise. The silly sheep said yes, handed over the dogs, and as soon as they did, the wolves rushed in and gobbled them up. That’s the lesson!”

The Samians got it fast. “No way we’re giving you up!” they yelled, all together. But Aesop, brave as ever, smiled. “Don’t worry—I’ll go anyway.” He climbed onto a ship with the messengers, ready to face the king himself.

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