by Trevor Haworth

On the day after the great fable, the Sun rose as usual. She was beaming with conceited pride, and making sure that everybody knew of her victory. The North Wind had spent the night growling and battering away in useless fury, and was quite blown out by the morning. Again a traveller was passing by, and the Sun eagerly made another wager.

"I bet that this man will give in to my persuasion as easily as the last" she boasted. "Humph", grunted the North Wind. "OK, but you go first this time, and I will watch"

The second traveller proved to be quite a different sort of man though. He was a merchant returning from a successful business trip and in a hurry to get to the bank. He was indifferent to the beautiful day that the Sun was providing. His wallet was fat with profit, and hidden deeply in his coat. He had no intention of allowing it get further away from his greedy heart than was necessary. He pressed on with his journey regardless of the heat. By late afternoon, the gentle West Wind had blown up a few clouds. With all the moisture and hot air, the sky became overcast. Thunder rolled in the distance, and the Sun was forced to concede that her persuasion had failed. "Very well" she said to the North Wind, "but you will do no better, you windbag!"

The North Wind had rested and was ready to try again. He had learned from his mistake and did not blow at full strength immediately. He bided his time until the traveller reached a narrow footbridge across a wide river. The bridge was weak, and in need of repair. At just the right time, the North Wind blew with all his might and the bridge collapsed. The man fell into the river and was in serious trouble. He was a poor swimmer and the current was powerful. His coat filled with water and he had no choice but to abandon it or be dragged under. In terror for his life, he completely forgot about his wallet, and it was lost with his coat. The North Wind was blowing like a hurricane and the man was swept helplessly along at a great speed.

Soon he had lost most of his clothes. Some were torn off by brambles along the riverbank, and others discarded in his desperation to stay afloat. The river reached the sea and the North Wind could see that he had won. It would not have suited him to kill the traveller, so he quickly abated. The gentle West Wind pushed him towards a sandbank. He staggered ashore wearing just one sock and a rather dirty pair of underpants. Making for the nearest Inn, bedraggled and with no money, he looked a pathetic figure. Luckily the Innkeeper recognised him, and gave him food, shelter and some spare clothes to finish his journey. The Innkeeper knew that the traveller was wealthy, and that he would be rewarded eventually.

By now it was early evening, so with one final effort the North Wind blew away the clouds so that everyone could see the Sun. Crimson with embarrassment she could not sink into the horizon quickly enough.

And the morals of the story ?

- Pride goes before a fall
- Persuasion and force both have their uses
- Learn from your mistakes
- Be patient, and bide your time
- When you have won, stop fighting

http://www.helium.com/items/327362-short-stories-deja-vu