Goat and The Volcano

Everyone feared the volcano, though most of the animals suspected it was extinct. It dominated most of the landscape, a huge pile of stone stretching into the sky. It had been there for longer than even the most ancient animals could remember, but none had seen the mighty volcano erupt. Despite the threats posed, the environment was so beautiful that no one wanted to leave.

A mystical forest stretched into the horizon, hiding secrets in its depths. Sunlight flowed through the canopies, creating dappled patterns and sunlit pathways. On cold winter morns, thick mist cloaked the tree trunks, making leaves shine emerald. It glistened, yet insignificantly compared to the long, transparent stream that flowed over colonies of pebbles as it snaked over the land. All the animals adored their enchanting habitat, and were loath to depart. Regardless, the volcano stood above the land, watching in surly disposition. Sensing the fear.

The only creature that didn't share in their trepidation was the goat. Goat was the most sure-footed of all the animals. He had his pick of hills and mountain ranges for as far as the eye could see. All the other animals roamed aimlessly below him, sticking to the flat ground. None were as good a climber as Goat, which was why he did not fear the volcano. He knew he was safe, for magma could not climb. None could climb as well as he. The other animals had no other option but to run from the volcano like cowards, while Goat could outwit it. For this, he deemed himself the strongest of all creatures. He would be admired for his mighty courage and intellect by all the animals occupying the land. He almost wished the volcano would erupt.

Goat was perched on an outcropping by the stream one day, watching the water rush past, when he heard an unfamiliar sound. It sounded like a stampede, the thunderous pounding of hooves on dry earth. But there were no antelope, buffalo nor deer to be seen. The earth began to shudder vigorously. Even with Goat's excellent sense of balance, it was difficult to remain standing. The tremor affected everything. The stream formed miniature tidal waves, stray water spraying up and soddening Goat's hair. The trees shivered, leaves rustling as though stirred by a breeze. Startled cries of animals erupted from the surrounding forest.

Goat didn't know what was happening. That was, until a plume of grey smoke rose into the sky.

"Run!" the animals cried as they passed. "Move, Goat, run while you can!"

"Never. I am far too skilled to need to degrade myself by running." Goat replied smugly "Goat is the king of the rock."

"You are a fool!" They insisted.

Goat clopped higher up the stone, hooves finding alcoves in the rock. Once he was high enough, he turned his attention to the volcano.

It was sputtering ash, which was gathering into a dark cloud, obscuring much of the blue skies. Every few seconds, a new load would be released. Soon, the cloud was a gargantuan, dark mass, blotting out the sun.

Animals ran past in groups or solo, sprinting, though their eyes never strayed too far from the volcano. There were millions of animals, with thousands of species, all hastening in one direction: away. Badgers scurried through the underbrush, awakened by the commotion. Gazelle blundered past, their muscled legs a blur and antlers ripping through fronds. Thrushes, birches and bluebirds flitted around, weaving in and out of trees in a heartbeat. But Goat needn't be afraid, for he had the power of climbing.

He spied the highest mountain from his position. By the time he reached it, the smoke was so thick he could barely see. Goat clambered up, hindered by his loss of sight. Hopefully, it would be clearer when he reached the summit. When this was over, he would be made ruler of animals.

Suddenly, a meteor cut through the darkness. Not a meteor, Goat realised, but a rock. A rock on fire.

It shot out from the mouth of the volcano, along with a sound like thunder. It whizzed through the air, crash-landing in a rock several miles away. Many more followed, each one a little louder and a little larger, heading off in all directions.

Thankfully, not long after, Goat reached the peak.

That's when it happened.

Angry magma burst out of the volcano, spilling down the sides and heading into the forest. Trees disintegrated in its wake. Goat searched for the other animals, and witnessed them travelling downstream, almost out of harms way. He was glad, but he was starting to fear for his own life. Being so close to the devastation was petrifying, despite being so high above the ground.

Moreover, the ash was a feature he had not accounted for. It was getting thicker, and higher, too. More and more exploding out of the rock with the lava. It was climbing. The magma appeared to be radiating light, which was the only reason Goat could see it through the dense smoke. It was getting difficult for Goat to breathe - his throat was raw. Oxygen was getting scarce. Ash was dominating.

Suddenly, Goat wished he hadn't been so trusting in his climbing skills. He wished he'd gone with the others and not been so proud of his prowess.

That was his last thought, before his burning lungs filled with scolding specks of ash.

Moral: Sometimes it's better not to let pride affect important decisions.