Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: Salt and Pepper (07/24/14)
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TITLE: All the King's Men | Previous Challenge Entry
By Frankie Kemp
07/31/14 -
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The second chef was an unknown. In fact, many of those who worked in the kitchen, including the first chef, marveled at the King’s choice. Some even whispered secretly that surely this newcomer would fail. The second had tearfully accepted the King’s commission, “Oh my King, you have taken me from the wilds and brought me to your house. I do not know how I can ever repay you for such an honor. I cannot—I can promise you nothing, for I know the man that I am. Perhaps the only vow I can give is that I will remember forever what has happened to me because you saw fit to bring me under your care. Gladly, I will serve you and be served by your grace towards me.”
Before releasing them to their positions in the great kitchen, the King lavished upon the men priceless gifts. Each one took away two golden canisters, one filled with salt and the other pepper. “Make hearty meals for my table,” was the King’s only admonition.
At first, both chefs made eager use of the King’s favors. The Master Chef (as he liked to think of himself due to his superior training and talent) crafted dishes that were appealing to the eyes and the belly. He found great joy in his recipes, falling asleep each night satisfied within himself at the praise of the King’s men who wiped their plates clean. It wasn’t until the canisters began to run low that the Master Chef’s dreams were troubled. Fear that he had squandered the King’s resources took root. He sealed up the canisters and pushed them to the back of the cupboard, only to be used on special occasions. He was a crafty man, after all, and could devise dishes using a multitude of extravagant spices that would still satisfy and delight everyone at the King’s table.
The unknown chef began with what he knew, and he added to his recipes the King’s salt and pepper. At first, his creations were met with skeptical eyes. Definitely, his dishes could not match the outward appeal of his trained partner. Yet, they were eaten by the King’s men who usually came last to the banquet hall. He learned to be pleased by the sight of the men’s camaraderie and gratitude at every meal. More and more, he desired to learn new ways to use the gifts of the King. It thrilled his soul when he learned that the King was more than glad to allow him into his chambers to have access to recipes he knew he could not create on his own. To his greatest delight, he found that time spent with the King in secret was a treasure even greater than the salt and pepper.
There came a day of reckoning for the two chefs. They were called before the King at the end of a banquet. The King spoke first to the second chef. “Well, done, my Son. Your dishes have accomplished their purpose. Please go and prepare more. My men are hungry.”
The Master Chef trembled with anticipation. He was certain the King’s praise would be followed by promotion. How quickly his certainties were shattered! “Chef, are you aware that not one of your dishes was eaten at tonight’s banquet?”
“Uh . . . no . . .I, Sir . . .” Suddenly, a great dread and a rush of shame dropped the Master Chef prostrate at the King’s feet.
The King placed his warm hand gently atop the man’s sobbing head. “Listen now. Do not fear. It is not too late. I have not forgotten you. Unseal my canisters and use again what I freely gave. My supplies are endless. There is yet a chef waiting to be revealed in you.”
“Oh, King, great is your grace and mercy. I feel as if I am only now beginning to see your majesty.”
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