Some time after the gods had finished making the beasts of the sea, land and sky, as they were busy putting the finishing touch to their work by creating People, Acci, the great Golden Eagle, called a meeting of all the birds. And they came, from the Flamingo to the Weaver, from the Wren to the Owl, they came.

"Ah-hem," Acci began by clearing his throat. The chatter died down as everyone turned their gaze on the magnificent eagle. "I have asked you all to be here for a very important reason. As you all know, Lion, the great Bhubesi, is the king of all the beast of the land. But he hardly dare speak for us, the great winged creatures of the air! It is my suggestion that we chose from among our number a bird to be our sovereign leader!" A ripple of chattering began again as the birds turned to one another to discuss the idea. "Ah-hem!" Acci cleared his throat once more. He waited until he had the attention of all present. "As I am the most majestic and regal bird present, I suggest that I, Acci, be the King of the birds!"

A great deal of mumbling began from all corners of the gathering. Then one voice rose above the others, demanding attention.

"Yes, Acci, you are indeed majestic." It was the giant Eagle Owl, Khova, speaking. "However I actually think that it is I who should be the King of the winged animals. You see, I have the largest eyes of any of the birds. I can see everything that happens, and therefore am very wise. It is wisdom we need in a leader more than stateliness."

Again a low murmur went through the crowd until a third voice demanded attention. "I acknowledge Khova's wisdom and Acci's regal bearing, however I would propose that I be King of the birds." Nathan Ostrich walked to the centre of the circle as he spoke. "I am the largest of all the winged kingdom. Certainly strength is an important factor in leadership!"

All the birds began to speak at once. Some threw their support behind the Eagle, some believed the Owl should be the King, while others liked the Ostrich. Finally after a long period of arguing, a little voice was heard rising above the din. "Excuse me. Excuse me, please!" It was Malur, the tiny wren. He was so small and insignificant looking that he was easily overlooked. Finally the crowd became silent and allowed the little bird his say. "If we are going to elect a King of the birds, well, I think it should me!"

Everyone broke into laughter. Surely this miniature wren was jesting! Malur, King of the birds! Unthinkable! Silly creature for even thinking it! What, the audacity of this little thing! What arrogance! What impudence! "And what reason would you give for having us elect you as our King?" asked Acci staring into Malur's eyes.

"Well," began Malur, "no real reason, besides to say that I should be given every bit as much opportunity as anyone else!" While they laughed at Malur's suggestion, the assembly was impressed with the little fellow's courage!

"What we need is a competition!" decided Acci. "We will have a contest to see who is fit to be our King!" Everyone seemed to like this idea. It was agreed that on the first day after the full moon the birds would again gather. They would meet when the sun was high in the sky. And when the sun touched the tallest tip of the mountains, the birds would become airborne. The one who could then fly the highest would become the King.

On the appointed day the birds assembled. Patiently they watched the sun make his way down from the sky. At the exact moment he touched the tallest peak of the mountain, the birds all rose into the air. It was a magnificent sight to see. Now, little Malur was there. He was determined to prove that he had just as much right as anyone else to the kingship. But he knew that his little wings could not lift him very far. He had therefore made a special plan. Just before the birds took off, Malur silently crept underneath the wing of the mighty Eagle. He carefully pushed his way deep down into the raptor's largest feathers. Acci was so busy concentrating on the descent of the sun, he didn't feel a thing.

Higher and higher the birds soared. The little ones fell out of the race after a short time. Slowly they drifted back down to earth to watch the others. Soon all but two of the birds had dropped out of the competition. Eagle and Owl fought to see who would claim the prize. They were so tired, but they pushed on, higher and higher. Up and up they went, but no matter how much he tried, the feat was too much for the owl. After a final pull with his wings, he called to Acci. "Hoo-hoo, my friend, it seems you are the winner. I can go no further” and dove back toward firm ground. Well, Owl was so embarrassed by his failure, to this day he sleeps during the day and does his hunting at night so that none of the other birds will bother him.

The Owl’s confession seemed to temporarily strengthen the almost spent Eagle; he gathered his last bit of strength and climbed high into the sky.

"Wheeeee-whee-whee!" The victorious sound of Acci's call filled the sky. "Not so fast, Acci!" chirped Malur, and he shot out from under one of the mighty bird's feathers. "You have not won yet!" And with that Malur rose above Acci to touch the sky. No matter how hard he tried, Acci just didn't have the strength left to climb any farther. With a groan he allowed himself to begin gliding down to earth. Back on the ground, the birds greeted their new king, Malur the wren—the most subtle of the birds.