The Tale Of A Doctor Who Defied Death

Author : Anantha Shri

In their hut on the edge of the woods, a husband and wife were in despair. The woman had just given birth to their 13th child, and the family was quickly running out of food and money. The father walked into the woods to ponder their problem. After hours spent wandering through the woods, he ran into two shadowy figures. The first was Man's God, while the second represented the devil. Both figures offered to lighten the man's burden, and act as the godfather to his most recent child. But the man refused their offer- he wouldn't entrust his son to those who passed judgement on human life. He proceeded deeper into the eerie forest. Here, in the darkest part of the woods, the father made out another figure. Sunken eyes stared out of its gaunt face, which broke into a crooked smile. This was Death himself, come to offer his services as godfather. He promised to return when the child came of age, to bring him happiness and prosperity. The father- knowing than all are equal in the eyes of Death- accepted his offer.

Years later, when the child had grown into an ambitious young man, his skeleted godfather came for is promised visit. In his gnarled hand he held a flask containing the cure for all human ailments. Death had brought this flask for his godson, promising to make him a successful doctor. But the potion came with very strict rules. If his godson encountered a sick person, and Death was hovering at the top of their bed, the doctor could heal them with just a waft of the potion's fumes. But if Death lingered at the foot of the bed, he'd already claimed the patient as his own- and the doctor could do nothing.

In time the doctor's potion, and his uncanny instincts became known throughout the land. He grew rich and famous, casting off the hardships of his early life. When the King fell ill, he called the well renowned doctor to treat him. The doctor swept into the palace, ready to show off his skills. But when he entered the king's chamber, he was troubled to see his godfather settled at the foot of the bed. The doctor desperately wanted the glory of saving the King, even if it meant deceiving Death....

Do you want to know what happens next? Well, find out in the next blog.