Once, in the kingdom of Figaro, amidst the vastness of the desert sands that streamed like rivers

of gold, there lived twin brothers who loved each other very dearly. And who would believe that
their destinies had been drastically changed by a single coin?
Their father, the king, a brave, noble monarch who never lacked in wisdom and prudence was
stricken with illness. Doctors far and wide came and vainly tried to cure him. The Chancellor,
knowing that the king was nearing his final hour, prepared the palace for an inevitable
coronation. Alas, as none can delay the passing of Deaths hour, the king gave up his soul and
the kingdom was left without a ruler. The younger, a lean youth blessed in beauty, intelligence
and eloquence and master of many sciences, upon hearing the death of his father, approached
the elder, a muscular youth of force and rashness, his arms bearing the marks of hard mountain
training and other physical endeavours. He took him to the library where the dull, melancholic
glow of candles reflected the glassy tears in their eyes. Their mother had died giving birth only to
be joined by their father in a few, quick years. They were now with each other.
The kingdom is left without an heir, said the younger, whose name was Edgar. But before he
could speak further, the elder, whose name was Sabin, retaliated in a fury of rage.
How can anyone even think of the kingdom in such a time like this? His voiced boomed. Why
doesnt anyone think about father? They didnt even try hard enough to cure him, and now they
dare to put us on the throne!? Whats wrong with them?
With a swift blow he struck the nearest shelf. A hole was made where his hand had punched. He
wasnt satisfied. He pushed the shelf and it fell down like timber. Its echoing slam reverberated
throughout the library.
A cold wind rustled the draperies. The spacious hall grew darker and colder. Edgar looked out the
window and, seeing that the night was cool and welcoming, he bade his elder brother to go to the
palace terrace. Settled on the highest tower in the palace, they both gazed long and far. The
night desert wind was cold and it blew past their hair and clothes. Edgar was the first one to
speak.
What do you see, Sabin?
I see a desert brother, Sabin replied, and it is blue.
Edgar smiled and looked at the heavens and saw that the moon was full and there were little
stars.
True, Edgar said, but what else do you see?
Sabin thought hard.
I see nothing else brother; nothing else except a kingdom without a ruler.
What do you want Sabin?
Sabins eyes shone as he spoke his mind.
I want to be free Edgar; free from responsibility, free from pain, free from life.
Edgar gazed towards the emptiness of the night before reaching his pocket for a coin.
I want that too, Sabin, Edgar thought. I would give much to have that.

I here have a coin in my hand and tonight we will settle on who sits on fathers throne. If the
coin lands on its crown, you shall decide what you think is best for you. However, if it lands on its
tail, I shall decide on what I think is best for me.
Sabin agreed Is this what the Chamberlain told you to do?
No, Edgar replied, but its what father would want us to do.
With a heavy sigh, Edgar tossed the coin and it went up in the air, spinning for perhaps several
times, while the moon, the stars, and the midnight sky held their breath.
Early the next morning, after their father had been buried, Edgar was crowned king. In the far-of
distance, Sabin could hear the blare of the trumpets.
I know what I want brother, he thought, and I want to live my life. He gazed forward and saw his
road stretch out before him. There is much to learn brother, there is much to learn.
On the royal throne of that same day, King Edgar sat without resolute. He knew his brother was
nearing the kingdoms borders.
I know what I want brother, he thought, I also want to live my life. But alas, I cannot.
And he remembered his brothers joy when the coin landed on its crown. All the preparations had
to be made quickly for his departure and it had to be done secretly. Only a trusted few knew of
Prince Sabins departure. Edgar quietly took the coin out again and he contemplated upon the
chipped face of his father. He flipped coin to the other side and there he saw again, the face of
his father, shining under the daylights brightness, like the man he once was.
There is much to be learned brother, he thought, there is much to be learned.