How the King of Birds Was Chosen by Pat Betteley

Characters
NARRATOR 1
NARRATOR 2
NARRATOR 3
THE GREAT ONE
CARDINAL
TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD
WILD TURKEY
QUETZAL
ROADRUNNER

SCENE 1
NARRATOR 1: Many years ago, in Maya Land, the trees, butterflies, and birds were of different shapes and colors than they are now. Halach-Uinic, the Great One, guarded over them all, and his word was law. One day, he called a meeting in the center of the forest.

THE GREAT ONE: I am tired of the constant chatter and fighting among the birds in this forest. The screeching jumble of noise makes it hard to think. Therefore, I have decided that the birds must choose a king to keep the peace.

CARDINAL: That will be an easy contest. No other bird is as bright and beautiful as I am. Look at my red wings and crown of feathers. (struts in front of the other birds) Everyone admires me, so I should be king.

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD: Beauty is not everything! I am the bird with the loveliest voice. Listen to this.

NARRATOR 1: The mockingbird cleared his throat and gave an elaborate performance of enchanting melodies.

WILD TURKEY: Hold on to your feathers. Do not forget size and strength. (strides into circle) Without a doubt, a bird as big and strong as I am should be king. Who else can stop fights and defend others? Birds need a mighty king, and I fit the bill, if you’ll pardon the pun.

NARRATOR 2: And so, throughout the day, various birds displayed their special qualities. Only one bird was quiet, Kukul the Quetzal. Kukul was eager and proud. Although he had elegant manners and a graceful body, his feathers were shabby.

QUETZAL: (to himself) I will never be chosen king while dressed so poorly.

NARRATOR 2: Then Quetzal got an idea. He flew to his friend, the Roadrunner.

SCENE 2
QUETZAL: Roadrunner, dear friend, I have an offer for you. You have feathers as handsome as anyone’s, but you are so busy with your work as messenger of the road; you would not have time to be king.

ROADRUNNER: It is true that my work is very important.

QUETZAL: And while you certainly are speedy, I don’t think you have the elegance and grace necessary to be king. I wish I could loan those qualities to you, but that is impossible. It IS possible for you to loan me your feathers. Just for a while, of course.

ROADRUNNER: I don’t know. I am rather attached to my feathers.

QUETZAL: Once I am elected king, I’ll share my wealth and honors with you.

ROADRUNNER: Do you promise to give me my feathers back?

QUETZAL: Of course I will. You know that I am a bird of my word. And just think of the nest you could build for your family with the plentiful riches we’ll share.

ROADRUNNER: OK. I trust you, Kukul.

NARRATOR 2: The feathers disappeared one by one from the Roadrunner’s body and grew on Kukul’s body. The clever Quetzal arranged each one until he was attired in the most splendid feathers imaginable.

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD: See how Kukul’s tail hangs in a sweeping curve of jade green feathers, and his body shimmers with soft hues of blue and green like the Maya sky and jungle.

CARDINAL: Kukul, your chest blazes as brightly as mine, but with the colors of a tropical sunset. And your beak is as yellow as corn.

NARRATOR 3: The Quetzal swung his magnificent four-foot tail in an arc and paraded into the circle of birds. All the birds cheered.

THE GREAT ONE: I am very pleased with Kukul’s astonishing change from a quiet, dull bird to this dazzling, proud creature. I hereby name the Quetzal to be king of the birds!

SCENE 3
NARRATOR 3: Once the Quetzal began his new duties, he was extremely busy and never found the time to return the borrowed feathers. In fact, he forgot all about his promise to the Roadrunner.

CARDINAL: It has been days since we have seen Roadrunner. Shall we search for him?

TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD: Yes. I suspect Kukul has played a trick on him.

NARRATOR 3: Deep in the forest, they found the featherless Roadrunner, hungry and trembling from the cold.

WILD TURKEY: (to the Roadrunner) Here, drink this medicine. It will give you strength.

NARRATOR 1: Then the Roadrunner told them of the Quetzal’s cruel trick. The birds felt sorry for him, and each gave a few feathers to cover him.

NARRATOR 2: That is why the Roadrunner’s feathers are so oddly colored and patterned today, and why he always watches the Maya road, running about anxiously. He is still searching for his feathers.

What is the author’s message about trust? Use details from the play to support your answer.

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