THE INHERITANCE

King Leo IV ruled the tiny principality of Calupia with great compassion and generosity. Everyone in the kingdom had great pride in the country's only export, the world's finest fox hounds. So well known and popular were these magnificent creatures that there was not a royal kennel in the entire hemisphere that did not own many Calupian hounds. As a result, Calupia had great wealth, in which all citizens shared equally.

Calupians lived in state provided mansions surrounding the royal kennels, which were set in the foothills of high inland mountains like jewels in a crown of evergreen and flowering hardwoods. The small costal plain was reserved for the growing of food for the population, and for the hounds, by a small group of Kansas farmers under contract to the king. They also provided all other custodial, maintenance and housekeeping services in the kingdom. The skills of the citizens were reserved for the delicate task of tending the kennels.

"Katina meal, Katina meal." The cry came over the public address system once a month, but never at the same time. The feeding crews would rush to their stations and see that this special food was given to the hounds quickly - for it was highly perishable. Katina meal was said to be produced in a secret location in the highlands, and it was delivered in the night without warning to protect its origin. For Katina was the source of the unique characteristics of the Calupian hound.

For many, many years, King Leo and his people produced fine fox hounds, and the source of Katina meal remained hidden from all but the king and its unknown producer. Spies from other royal kennels scoured the Calupian highlands, but the secret remained secure.

"My time has come, summons the people to the palace," whispered a dying king. "I am old and tired and must make my will known before I pass into the great kennel beyond." The call went out. Loyal subjects gathered and waited in subdued, sad anticipation for the final words of their beloved monarch.

The aged king spoke. "My heart is heavy, for I must leave you now. But first I must speak my will. The future of Calupia lies in our magnificent fox hounds. It is for your good that I now decree that the kingdom belongs to them for all time, to be administered by my faithful servant, Charles."

A small man in the garb of a common kitchen serf stepped forward.

"Yes," whispered the King. "Charles has been secretly manufacturing Katina in the Royal kitchens for many years. He is the genius behind the success of our beloved hounds. He will now become your king."

Clouds gathered and thunder rumbled across the hills outside the palace as if in mourning for the benevolent king, who opened his eyes and spoke for the last time. "Long live King Charles, son of our Kansas contractor, Percy Katz."

The heavens opened, the storm came. And, thus, began the reign of Katz and dogs

end