A story about Chelm - Part II

 

This is a continuation of the Chelm story. You can read the first part here.

...

Some years later, a gathering was organised for all the elders of all the different towns across the entire land. It was a very important gathering where there was lavish food and dignitaries in attendance. Everyone knew it was an important gathering because the elders told everyone it was.

The inhabitants of all the towns and cities (other than Chelm) had been pleading with their own elders for many years about the poor man in Chelm whose house was on fire, but sadly, the elders had been unable to do anything to help despite being very important. But, knowing that the elders of Chlem would be attending the infamous gathering, the elders from other towns were requested by their townsfolk to confront the elders of Chelm to demand to have the man's fire put out. After all, this would be easily accomplished given their closeness with the king of Chelm.

At the gathering, the participants were reminded how important they were and how important the gathering was. They even sent out messages during the gathering to villagers far and wide to inform them that the gathering was underway and that it was very important. Over the next few days, there were many speeches by many people. Some of the speeches praised Chelm and their elders for having such an elite fire service, but never mentioned the man whose house was on fire. Some speeches thanked all elders for protecting all their respective villagers, but never mentioned the man whose house was on fire. There were fables told how heroic elders went to extraordinary lengths to gallantly rescue people in all manner of situations, but never mentioned the man whose house was on fire.

In-between the speeches, friendships were forged, food and wine was consumed, ancient legends were reminisced and nostalgic tales were retold.

No one will ever know for sure whether the fire in Chelm, and the man's suffering, was mentioned at the important gathering, but the fire in Chelm continues to burn to this very day.