Library:The Badger's Cave

This fable by grnarrow is featured in the anthology.

The Badger's Cave
by grnarrow

A young badger decided it was time to find a wife. Knowing that he would need a suitable dwelling to attract a bride, he set off from the home where he had been raised, scouting the passageways connecting the caves that made up his clan’s town.

Upon finding a promising spot in which to excavate -- not too close to other dwellings, yet not so far apart -- he began to dig. The rock in that area was softer than usual, and the digging went quickly. Soon the badger had a sufficiently-sized cave, but he realized that with a little more effort, he could have a larger cave and attract a more desirable wife.

Encouraged by the ease of carving through the soft rock, he continued to dig and dig until he had a long hall, a soaring ceiling, and many side rooms. His cave was bigger than any in the community, and he thought, “Surely I will get a fine bride, and my cave will be the envy of everyone I know!”

Having completed his excavation efforts, he rested in his immense cave, musing on his choices for a wife, and anticipating the envy of his clan. Just then, a tremble shook the ground, and the soft rock crumbled, falling in upon the young badger and crushing him. Instead of a wedding, he had a funeral.