Extrait du livre The three feathers
The three feathers by Pascale Vignali and Justine Cunha Le Regard Sonore Editions
Once upon a time in India, a very long time ago, beyond the snow-capped mountains, further than the deep jungle ruled by the mighty tiger, there was a small farming village in which lived three brothers. The eldest was named Vijay, then came Vikram and the youngest was Vishanka. Although penniless and living on very little, they lacked nothing.
But the two elder brothers complained constantly. VIJAY : The life we live is miserable, a man who has no fortune is worthless! VIKRAM : That's right! Look at the Maharaja! His clothes are sewn with gold, his palace is bigger than our entire village ... and that is why he is admired by all! Vishanka smiled as he listened to his brothers, but he remained silent ...
One day Vikram returned breathless from the market: VIKRAM : I heard that a wise old man lives in the middle of the jungle, deep in the valley. They say he knows everything about everything. Let us ask him how to get rich! Vijay thought it was an excellent idea. Vishanka, as usual, simply smiled…
They set out the next morning. Vijay and Vikram were almost running along the road… Vishanka followed them at a leisurely pace … After walking for many hours, they reached the gates of the mysterious realm of the jungle…
The centuries-old trees hid the entire sky with their thick foliage, vigorous creepers twined from one branch to another like huge lazy snakes, and everywhere cries, growls and whispers could be heard... The brothers had the sense they were being watched – perhaps by a golden-eyed tiger ? Or was it an Indian cobra, disturbed during its nap? They continued on their way ...
They finally found the old hermit, meditating under an imposing mango tree. He wore a turban and a simple white sheet. A large blue bird with long shimmering feathers stood on a branch next to him.
