No Year of the Cat by Mary Dodson Wade Read Free Book Online

I n the misty time of long ago when Cat was friend of Rat, the emperor paced the throne room.
    â€œIt is a problem,” he said.
    â€œIt is a problem,” echoed his advisors.

    Outside, pear trees gleamed with white blossoms. It was the auspicious time of year, but silence filled the room.
    The emperor roused from deep thought and said, “We know the seasons. We see spring blossoms burst on the limbs of the pear tree. We taste yellow fruit ripened in the summer heat. We hear winter sleet pepper bare tree limbs. And yet, we cannot recall the years. We forget in which year the great river devoured our fields. We cannot remember the year that the mountains shook and village houses fell in a heap.”
    â€œWe cannot remember,” repeated his advisors.
    The emperor’s brows knit together. “How then will people remember the auspicious year the prince was born?”
    The advisors bowed toward the throne where the empress held the tiny, precious heir. “It is a problem,” they said.

    The emperor moved to the porch. The advisors moved in unison.
    In the courtyard two swallows swooped in a game of tag. The emperor’s face brightened. “I have a thought,” he said. “We will have a race!”
    â€œWe will have a race,” said the advisors.
    â€œYes,” said the emperor. “The first twelve animals to cross the great river will each have a year named for them. With the years so named, we can remember when auspicious events occurred.”
    â€œWe can remember,” said the advisors.
    So the plan was set. One advisor went to summon the animals. Another arranged for the start of the race. A third prepared the scroll to record the animals at the finish line.

    The animals greeted the news with great enthusiasm. They chattered in small groups beside the river. Friend whispered to friend, exchanging views on how best to cross the rushing water.
    Rat, knowing that he was no match for the swirling river, watched gloomily.
    Cat, coveting the honor offered by the emperor, sidled close to friend Rat with a scheme. “Ox is slow,” she said, “but he is strong. He will get across when others fail. We must get him to carry us both.” Rat saw wisdom in Cat’s plan.
    Cat approached Ox with a smile. “You have such a broad back,” she said.
    â€œAnd you are a good swimmer,” added Rat. Ox believed the flattery and gladly offered to carry the two.

    On the day of the race, Ox roused his companions before sunup. Cat gave a long stretch and leaped onto Ox’s back. Rat caught the tail and scrambled up.
    At the advisor’s signal, Ox plunged into the strong current. Using his great strength, he avoided rocks pointed out by Cat.
    When they reached the middle, Rat saw that other animals were swimming well in smoother water. He feared his chances were slipping away. A wicked thought crossed his mind. “Look!” he shouted to Cat. “There is a great fish!”
    As Cat turned to look, Rat gave her a push. Astonished Cat thrashed about in the water.
    Rat scurried up to Ox’s ear. “Hurry! Hurry!” he urged Ox. Unaware that one of his passengers was gone, Ox sent out great bubbles of air as he pushed harder through the water.

    No sooner had Ox stumbled up the bank than Rat scurried away without so much as a “Thank you.”
    â€œCongratulations!” said the emperor. “You are the first to arrive. But you are so small. How did you manage to cross the river?”
    Rat threw out his chest. “Oh, mighty emperor, I used my brain. I sought the help of my friend, Ox. He is coming now.”

    Ox lumbered up, still dripping water. “Congratulations!” said the emperor. “You are number two.” Ox’s poor brain did not register that only one of his companions was there.
    Just then Tiger arrived with drooping tail. The emperor expressed surprise. “You are number three,” he said. “I