He could not sell it, for to sell a gift from the Voivode was treason. He could not give it away, for who would take a burden that would bankrupt them?. The Empty Treasury
He became a prisoner of his own prestige. He was "The Lord of the White Elephant," but he was starving. He could not sell it, for to sell
One winter, to "honor" Jovan’s loyalty, the Voivode gifted him a magnificent white horse—so pure it was called the . It was a creature of mythic beauty, with a coat like polished marble and eyes that seemed to hold the cold wisdom of the peaks. He was "The Lord of the White Elephant," but he was starving
The horse required the finest oats imported from the coast and a stable lined with silk. Jovan had to hire three grooms just to keep its coat from staining in the mountain mud. The horse required the finest oats imported from
"A gift for the most faithful," the Voivode declared. But as the gates of the palace closed, Jovan saw the faint, cruel smile on the ruler's face.
Jovan soon realized the true nature of his "blessing." The horse was sacred; it could not be used to pull a plow, carry goods to market, or even be ridden for travel. To work the animal was an insult to the Voivode.
Years passed. Jovan’s once-thriving warehouse grew empty. His gold went into the horse’s stomach; his time was spent protecting a beast that gave him nothing but the appearance of status. The villagers watched as Jovan’s clothes grew tattered while the horse remained pristine.