Short Story: Let Me Be Your Leader

Let Me Be Your Leader by Abad Jerónimo de Clairveux (pseud. of Jonathan Olvera) follows Jonathan, a former captive who crosses seas, cultures, and political systems to arrive in a village where he plants the seeds of quiet, collective leadership.

Jonathan was a healthy young man who arrived in America aboard a ship that had long sailed the coasts of Europe and Africa. He had lived much of his life in captivity on that ship—an outcome of the political disputes surrounding cattle, crop shares, and the governance of his homeland. These matters were not unknown to the world; in fact, they were often discussed in public medical journals that circulated widely in the Old World.

Despite his strange upbringing, Jonathan grew slowly but soundly. He was a polite and gentle spirit, always greeting others cheerfully with a, “Hi!” and “How are you?” His kindness and manners shielded him from much of the violent politics of men and butchers, who seemed to argue endlessly.

“We have a king!” some would shout in political debates.

Other disputes were reserved for adults—questions of governance, education, and the role of belief in public life.