Synopsis
Long ago, the birds and the beasts waged war against one another. It was a savage struggle, and the cunning bats switched their allegiance depending on how the tide of battle was turning, backing the birds whenever the birds looked poised to triumph and throwing in their lot with the beasts whenever that side gained the upper hand. At long last, the conflict drew to a close, the two factions reconciled and reached a peaceful agreement, and a grand celebration of friendship was held. But when the time came for the bats to present their part in the festivities, their habit of playing both sides for their own advantage was laid bare, and all the other creatures refused to have anything to do with them. Ever since that day, the bats have been too ashamed to show themselves in the daylight, venturing out only after nightfall to flit about in silence.