Her Majesty’s Servants by Rudyard Kipling

Set during the British Empire’s rule in India, this story features various military animals—camels, elephants, horses, and mules—discussing their roles in an upcoming parade. Each animal boasts or complains about its duties, revealing its personality and pride. The plot is light but reveals the discipline and interdependence among the animals. Through their conversations, Kipling highlights loyalty, service, and unity despite differences. It’s a clever and humorous fable from The Jungle Book.