Raventongue

He captured a raven, which pleased him. Ravens were wise and knew many secrets. He split the creature's tongue to give it the power of speech. Then he waited for it to gain its voice. It never spoke.

He tried pleading. He offered it gifts. He cursed and threatened. Nothing worked.

He neared the end of his life. The sullen bird ruffled its feathers as he lay dying. It cleared its throat. Weak as he was, he lifted himself up to hear the words of the raven.

The raven met his eager gaze. “Asshole,” it said as he died.