Once Upon a Marble Sky
Once, in the timeless plains of the land of Zorgoth, there lived a simple young shepherd named Edric. For centuries, the people of Zorgoth were known for their butterfly marbles - fascinating stones with intricate patterns of black and iridescent blues, reds and greens that bore an uncanny resemblance to a butterfly’s wings.
Edric, just like his ancestors, was passionate about his job. Despite his young age and the world slowly forgetting the art of shepherdry, he built his life around his flock, leading them through the fields during the day and penning them safely at night. However, this isn't where his heart truly belonged. His greatest fascination lay with the portraits of the sky etched deep within the butterfly marbles that he often collected.
One fine day, while leading his herd through the treacherous routes of Mount Nerth, he stumbled upon an unusually large butterfly marble. It was as big as his palm, with patterns that were so beautifully complex and mesmerising he felt like he was holding the entire cosmos in his hands. Enchanted by its allure, he slipped the marble in his pocket, not knowing his life was about to change forever.
As night fell and the moon shone brightly over Zorgoth, Edric, out of his inquisitiveness, pulled out the mesmerizing marble. Surprisingly, instead of the room being clothed in darkness, the marble started to radiate a bright, beautiful light that seemed to echo the moon’s lullaby. It was the kind of light people write poems about, the kind that attracts lost souls and broken hearts, and most importantly, the kind of light that births legends.
For the first time in his life, Edric was terrified yet exhilarated. He knew that something extraordinary was about to happen. As he gazed deeper into the light of the marble, he was projected into a celestial realm where the sky was like an impressionist painting come to life — a bath of twilight hues, flickering stars and galaxies sitting idly on the heavens. He was within the realms of the cosmos, the same cosmos that unfolded within his beloved butterfly marble.
Unknown to Edric, he was the chosen one. For the prophecy whispered among the winds of Zorgoth awaiting the one worthy enough to unlock the cosmic powers of the marble and bring balance to both the earthly and celestial dominions. Edric's humility and noble heart had deemed him worthy of such a responsibility.
Unfolding within Edric was wisdom from centuries ago, knowledge about galaxies far away and truths about humanity that had been long forgotten. A weight was placed upon his shoulders and a path was laid out in front of him, one that would lead him to reshape the course of history.
Edric awakened the next morning, his eyes carrying the depth of the universe. He saw the world differently, understanding the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for harmony between the earthly and celestial. Instead of being overwhelmed, he eagerly took the reins of his new-found destiny, and the townsfolk noticed the change in him. He became the bridge, the liaison between the cosmic world and mankind. He taught them the wisdom of the cosmos, how to live harmoniously with nature, and the secrets lurking within the marbles.
In Zorgoth, the story of the young shepherd who deciphered the universe became a legend told to every child, from generation to generation. Even the skeptic winds that roared across the kingdom came to bow before the tale of a humble shepherd who molded the faith of his fellow men and influenced a course of history in the ageless plains of Zorgoth. Thus, ended the tale of Edric, not as a simple shepherd, but as the “Shepherd of the Cosmos,” forever staring into his marble sky.