Samuel and The Heart of the Mountain🔊

Once upon a time, nestled on the edge of a lush and fertile valley, there lived an ordinary merchant named Samuel. He was a stout, amiable gentleman known for his honesty and compassionate nature in the small little hamlet he called his home.

One day, while returning from a business trip, Samuel happened upon a strange stone shimmering under a glinting twilight. It was a finely cut, emerald gem; unbeknownst to him, this was no ordinary gem, but the legendary Heart of the Mountain said to grant wishes of its rightful owner. Samuel, unware of the stone's history, decided to bring it back home and add it to his modest collection of trinkets.

News of Samuel's new gem spread through the village. The resident storyteller, grandpa Enoch, upon hearing this, rushed to see the gem. Confirming his fears, he shared its story and power with Samuel and warned him about its danger as it used to bring calamity to whoever claimed it without its rightful worthiness.

Samuel, although a good-hearted man, secretly desired to use the stone to improve his humble lifestyle. His wishes were as ordinary as his life - a successful business, a loving wife, and healthy children. After a lot of thought, he decided to go ahead, hoping his innocent wishes would not awaken the gem's wrath.

In the following years, Samuel’s wishes did come true. His business boomed, and he married a beautiful woman, Amelia, with whom he had two healthy children. Life couldn’t have been any better for Samuel. Nevertheless, the Heart of the Mountain was not pleased.

Being used to grant mere material wishes, the gem unleashed its ancient curse on Samuel and his family. These were days of anguish and despair. Samuel's business began collapsing, his wife fell seriously ill, and the kids imploded with sickness too.

Baffled and heartbroken, he sought Enoch's advice. Enoch told him about the curse and advised him on the way forward. To lift the curse, Samuel needed to make a selfless wish.

Left with no choices, Samuel took the Heart of the Mountain and wished for the wellness of his family and neighbors over his needs. The gem gave out a bright light. The entire valley bathed in its luminescent green glow, filling every corner with a sense of warmth and serenity.

The next day, life began changing for Samuel and his family. His wife and children recovered, his business started to stabilize albeit not prospering as before, and the villagers flourished as well. Samuel’s selfless wish not only lifted the curse from his loved ones but also brought prosperity and happiness to his village.

Samuel now realized the immense power and responsibility that came with the Heart of the Mountain. He chose to leave it to Mother Nature, hiding it in a secret cave it whence it came, shrouded in legends and folklore. Samuel's story became a legend in its own, imbued with wisdom and lessons to be remembered for generations to come.