The Allure of the Enchanted Lake
In a time long past, in a verdant kingdom abundant with splendour lived a humble shepherd named Robin. This kingdom, concealed by mountains on three sides and the sea on the fourth, was known for its mythical essence, the Enchanted Lake.
The Enchanted Lake was a mystery even the wisest of the kingdom couldn't decipher. A spectacular marvel of blue and green, it would glimmer under the sun and shimmer under the silver moon. It wasn't its dazzling beauty that named it thus, but the local lore surrounding it.
Legend claimed that once in a century, when the moon was at its peak, the Enchanted Lake would grant one wish to whoever dared to venture its depth. However, this also came with a warning, the requester's heart should be pure, or else a terrible fate would befall them.
Our shepherd, Robin, was a believer in tales and wished to unravel the mystery himself. Unlike others, his yearning was not inspired by greed but by a sincere desire to procure medicinal herbs for his ailing mother.
The night of the century's full moon arrived, and Robin, with a hopeful heart, took a daring leap into the lake's murky depth, armed with nothing but the purity of his intentions. The water felt unusually warm, and he could see colourful fishes crisscrossing his path, mingling the reality with underwater lanterns' surreal light.
As he swam deeper, a tunnel emerged, at the end of which, a golden glow fluctuated. Robin felt a magnetic pull towards it and pressed on. Emerging from the tunnel, he found himself in a fascinating underwater palace. The golden glow radiated from a magnificent throne, seated on which was a mesmerizing aquatic entity, the guardian of the lake.
Her eyes were as deep as the ocean, her hair waved like the seaweed, and her tail glittered in the ethereal glow. She was a Merqueen, wise and compassionate. She had been guarding the lake from the malevolent intentions of humans, granting the deserving their wishes. She acknowledged Robin's presence and his noble intention.
Having heard his wish, she praised his altruism and granted him a magical herb that would cleanse any illness from the world. Overwhelmed, Robin thanked the Merqueen and promised to safeguard her benevolence from exploitative human intentions.
Upon his return, Robin cured his mother instantly by making her tea from the magical herb. Seeing the sheer miracle, the word spread through the kingdom. However, Robin, keeping his promise, warded off all questions about the Enchanted Lake's truth, thus preserving the lake and its guardian's sanctity.
Robin's name went down in the folklore of the kingdom, not as a fortunate adventurer with the secret to the magical lake but as a loving and loyal son. The Enchanted Lake continued to flourish, waiting to assist the next deserving soul, while the kingdom, emerged stronger with the virtues of altruism, compassion and respect for the mystical learnt and instilled.
Amongst the many tales of heroism and adventure, Robin's story held its place with its unique weave of mystery and human virtues, where no battle was fought with weapons, but grace and purity reigned supreme