The Carpenter, the Duke, and the Magic Horse
In the heart of the Burbinville, a quaint, lively city that sat comfortably by the sea, there lived a man named Jack Hobbs. He was a simple, middle-aged carpenter known for his unmatched craftsmanship. He created wooden masterpieces infused with an essence of his soul.
One day, he received a commission from a rather peculiar customer, the Duke of Burbinville, renowned for his stern demeanor and eccentric tastes. The Duke wanted a wooden horse, life-sized and full of intricate details, to celebrate the forthcoming festival of the city.
Jack started on the herculean task, working tirelessly day and night, pouring all his love and energy into the creation. The wood seemed to come alive underneath his touch, every stroke, every chisel, every polish narrating a story of its own. His studio was filled with dreams, sweat, and sawdust.
As he was carving the final details of the horse's tail, a sprinkle of magic happened. From the pile of sawdust and wood clippings, a pixie-like creature emerged, delicate and ethereal. She introduced herself as Silva, the spirit of the tree his horse was being carved, expressing her gratitude towards Jack for giving her a chance of a reincarnated life. To express her gratitude, she offered to bring the wooden horse to life during the celebration, under one condition. Once the festival ended, the horse would need to transform back into its wooden form, resting until it was called back to life.
On the day of the festival, the crowd was stunned with the mesmerizing view of a life-sized wooden horse, galloping around, the setting sun casting dramatic shadows on its beautiful sculpture. The Duke was ecstatic, and Jack was overjoyed, looking at the marvel his creation had become, knowing the secret behind its life.
As the clock struck twelve, the horse came back to Jack's studio, transforming back into its wooden self, hiding Silva inside it till the next celebration. The city remembered that day as 'The Day of the Living Horse,' becoming a yearly tradition, a secret shared only between Jack, Silva, and the wooden horse.