The Carpenter of Valeria🔊

Once upon a time, in a city named Valeria resided a poor carpenter named Edmund. He lived by himself in a small worn-out shack, at the outskirts of the city. He was an exceptional craftsman, although his skills were often overlooked due to the wealthier competitors around the city who could afford to advertise their commodious, albeit, not-so-skilled services.

One day, a local named Tobias approached Edmund's humble abode after hearing of the carpenter's trademark dexterity. Tobias presented Edmund with a rare, majestic piece of wood he had discovered during his travels in the neighboring kingdom. It was exquisitely wealthy in color, with hues of gold and mahogany intertwining. Offering this to Edmund, Tobias commissioned a grand door to replace the ancient one standing guard at the city hall.

Touched by the confidence shown in him, Edmund agreed and began his work. Days turned into weeks as Edmund carefully sculpted the beautiful piece of timber. His hands bore blisters and his eyes grew tired, yet his spirit remained unbroken. Edmund managed to make do with his limited supplies, managing to craft something grandiose out of the given raw materials.

The majestic door was finally ready. It was exquisitely carved, depicting Valeria's rich history and heritage figures. Intricately designed, it stood tall spreading the warmth of the city's grandeur. As Edmund brought it to the city hall, gasps of awe resonated throughout the square. The finished piece was nothing short of a masterpiece.

The mayor, intrigued and astounded, marveled at Edmund's expertise. A grand ceremony was held to celebrate the completion of the door and officially commemorate it as the gateway to Valeria. As a token of appreciation, the mayor offered Edmund a hefty sum of money which he graciously accepted and used to better equip his workshop.

Word of Edmund's exceptional skills spread around Valeria and he continued to receive more commissions. Moreover, the wealthy competitors who used to overlook him before, now acknowledged his prowess, realised the earnest sincerity in his work, and even sought his guidance.

And so, Edmund's reputation grew and he became the most sought-after carpenter in the kingdom. But he never let success cloud his humble upbringing. He used his skills to help those in need, and always stood as a beacon of inspiration to countless others in the kingdom. Over the years, the grand door at the city hall remained a testament to Edmund's craftsmanship and dedication, gently reminding everyone of the quiet carpenter who had carved not just the door, but also, a place for himself, in the hearts of the people of Valeria.