The Chained Eagle
In a time long ago, nestled in the craggy ridges of the towering Dolomite mountains, was a kingdom named Fragoria. This place was one-of-a-kind, where ordinary creatures bore extraordinary abilities, mythical beings existed, and magic was the norm over mundane. Their ruler, King Lorinc, was a man of exceptional bravery and wisdom. His kingdom was bright and prosperous under his watch, but hidden within its accolades was a tale of a forbidden friendship that changed the fate of Fragoria forever.
Centuries ago, a mighty, magnificent eagle named Zephyr was born out of celestial fires, and was destined to be the Keeper of the Skies by the High Gods. Zephyr possessed wings as broad as the horizons and eyes as sharp as the lightning. He soared the skies maintaining balance between the earth and the ethereal, with wisdom pulsating in his heart.
One fateful day, Zephyr plummeted from the divine heavens, wounded by an evil Nymph, cursed and banished to the mortal kingdom where his wings were bound in iron chains. His ethereal aura was contained, forcing him to live as a mere bird. Overpowered by immense pain, Zephyr crash landed near a river in the outskirts of Fragoria.
The crash was witnessed by a young prince, Lorinc, who was captivated by the majestic aura of the fallen creature. He rushed to aid the wounded creature, and was met with the dazzling eyes of Zephyr. An understanding passed between them, a bond was instantaneously formed. In the heart of the prince, a fervent desire to help and protect this magnificent creature bloomed.
As days passed into weeks, the prince stayed by Zephyr’s side, doing everything possible to care for him. A fierce friendship developed between them; Zephyr in his silence started confiding in the young prince, and Lorinc basked in the wisdom and grace of the eagle. The prince decided to use his royal status as a tool to uncover the secrets behind Zephyr’s unlucky fate.
One day, toiling through his father's extensive library, Lorinc stumbled upon a scroll showing the celestial hierarchy of being. The sketch of a mighty eagle atop the heavenly realm caught his eye. It was the face he had grown familiar with, the silent confidante he had started admiring. Upon further reading, he discovered Zephyr’s true nature and the curse that bound his divine wings.
Determined, Prince Lorinc embarked upon a treacherous quest to the ethereal realm of the High Gods, facing gargantuan trials and tribulations fueled by his desire to unchain his now best friend. After a grueling journey, the Prince finally stood before the High Gods pleading Zephyr’s case. Initially, the Gods laughed at him, for how could a mortal man understand honour and duty. But Lorinc spoke so passionately about his friendship with Zephyr, that the Gods were moved.
Intrigued, and seeing an opportunity for a divine test, the High Gods presented Lorinc with a choice. They would free Zephyr, if Lorinc permanently sacrificed his own ability to walk. The loyal Prince did not hesitate, and he took upon the incapacitation. It was a good bargain to him; his friend’s freedom was worth his own loss.
Upon his return to Fragoria, Zephyr was finally free. Unchained, he broke the limit of the skies, resuming his divine duty as the Keeper of the Skies. As a token of gratitude, Zephyr bestowed upon Lorinc a divine bracelet that held a wisp of his celestial power, allowing him to rule Fragoria with unimpeachable wisdom.
King Lorinc was a great ruler, adored by his subjects despite his physical incapacitation. The story of his sacrifice for his friend continues to reverberate through the kingdom. It speaks of the power of friendship, the significance of sacrifice, and the unparalleled virtue of loyalty. Fragoria thrived under King Lorinc’s rule and it is said Zephyr's shadow can often be seen guarding the kingdom from the skies.