The Crystal Grotto🔊

Long ago, tucked away in the farthest corner of the world, beyond the highest snowy peaks and hidden amidst the thickest enchanted forests, lay a mysterious kingdom named Eledor. Eledor was a land of wonder, surreal beauty, and captivating tales. The unique peculiarity of this place was the Crystal Grotto, a majestic cave fortified with brilliant, gleaming crystals of every imaginable colour. Now, every crystal of this grotto had a unique power – the power to grant one's most heartfelt desire. However, this power could only be unlocked by one who possesses a true and kind heart.

The reigning monarch, King Eldon, was benevolent and revered by his subjects. Under his reign, peace flourished, but there was one thing that troubled him deeply. Queen Avery, his beloved wife had been in a deep slumber for many years, affected by an unknown illness.

Desperate, King Eldon announced a reward to anyone who could wake the queen from her deep sleep. Medicine men, magicians, and healers came from far and wide seeking out the reward, but no one could rouse the queen. As years passed and the queen’s condition remained unchanged, hope dwindled.

The only person who was untouched by the allure of the reward was young farmer Owen. Owen was an orphan and lived a simple life. He was contented with what he had and was adored for his kind heart. Despite the tough exterior, he had a soft corner for Queen Avery, whom he considered a mother figure.

One day, Owen, guided by a dream, found himself at the entrance of the Crystal Grotto, the sight of which left him breathless. He hesitatingly ventured inside, where millions of intricately carved crystals shone reflecting a cascade of colours. At the very center of the grotto, he saw a crystal that throbbed softly as though it had a heartbeat. The pulsating crystal seemed to whisper his name; he hesitatingly reached out and touched it.

Feeling a warm wave of energy purl through him, he flinched. The next moment, he found himself in the royal chamber, standing right next to the slumbering Queen Avery. Puzzled but with a strong sense of purpose, he gently touched the queen’s hand. The same warmth radiated from his hand flowed into the queen. Her eyelids fluttered open, and she woke up from her long sleep, health restored, illuminating the entire chamber with her radiance.

Owen, exhausted but ecstatic, collapsed, and when he woke up, he found himself back in his humble abode with no trace of the Grotto's magnificence.

Back in the palace, celebrations echoed on Queen Avery’s recovery. When the queen learnt about the mysterious benefactor, she called for him, recognizing Owen, for she had also dreamt about him that night.

For his selfless act and true heart, King Eldon rewarded Owen, not with his wealth, but with his friendship and the position of an advisor to the king. Owen was showered with love and respect by the people of Eledor, and he lived a fulfilling life.

The Crystal Grotto had granted the wish of a kind hearted man, reiterating the belief that it was not a search for a reward but an act overflowing with empathy that could unlock the power of these unique crystals.