The Curse of the Black Mountain and the Brave Heart🔊

Once upon a time, in a land known as Avantia, a land of lush forests and quiet towns, ruled by a benevolent King Moudro. Avantia was known across all kingdoms for its fierce protector, a golden dragon named Svayg. Svayg was avowedly invincible, but his one extraordinary power that set him apart from all other dragons was his ability to heal any organic matter.

It so happened that the sweet, seven-year-old princess Elina fell desperately ill. Doctors and magical healers from near and far could not decipher the deadly disease that had gripped the princess. The King was devastated and urged Svayg to use his healing powers to save the princess.

With the wisdom of ages in his eyes, Svayg professed, 'A curse has enveloped your daughter. This is not a mere sickness. I can heal her body, but the curse remains bound to her spirit. To break it, someone has to undertake a challenging journey beyond the Black Mountain, to the Mirror Lake.'

A call for volunteers to undertake this perilous journey was put forth. Many hesitated as the journey was known as the 'Path of Peril.' From the crowd, a young man, Aric, a mere woodcutter, rose. With determination in his eyes, he volunteered for the mission, accepting the risks ahead.

Equipped with a sturdy horse, food, water, and a heart full of bravery, Aric set off on his journey. He encountered many fearsome creatures on his path but his determination never wavered. Aric crossed treacherous paths, fought bloodthirsty beasts, and overcame unimaginable hurdles.

At the peak of the Black Mountain, he was faced with the legendary Ice Sorceress. To continue his journey, Aric had to defeat her. Known for her icy heart and frosty spells, she challenged Aric to a duel of magical ice chess. The Sorceress played ruthlessly, but Aric, leveraging his calming resilience, defeated her. As a token of her defeat, she handed Aric an enchanted Ice Crystal possessing the ability to freeze any evil force momentarily.

With the Ice Crystal safely tucked away, Aric finally approached Mirror Lake. A lake with mystical powers, its water had a reflection brighter and clearer than the finest mirror. As the prophecy stated, Aric had to ask the right question to the lake to obtain the remedy.

Looking at his reflection, Aric asked, 'How do I break the curse binding the princess?' Mirror Lake shimmered, and from its depth, a tiny vial emerged, sparkling with silver purity. It was the only known antidote for the curse, the Tears of Moon.

Upon returning to Avantia, Aric was hailed as a hero. King Moudro rewarded him generously and bestowed upon him the title of 'Knight of Avantia.' Aric handed over the vial to Svayg, who diluted a droplet with his fiery breath and dropped it onto Elina. Instantly, the color returned to her face, her breathing stabilized, and she woke up with a radiant smile.

This journey brought about a turn of fate for Aric, the Woodcutter turned Knight. Svayg continued his rule as the guardian of Avantia, and Elina grew up to become a graceful queen, often recounting the tale of her savior. The kingdom of Avantia flourished, and the legend of Aric, Svayg, and the Curse of the Black Mountain was sang for generations to come.