The Desolate Mountains: A Tale of Trust and Friendship🔊

Deep within the frost-rimmed peaks of the Desolate Mountains, a lonely beast named Kael lived in solitude. Kael was a huge rock troll, horrifying to look at with jagged sharp teeth and a formidable, hulking physique which would have been intimidating even for the largest of the creatures. The troll was a dexterous climber and moved with an uncanny grace considering his monstrous size. He was born of the mountains- a mute and solitary creature who was feared by all who knew him.

Right below the mountains, extended the beautiful kingdom of Eldoria. It was a prosperous kingdom known for its abundance of food, prosperous trade, and richness in culture. The kingdom was ruled by King Eldorman, who was wise, brave, and kind-hearted. The joyful subjects of Eldorman loved and respected him above all.

Now, Eldorman’s cleverness was not confined to the throne room. He had an insatiable curiosity about the realm beyond his kingdom, and despite the demands of the monarchy, he often embarked on grand voyages of exploration.

One bitterly cold winter, King Eldorman decided to plan a hunting expedition to the Desolate Mountains. Ignoring the silent protests and fearful murmurs of his courtiers who were well aware of the monstrous troll, Eldorman set forth with his men.

On reaching the Desolate Mountains, disaster struck. A violent storm rolled in, throwing the kingdom’s bravest knights into disarray and separating Eldorman from his men. Alone, with darkness befalling, Eldorman’s situation was perilous. Cold crept into his bones, and the swirling snow stole his vision. It was then he heard it, a guttural groan, akin to the grinding of rocks. Fear struck his heart as he realized he was inches away from the sleeping beast - Kael.

To his surprise, Kael did not attack. Instead, he rescued the half-frozen king, taking him to a cave where the beast-kindled a fire. Eldorman was taken aback by the troll’s compassionate gesture. In the days that followed, a bond grew between them. Eldorman put his fear aside and spoke endlessly, appreciating Kael's company, even though the Troll could not communicate back.

Weeks passed; Eldorman taught Kael to hunt and in return, Kael kept Eldorman warm and safe from the harsh weather and treacherous peaks. When the blizzard finally subsided, Kael led Eldorman to the edge of the kingdom. A gasp escaped the Eldorman's lips when he turned to bid goodbye but found Kael already walking away, rejecting any reward or recognition.

Back home, Eldorman recounted his adventure. There was disbelief at first, but the sincerity in their King’s words convinced the people to embrace Kael, not as a fell beast but as a friend. Eldorman set a decree that Kael should be left undisturbed and anyone causing harm to him would be punished severely.

The quiet beast of the Desolate Mountains had no idea how he had changed the lives of the people living far below his rocky abode. He returned to his solitary life- the silent guardian of the mountains, unbeknownst to the newfound respect he had earnt, continued living his life in quiet dignity.

From then on, children’s bedtime stories in Eldoria would often be about the mighty, silent protector- the rock troll Kael, a monster not of terror, but of bravery and silent resolve. It was a lesson that truth and resorting to peace even during adversity could exist if one was willing to step away from age-old stigmas and beliefs. The tale of Eldorman and Kael is a saga imprinted deeply in the hearts of the kingdom of Eldoria, passing down the generations as a token of trust and friendship.