The Enchanted Tree
Once upon a time, in a forgotten kingdom shrouded in swirling mists, lived a humble farmer named Arlo with his beautiful and kind-hearted daughter, Maia.
Arlo owned a tiny tract of land overrun by a weedy, barren soil, making harvesting a back-breaking challenge. But their hardest trial was the kingdom’s wickedly callous king who imposed unendurable taxes, making their grind of existence even more challenging.
On a bright morning as the rooster crowed its dawn tune, Arlo noticed a stout seedling in the middle of his farmland. It was not a typical plant but a tree-seedling, which seemed to have sprouted magically overnight.
Months went by and the sapling quickly grew into an enormous tree with branches reaching out to the heavens as if touching the clouds and roots spread like a serpent nest, drawing strength from every grain of the soil. Strangely, its trunk had a shimmering, golden tinge that sparkled in sunlight and moonlight alike.
This tree was not ordinary but a mystical one. It bore fruits of different kinds which sustained Arlo’s and Maia’s very existence and even left some to sell at the market. It was miraculous and people from distant lands came to behold it.
The news of the enchanted tree reached the malicious king's ears. Filled with greed, he commanded his soldiers to seize the tree along with the farmer and his daughter. Arlo and Maia, shivering with fear, were dragged to the court where the king announced his intention to possess the tree.
However, the tree had other plans. When the king's men tried to uproot it, the tree stood firm, unyielding. In its majestic presence, a rich voice echoed, 'Only those who are pious and kind at heart can possess me. I serve them who respect the land and don't seek to exploit it for their selfish needs.'
The king, furious and embarrassed, ordered his men to chop the tree down. But as they swung their axes, the tree’s golden glow intensified, turning their axes into thin air. The king was powerless against the tree’s strange enchantment.
The enraged king then commanded to imprison Arlo and Maia until they revealed the secret. But they were as clueless as anyone else. Maia, although imprisoned, never quailed. Her heart held a warm hope kindled by the enchanted tree.
As days progressed, the imprisoned duo caught the plague afflicting the damp dungeons. Helpless and desolate, Maia whispered to a tiny sparrow visiting their cell window about their plight, hoping her message would reach the enchanted tree.
The next day, the golden tree shed a single, sparkling fruit that rolled its way to the dungeon. On consuming it, Arlo and Maia miraculously healed. Witnessing this, the amazed jailers released them with respect and fear.
Upon their return, the tree spoke again, 'You have suffered much but your heart remained pure. I am an ancient tree, born from the seed of kindness and nurtured by honesty. Remember, the true value lies not in possession but in compassion.'
The villagers, now aware of the king's ruthlessness, rallied behind Arlo and Maia. They dethroned the corrupt king and chose Arlo to lead the kingdom. Arlo ruled with kindness and honesty, he and Maia, the blessed keepers of the enchanted tree.
From that day forth, there was no darkness, no malice that could sully their prosperous kingdom, protected under the golden glow of the enchanted tree. And so, they lived happily ever after.