The Eternal Flame of Harmony
In a time when the world was a collage of various mighty kingdoms, each asserting its dominance over the other, nestled a quaint, peaceful village, Felicity. Ruled by the wise and kind King Maximus, Felicity was an oasis of tranquility amidst the quarrelling kingdoms. It was home to harmonious people, picturesque landscapes and the legendary Eternal Flame of Harmony. The flame was believed to have magical properties, bestowing tranquillity and unity on those who worshipped it with a pure heart.
The flame was guarded by Iris, an old, blind duchess. Despite being physically impaired, her mental abilities were incomparable; she possessed the unique gift of precognition. Her foresight made her a revered figure in Felicity and it was she who had foreseen the birth of the Eternal Flame of Harmony, tended it lovingly, and equipped it with its magical powers.
One day, King Maximus was visited by a mysterious stranger who introduced himself as Sir Ethan, hailing from a distant kingdom. Sir Ethan had heard of the Flame and was determined to possess it, believing that it would allow him to rule his own warring kingdom with strength and unity.
However, it was not as simple. Iris, foreseeing Sir Ethan’s lust for power, announced a challenge. Only if Sir Ethan could successfully complete three tasks, most fitting to test his intentions and worth, would he be able to touch the Flame.
The tasks were gruelling. Endurance, intelligence, and above all, compassion were to be gauged. Each task was carefully designed by Iris to test the mettle of Sir Ethan's character. He had to face bloodthirsty beasts, solve the most complex riddles, and help the needy without any expectations.
Brave and determined, Sir Ethan rose to the challenges. He slayed the beasts, displayed tremendous wisdom solving riddles, earned the villagers' respect. He diligently carried out each task without a hint of expectation. His persistence began to alter Iris's perception, she speculated that her vision may have been clouded somehow.
In the final task, Sir Ethan was instructed to sacrifice his most valued possession. Reluctantly, he offered his ancestral sword, his vital source of power. Touched by his willingness to let go of his power for the sake of peace, Iris allowed him to approach the Eternal Flame.
As Sir Ethan approached, he felt an overwhelming warmth. His heart pounded as he reached out to touch the flame. Suddenly, he underwent a profound transformation. It wasn't his kingdom that needed the flame; it was he who needed its wisdom. He realised power without wisdom was futile. True harmony lay not in ruling but in living peacefully.
Sir Ethan decided not to take the flame back. He thanked Iris and King Maximus for their wisdom and vowed to rule his kingdom with compassion, humility, and justice, as modelled by the kingdom of Felicity. He returned home, without the anticipated flame but with a heart enlightened a thousand times more.
The legend of Sir Ethan and the Eternal Flame spread, teaching many the true essence of power and the futility of questing for it in wrong places. While the kingdoms continued to squabble for dominance, there stood two outstanding ones, Felicity, and the newly transformed kingdom of Sir Ethan, radiating peace, harmony and justice. The story of these kingdoms served as a beacon for others, illuminating the path to achieving real power and harmony.