The Fable of the Unseen Bridge
Once upon a time, in a land brimming with magic and enchantments, lay the Kingdom of Vorrenne. Comfortably nestling by the creek, it had prospered in solitude since time immemorial.
Crowned by the shrewd King Rothsbard, the kingdom was known for its prosperity, magnificence, and a unique, magical bridge; a bridge that could only be seen by pure-hearted individuals. This spectral bridge linked Vorrenne to the Enchanted Realm, a land rich in magical herbs, mystical beasts, and precious gems. The bridge, thus, held an unmatched significance, not just for its miraculous nature, but also for the prosperity it brought to the kingdom.
Called the Dove Bridge, it could only be seen in the light of the full moon, and only by those whose intentions were untainted by malice. For years, only King Rothsbard, guided by his wisdom and honesty, had laid eyes on and crossed the bridge. It was this magic, coupled with the King's inherent wisdom that stabilized the harmony of Vorrenne and its ethereal neighbor.
As time passed, King Rothsbard grew older, and his health started deteriorating. He realized the urgency to find a suitable successor.
The King announced, 'I am aging. I need someone worthy to take my place. He who can see and cross the Dove Bridge shall be named my heir.' The declaration stirred a flurry of emotions across the kingdom. People from all walks of life – rich and poor, wise and foolish, young and old – set out to try their luck under the full moonlight.
Unbeknownst to the hopeful contenders flocking Vorrenne's creek side each full moon, the bridge demanded more than just physical eyes to be seen. It needed eyes that could perceive the depth of kindness, humility, and nobility; a heart untainted by greed and impurity.
Among the hopefuls was a simple farmer named Eldon. Unlike others, he didn't crave the throne; rather, his quest was driven by his genuine concern for his beloved kingdom's future. Eldon was a humble, hardworking man, who valued honesty over wealth and kindness over power.
On the night of the next full moon, Eldon ventured out, seeking the magical bridge like the others. As he stood by the creek, he closed his eyes and prayed not for the power but for the welfare of the kingdom. As he opened his eyes, he was greeted by a warm, mystic light bridging the gap across the water body. The spectacle left him in awe. The Dove Bridge, shimmering in its ethereal glory, stood before Eldon.
Eldon crossed the bridge with resolute steps, his heart pounding in astonishment and excitement. He then gathered the magical herbs and precious gems to prove his claim. He returned to Vorrenne, crossing the bridge once again, a sense of responsibility replacing his initial astonishment.
Upon his return, Eldon presented his collection to King Rothsbard, who looked at the humble farmer with proud and tearful eyes. 'You've proven your worth, Eldon. Not by your ability to see and cross the bridge, but by the purity of your heart that you displayed in your desire to serve our lovely kingdom.'
Eldon was declared the rightful heir to the throne amidst overwhelming applause. He led Vorrenne into an era of prosperity, kindness, and justice, that was sung in tales, just like this one, for generations to come.
By its end, the story of the Unseen Bridge is a beautiful illustration of consequential wisdom which portrays that the bridges to our destinations can only be seen and crossed by a heart that beats for the greater good.