The Forgotten Soldier🔊

There was a small, seemingly unimportant town named St. Haven. It lay beautifully ensconced between high mountains and crystal-clear rivers. St. Haven had an unusually large number of veterans for its size, a relic of the ancient war with the neighbouring kingdom of Zerapt. One particular veteran, named Winston, was unique amongst these veterans. Winston was a long-forgotten soldier, a hero now disregarded by the town's populace.

Winston was no ordinary soldier. In his prime, he was considered the mightiest warrior St. Haven had ever seen. He had been at the forefront of the war with Zerapt, where his bravery, perseverance, and leadership had ensured victory for St. Haven. Yet, over the years, the townsfolk seemed to have forgotten Winston's heroics, attributing the victory to several other factors rather than his valour.

Winston lived alone on the outskirts of St. Haven. He was not blessed with a family. The war had claimed his wife and his only child; he was all that was left. He was an outsider in the town he had once saved, now rarely spoken to, often avoided, and mostly forgotten.

One day, scouts from Zerapt were spotted close to St. Haven again. The news created a panic amongst the townsfolk. The warriors amongst them gathered, but they realized that they were now old and frail, their fighting days long past.

In their desperation, the town's council remembered Winston. They sent two young boys to deliver a message, requesting him to lead the town's defense. But Winston, hurt by their disregard over the years, refused.

As days passed, the threat of invasion loomed closer and the town's fear grew. The council decided to visit Winston. Swallowing their pride and after a heartfelt apology, they pleaded with Winston to save them again. Winston, after a long pause, asked them a question. 'Why should I take up arms again? Why should I fight for a town that has forgotten me?'

The council had no answer, but they promised to remedy their mistakes, to honor Winston as a hero should be, and to ensure that his sacrifices weren't forgotten again. Winston, after a long thoughtful silence, accepted their offer.

Word got around, and Winston's return was met with cheers and tears. There was palpable excitement, relief, and gratitude amongst the townsfolk. They rallied around their forgotten hero, ready to stand with him against the upcoming invasion.

The war was brutal, just as Winston remembered it. But this time was different. He was not a lone warrior but a leader rallying the town's people. Winston led a defense that was stoic, strategic, and unyielding. Against all odds, they stood firm against the Zerapt forces and astounded everyone with their incredible resistance.

The Zerapt forces began to retreat, leaving St. Haven victorious once again. The town's people erupted in jubilation, and amongst the victorious cheers, Winston became their hero again. The town's council kept their promises. A grand memorial was built to honor Winston and the brave soldiers who had fallen in the war. Winston became a celebrated figure in the village, a living testament to their courage and unity.

In his later years, Winston could see that he was no longer the forgotten soldier, but the cherished hero of St. Haven. His heroics no longer disregarded. He lived amidst the people he loved, his sacrifices remembered, and his life celebrated.

The tale of Winston serves as a reminder that our heroes are not simply the ones who save us but those who inspire us. They remind us that we have the strength to fight, the courage to stand up, and the resilience to overcome. But most importantly, they teach us that we should never take our heroes for granted.