The Golden Seed🔊

Once upon a time, in the small kingdom of Maradonia, the benevolent King Sebastian was known for his fairness and wisdom. Despite being a just king, he was childless and this fact always left him filled with sorrow.

One day, a strange man visited the kingdom, carrying an air of mystery around him. He was a wandering sorcerer, and he promised King Sebastian an heir in exchange for a simple favor. The King, overwhelmed by joy, didn't think twice and agreed. The sorcerer gave him a golden seed, telling him to plant it in the royal garden under the moonlight.

After the king planted the magical seed, he went to satisfy the sorcerer’s wish. He was tasked with finding the rare crystal flower, which only blooms on top of the daunting northern peaks. Venturing through his kingdom, risking his life to swiftly ascending the deadly heights, King Sebastian managed to retrieve the radiant crystal flower.

Returning to his kingdom, he was greeted with joyful cheers, for from the golden seed, had sprouted a handsome young boy with eyes as blue as the ocean. Naming him Aurelius, which meant 'the golden one', the king gifted the sorcerer his earned prize. However, in return, the sorcerer cursed the king, turning him into a dove, flying him off into oblivion.

Little Aurelius, despite his sudden appearance, was loved by all. He grew up to be a kind and virtuous prince but was forever haunted by his father's mysterious disappearance. After he discovered the truth from the old court's wizard, he firmly decided to find a way to break the curse and bring back the king.

Years passed, and when Aurelius came of age, he embarked on a journey across the seven seas, through treacherous mountains, and dark forests, guided by the old court wizard's wisdom. Each step was filled with danger, but Aurelius' determination fueled him.

After what felt like a lifetime, Aurelius found himself in the mythical cave of the ancient fairy, Glimeria. She told him the only way to break the sorcerer's curse was to find the sacred bell at the world's end and ring it thrice under the first light of the full moon.

Gathering all his courage, Aurelius journeyed for months till he reached the cliff of the world's end, where he found the sacred bell. On the night of the full moon, Aurelius rang the bell thrice, and as the final peal echoed, an ethereal glow ensued.

Back in Maradonia, a beautiful dove flew into the royal balcony, transforming into King Sebastian amidst a golden glow. The king and the prince had a heartfelt reunion filled with joy and tears. Their kingdom celebrated, filling the air with laughter and happiness that echoed throughout the realm.

In the end, Aurelius learned that he was not just a plant sprung from a seed, but a courageous prince, capable of overcoming anything for the love of his people, and King Sebastian learned that it wasn't about having an heir, but cherishing the love of his child. Thus, they ruled Maradonia with newfound wisdom, and lived happily ever after.