The Hero of Aramor
Deep in the heartlands of Aramor, there sat the grand city of Uria. This metropolis, bustling with human activity, was surrounded by towering walls, offering protection from the wild creatures that dwelled in the dense forests surrounding it. However, beyond this bordeaux of apparent safety, among the shadowy silhouettes and whispering winds, murmurs of a looming menace proliferated.
On a cloudy afternoon, in the heart of Uria, a young lad named Rowan was engaged in an intense game of 'Guard v Wild'. Rowan was always chosen to play as the Guard, thanks to his quick feet and even quicker wit. Winning round after round, his reputation began to grow as the defender of Uria. Little did he know then, that his faux reputation would soon come to be tested in a manner he never could imagine.
One day, Rowan stumbled upon a wounded rabbit outside the city walls. It was hurt and terrified. Rowan cautiously approached, noting the gash on the rabbit's side which was possibly an attack from the predators of Aramor. Determined to aid the injured animal, Rowan tenderly picked it up and noticed a peculiar piece of paper wrapped around the rabbit’s leg. It was a message, written in a mysterious language, the one used by the Forest Elves. Fortunately, Rowan, being the innkeeper’s son, had managed to learn a smattering of this mystical language. Upon deciphering, he was transfixed by fear. The message spoke of the arrival of the Nightbeast, a mythical creature believed to destroy cities and bring darkness.
Rowan ran back to the city with the rabbit, the note being the harbinger of impending doom. He rushed to the Elder Council of Uria, who scoffed at the boy's interpretation. Undeterred, Rowan decided to heed the warning of the Forest Elves himself. He armed himself with his trusty wooden sword, the city’s map, and a satchel full of food, before setting forth into the depths of Aramor.
For days he journeyed across rugged terrains and enchanted forests, guided by moonlight and intuition. He battled fierce, wild beasts and overcame monstrous obstacles, his courage unwavering. Despite the consistent danger and an ever-looming threat, Rowan carried on, driven by his love for Uria and the determination to protect it.
As the first rays of dawn pierced the darkness of Aramor, Rowan stood before the lair of the Nightbeast. Dark shadows danced across its entrance, and an ominous coldness cloaked the area. With a deep breath, Rowan stepped into the dreaded cave, raising his sword, ready to confront the demon of the forest.
Inside the cave, he found the Nightbeast, a gigantic creature with piercing black eyes and a body covered in spikes. Terrifying as it was, Rowan knew his city needed him. He attacked, his wooden sword swinging against the rough hide of the beast. His wooden weapon was no match for the Nightbeast’s thick skin, but it ignited the creature’s wrath nonetheless.
The Nightbeast roared and charged at Rowan, who barely managed to evade the devastating impacts. As he just caught his breath, he noticed something shimmering within the cave. It was the legendary Sword of Sunlight, rumoured to exist but never seen before. Without a second thought, Rowan rushed past the beast to grasp the gleaming blade.
Empowered with the Sword of Sunlight, Rowan wounded the beast, striking it with all his might. A few more strikes and the Nightbeast crumbled, its roar fading into silence. Bathing in victory, Rowan, the young lad from Uria, emerged as the Hero of Aramor.
Upon his return, Rowan, who was once laughed at, was welcomed as a saviour. His tale echoed across every brick and every heart in the city. A regular boy with an extraordinary brave heart had proven that heroes are not born, but made in the face of adversities.
The Hero of Aramor continued living modestly, his courage became a beacon of hope for generations in the city of Uria, reminding them that among them all, lived a young guard who protected them from the Nightbeast. And even till date, when the children of Uria play 'Guard v Wild', every boy wishes to be like Rowan.