The Humble Protector of Pyrekastel
Once upon a time, deep in the heartland of a quaint village named Pyrekastel laid among rolling green hills and scenic rivers, a mysterious artifact known as the Stone Scalibur rested. The villagers cherished it not only for its majestic beauty but also for the countless legends that adorned it.
Legend has it that, the stone holds powers no ordinary man can control. The stone chooses a worthy protector once in a millennium. The protector was always the most respected warrior. The village had waited centuries to witness the spectacle of the stone choosing its next protector.
In that village lived a young blacksmith named Orion. Orion was different. Unlike the other villagers harboring dreams of becoming the chosen one, Orion only dreamt of crafting the most exquisite artifacts. Orion was a boy of humble beginnings. He was orphaned at an early age and was raised by the village blacksmith – an old, grizzled man named Thranlos.
Orion's days were spent moulding iron and steel into practical tools for the villagers, while his nights, he invested in crafting a masterpiece that he felt would make him stand among the finest artisans.
Midsummer day was closing in, the day when the Stone Scalibur would choose its next protector. The villagers were buzzing with anticipation. Large, burly men started to arrive from villages far and wide, in hopes of being chosen. Orion, on the other hand, was preparing to showcase his latest creation at the village festival.
The midsummer day arrived. It was a sight to behold. The village square adorned with rainbow buntings and the glee of villagers creating a euphoria that could be felt miles away. The air carried the sound of laughter, cheer, and light-hearted competition. Orion, oblivious to the frenzy, carried a covered object into the square.
The time had come for the Stone Scalibur to choose its protector. One by one, the warriors marched up to the stone, placing their hands upon it, hoping to get chosen. As the warriors tried and disappointedly returned, the crowd's cheer slowly started turning into murmurs of worry. The stone remained silent, not selecting any warrior.
Orion decided not to worry about it and unveiled his masterpiece. A beautifully crafted sword, made of the strongest steel, decorated with intricate carvings, and a gleaming sapphire pommel. The villagers admired the craftsmanship, though concern prevailed over the cheer. It was starting to look like the stone would not choose a protector this time.
In the rising unrest, the village elder forced Orion to approach the stone. Dragonfly silent, Orion walked towards the stone with his sword in hand. He laid his hand on the stone, and something magical happened. The stone started to glow, a dazzling light cloaking the entire square. A feeling of warmth enveloped everyone as they watched the spectacle unfold.
Orion was chosen. The humble blacksmith, who didn’t train as a warrior, was selected as the protector. The village erupted in cheer, their worry changed into a celebration. The legends did not specify that the protector had to be a warrior, only that he had to be worthy. In Orion’s humility, determination and kind-heartedness, the Stone Scalibur found worthiness.
Thus, Orion became the chosen protector and the greatest blacksmith the village of Pyrekastel had ever seen. The villagers celebrated a peaceful era under the protection of Orion, the blacksmith and a simple person at heart. He proved that power doesn't always come from strength but also from the purity of heart and humbleness. His name etched in the annals of the village history and his story passed on from one generation to the next.