The Keystone of Harmony
In a distant kingdom of the Emerald Mountains, lived a humble miner named Edwin. With keen eyes perpetually dusted with soil, complex labyrinthine lines on his hands due to strenuous work, and a muscular built telling tales of his fortitude, Edwin was an ordinary miner with an extraordinary dreams. He had an immeasurable love for rocks, gems, and precious stones that he had inherited from his father, who was once a renowned royal geologist.
Edwin one day discovered an unusually glittering rock in a secret pocket of the mine. It was a radiant blue stone, unlike anything he had ever seen. Its mesmerizing hue reminded him of a geologists' legend about a mystical stone - The Keystone of Harmony capable of restoring peace and unity.
During this period, the kingdom was enduring a tumultuous era of discord and hostility. It was believed that the Keystone of Harmony had the power to restore tranquility by unifying the hearts of the kingdom's people. Edwin, overhearing this myth from his father, was driven by the hope that he might bring harmony back to his beloved kingdom.
Haunted by the vision of peace, he presented the stone to the King, explaining its possible significance. The King, desperate for unity but skeptical, agreed to put the stone to the test. A grand ceremony was arranged, with every townsperson in attendance. As the King held the Keystone high above his head, an azure glow enveloped the crowd and a palpable tranquility filled the air.
Despite this, some in the kingdom did not instantly welcome the newfound peace. The greedy minister, envious of the miner's sudden fame and the King's affection towards him, set out to spread discord. He fabricated rumors about Edwin planning a revolution. Without confirming, the agitated King imprisoned Edwin.
However, as soon as Edwin was locked away, the Keystone's glow began to fade, and strife started creeping back into hearts. Strangely, it seemed the stone was connected to Edwin's freedom.
Imprisoned but hopeful, Edwin started chipping away at the stone walls of his cell. It was slow, tedious work. Many discouraged him, said it was impossible. But with his unwavering spirit, Edwin replied, 'A miner does not move a mountain; he starts by moving small stones.' He kept chipping away.
Finally, the worried King, witnessing the increasing unrest, held a private audience with Edwin, who suggested a sincere public confession of the truth might restore the stone's power. The King agreed and arranged a grand assembly.
In the assembly, the King put Edwin's claims to the test and revealed the minister's deceit. As the truth unfolded, the onlookers glanced at each other in solidarity. The Keystone, dim till now, began to shine brightly, casting its serene azure glow to every corner of the kingdom, bringing a sense of calm and unity. In a gasp of astonishment and realization, the crowd joined their hands in acceptance of peace and unity.
From that day forth, the Kingdom saw a new dawn of peace, and Edwin was hailed as the 'Bearer of the Keystone'. The harmony amongst the people travelled to neighbouring kingdoms, inspiring them to abandon their differences and live in unity, proving that true harmony begins with a small act of truth and resilience just like the miner who moves no mountain but chips small stones
Through Edwin's journey, we learn that the real 'Keystone' rests in unity and truthfulness, patiently awaiting the brave and honest to unearth it and illuminate the world with its glow.