The Kingdom's Secret
Once upon a time, there laid a kingdom on the highest peak of a mountain, known as Eredia. It was ruled by a noble king, Adrian and a beautiful queen, Althea who had a curious little son, Prince Elliot.
Everything on the surface seemed calm, but the Kingdom bore a mysterious secret. It was believed that inside the royal castle, hidden away from the prying eyes of the populace, lived a mystical creature. The creature was allegedly kept caged, its powers used to protect the Kingdom from vice and uncertainty. The townsfolk knew not what mystical beast it was, only whispers and rumors floated in the windy mountainous air.
Prince Elliot, young, lively and impetuous, had an adventurous spirit. He dreamt of solving the kingdom's secret, eagerly yearning to see the creature that lived in the shadows of the castle walls.
One day, Elliot discovered a worn-out and dusty key behind an antique painting hung in his father's study. He immediately knew that this could be the key to unlocking the secret that his kingdom held.
Armed with courage and curiosity, he waited until the midnight hour when the moon shone with radiance and the castle was wrapped in an ethereal silence. Elliot descended to the basement, his heart pounding, the creaking of the castle's wooden floors echoing through the corridors.
Using the old key, he unlocked an ancient door, dimly lit by sporadic torchlight. The walls reverberated with a low rumble that sent chills down his spine. Fearful yet determined, Elliot pushed the door open and entered a large atrium where he found the mythical creature - a colossal dragon, bound by enormous steel chains, with smoke unfurling from its nostrils and eyes gleaming like amber in the pale light.
Elliott found himself frozen in awe and fear, yet the dragon, instead of evoking fear with his menacing roar, spoke in a surprisingly gentle voice, "Why dost thou come to my abode, little one?",Having found his voice, Elliot declared, "To free you, for no creature should live in chains." There was a momentary silence before the dragon responded, "But freedom comes with a price, little Prince. Are you ready to face the responsibility?",Undeterred, Elliot proclaimed, "Let Eredia face what’s meant for it. No prosperity built on the suffering of another is righteous." Moved, the dragon agreed, its breath setting the chains ablaze, liberating the creature from its long captivity.
Releasing its pent up power, the dragon soared into the night sky, its figure silhouetted against the moonlight, causing a wave of panic among the people. The royal guards rushed in only to find Elliot standing unharmed amongst the charred remains of the dragon's prison. Eliot took the responsibility and quelled their fears, informing of the dragon’s departure.
True to his word, the dragon, instead of causing harm, used its power to protect the Kingdom, keeping at bay any advancing enemy or looming catastrophe. Elliot, now hailed as a hero, learned that freedom and responsibility played an integral role in the harmony of existence.
This tale of bravery, freedom, and righteousness went on to become a legend in Eredia, a legacy left behind by a young Prince who dared to question the norm, thus changing the destiny of the Kingdom forever.