The Last Shepherd
Once upon a time, in the tranquil kingdom of Dawnland, dwelled an inconspicuous shepherd named Jareth. He was well-known among the villagers for his gentle nature and marvelous ability to weave mesmerizing tales. Yet, what made him truly exceptional was his devoted care for his flock. Jareth otherwise lived an isolated life, cherishing his solitary company with only the constant humming of mountains and his fluffy companions for company.
One fateful morning when a thick blanket of fog dissolved to reveal radiant daylight, a horrendous sight awaited Jareth. His beloved flock was dwindling, with fewer heads than the night before. He sought advice from the elder of the village, Eadric, known for his exceptional wisdom, hoping he would provide guidance. The elder warned him about the mythical beast - Moros, who was believed to have awakened from decades of slumber.
Overwhelmed with fear and despair, Jareth decided to confront Moros instead of surrendering to the predicament. His undying love for his flock fuelled his courage. At the heart of the night, he embarked on the treacherous journey towards the dark forest, said to be the undisturbed habitat of Moros.
The forest was a cacophony of strange sounds and eerie silhouettes. Jareth's heart pounded as he forayed deeper. All of a sudden, a deafening roar echoed through the forest. Summoning his courage, Jareth continued towards the source. In a glade bathed in moonlight, Jareth encountered the mythical beast. Moros was terrifyingly majestic - standing tall over him, his gleaming eyes reflecting a fearsome intelligence.
Jareth's bravery did not waver. He stood his ground, staring deep into Moros's eyes, and pleaded with him to spare his his flock. Moros, taken aback by the shepherd's audacity, was intrigued. He offered a deal: if Jareth agreed to share his captivating stories - the tales that had mesmerized the village for years - he'd spare his flock.
With no choices left, Jareth agreed. He started weaving storiesâthe tales of valor, innocence and love; tales of knights, maidens, and far-off landscapes; every tale that he shared was met with keen interest and insatiable curiosity from Moros. Over time, an unusual bond sprouted between them.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Every night, Jareth visited the glade to share his stories with Moros, and every day, he returned to his flock, complete and untouched. Jareth soon realized, Moros was not a savage beast, but a creature thirsting for stories amongst other things. His perception of Moros transformed, and so did Morosâs ways.
One day, the King came to visit Jareth disguised as a wanderer and was amazed by his storytelling. Impressed by the shepherdâs charming tales, the King awarded him a place in his court as the official storyteller, hoping to bring more happiness and hope to his people. The Kingâs decision swayed the villagersâ apprehension about Moros, who lived isolately in peace after that.
Jareth, from being the âThe Last Shepherdâ, transformed into the kingdomâs âFirst Storytellerâ. His tales were not just heard within the confines of his kingdom, but its echoes travelled far and wide, whispered in the wind.