The Last Victory
In a mythical realm beyond the comprehension of ordinary men, resided a benevolent and wise king named Arthur. His dominion was not of brick and mortar but of spirits, dreams, and hope. He ruled over the peaceful kingdom of Estoria, where dreams of humans took physical forms and thrived in blissful harmony. His court was adorned with the most fabulous dreams and aspirations of mankind. The tale that I am about to share is about King Arthur's last journey before his eternal slumber.
King Arthur, known for his wit and knowledge, was renowned far and wide, but the years had feasted on his resilience, leaving behind an aging man nearing the end of his time. As his health deteriorated, Arthur worried about his realm, his people, and their dreams. He yearned for a ruler to succeed him; one who would value the dreams and ensure their prosperity.
He called upon his counselor, Orius, who was the personification of wisdom, to seek advice. Orius pondered deeply, penning a plan that would test the valor of their prospective successors. Whoever managed to succeed in three tasks - each respectively personifying courage, empathy, and wisdom, would be named the next King of Estoria.
The announcement echoed across the kingdom, reaching every corner. Before long, eager spirits and hopes in humanoid disguise convened to listen to the ancient counselor. The first task was to reach the peak of Mount Intrepid, a trail so dangerous that even the strongest of spirits hesitated to attempt it.
If a contender could scale the icy cliffs, survive the wild beasts that roamed the path, and stand triumphantly atop the craggy peak, it would demonstrate genuine courage. In spite of its hazardous reputation; scores of attendants, gathered courage and embarked on the perilous journey uphill.
Only a handful returned victorious, displaying their courage and determination. Each triumphant return was celebrated, but the trials were far from over. The next task was designed to test empathy. They were given a sprout and were instructed to nurture it to fruition. The sprout wasn't an ordinary plant; it fed upon the nurturing spirit's compassion and care, blossoming only when watered with true empathy.
Some spirits viewed it as a simple task, growing overconfident. They failed to understand the concept of true empathy and their sprouts withered away. But for the few who understood, their sprouts bloomed into beautiful, sentient trees. They had successfully demonstrated their heart's capacity for deep empathy.
The final task was to solve the Riddle of Ages, a conundrum so complex it was said to drive spirits into madness. Only wisdom could unravel the riddle's mysterious layers. This final hurdle eliminated many who had passed the tests of courage and empathy, but lacked the wisdom required to rule. In the end, only a single contender, Elysian, a dream of a young human boy who aspired to become a soldier, emerged victorious.
Elysian, having succeeded in all three trials, was deemed worthy. King Arthur, in his dying moments, crowned Elysian as his successor. The old king closed his eyes one last time, content that he left his beloved kingdom in able hands. Elysian, though overwhelmed by his new responsibilities, promised to follow the path outlined by Arthur, vowing to protect the realm of dreams with all the courage, empathy, and wisdom he possessed.
And so, the frail, old king found his eternal peace, and a new story began in the Kingdom of Estoria under the reign of King Elysian, a dream come true.