The Legend of King Aderyn and the Whispering Tree
Long, long ago, in a kingdom named Sterenn, lived a wise and just king named Aderyn. The kingdom was lush and green with mountains, rivers, and colourful sea corals characterizing the northern coastlines. The people of Sterenn were happy and content, they lived in harmony, and there was great respect for the king.
Now, in the heart of the kingdom lies an ancient tree. Ancient legends spoke about this tree as the embodiment of wisdom. They said, ‘Only a person pure of heart could understand the whispers of the tree’. King Aderyn was just such a man with a pure heart.
For years, Aderyn found peace and wisdom under that tree.
One day, an old man entered the region. He was haggard, and his clothes were worn out. He looked poor and seeking help. The man was welcomed into Sterenn, for in the kingdom, no one needing help was refused. The old man thanked the king and explained he was searching for 'The Whispering Tree'. The king was taken aback. Only a few were aware of that ancient legend. The old man introduced himself as Eirian, a seeker of wisdom.
Seeing a reflection of his own past, King Aderyn guided Eirian to the tree. The king watched from afar, curious as to what wisdom the tree would impart upon the seeker. Eirian approached the tree reverently, listened intently, whispering questions with a certain profound respect in his demeanor. King Aderyn marveled at the sight of their communion and here, he learned that every seeker of wisdom has their journey and destination.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. The bond between Eirian and the tree grew stronger day by day. Eirian seemed excited each day and scribbled something down every time he communed with the tree. The spark of wisdom was quite visible in his eyes. However, one day, Eirian seemed disturbed. He rushed to the king, pleading to talk to him in private. Eirian revealed that the wisdom of the tree had borne a dangerous prophecy— a great danger was about to befall Sterenn. The prophecy went as, 'When the moon turns blue, calamity shall befall unless the pure of heart sacrifices that which he loves the most.'
King Aderyn, shocked and distressed, thanked Eirian for sharing this risky prophecy. He knew that to protect his kingdom and people, he would need to make a great sacrifice. He was a brave man, a true king. He valued the lives of his people over everything. He found his resolve and was ready to offer that which he loved the most.
The night of the prophecy came. The moon had turned an eerie dark blue, casting uncanny shadows on the kingdom. As the king walked towards the tree, his heart pounded in his chest. He was about to bid farewell to his beloved, the Whispering Tree, which he loved more than anything. As he walked to the tree, he whispered gently. 'I love you. I give you away for the people of Sterern.' Through his heart's sorrow, he felt the earth quiver benevolently at his words. Suddenly, a blinding light erupted from the tree, illuminating the kingdom for a brief moment before it disappeared.
When dawn came, the people woke to find their king lying near the withered tree. It was a scene of sorrow, but amidst it all, there was a feeling of unity, respect, and love for their brave king. His sacrifice had saved them from calamity. King Aderyn was a hero, the legend of the king and the Whispering Tree echoed throughout the kingdom.
In memory of their great king, the people decided to plant a sapling of a new tree. They named it Aderyn’s Tree. It became a symbol of wisdom, bravery, and sacrifice, reminding them of their great King Aderyn. As years passed, people from all around the world came to Sterenn, seeking the wisdom of Aderyn’s Tree, and the kingdom of Sterenn lived in harmony forever.