The Legend of the Forgotten King
A long, long time ago, in a kingdom resting amidst the heart of the dense forest with colossal trees and mystical creatures, there reigned a benevolent King, Erwin. He was loved by everyone for his kindness and elicited respect through his wisdom. The story I am about to tell you is about King Erwin, whose legacy gradually disappeared into the mist of oblivion.
There once stood a splendid and magnificent castle in the heart of that vibrant kingdom, flooded with ethereal beauty. King Erwin governed the kingdom not as a tyrant but as a father would care for his children. He was renowned for his wisdom and excellent tactics in the entire realm. The people revered him, while the knights admired him, and the nobility respected him. All was well until one fine day, the skies turned dark, and the earth trembled. The once thriving kingdom was now overshadowed by fear and death, for a monstrous beast had started terrorizing the vast kingdom. The sight of the creature was enough to drive the bravest of the warriors into the depths of fear. It was a demon bear, possessing eyes as red as blood, claws as sharp as a gargoyle's spines, and a roar that could shake mountains.
The King immediately summoned his knights and prepared them for the imminent battle. Filled with valour and fueled by the desire to protect their lands, the knights stood up against the beast. But one by one, they fell, their weapons proved pathetic against the might of the beast. Despair filled the hearts of the people as their last line of defence seemed to crumble before their eyes. The kingdom was on the brink of destruction, and the only hope remaining was the king himself.
The next day, King Erwin, dressed in royal armor, wielding his legendary sword, walked into the deadly forest where the beast resided. He was ready to sacrifice his life for the tranquility of his kingdom. The beast roared, sending waves of ominous vibrations through the ground. But King Erwin stood like an epitome of bravery and courage. The battle was fierce. It looked like the king was dancing with death while taming fire. But each time, he rose, his sword gleaming with the brilliance of his spirit.
After hours of relentless combat, the king managed to strike the beast's heart. A deafening roar echoed throughout the forest, trembling each leaf and pebble. Then, there was silence. The beast lay lifeless, but so did the king, with his sword still clenching in his firm grasp. Albeit it was a day of victory, it soon turned into a day of immense loss, as the news of their saviour's death spread across the kingdom.
Years passed, and the kingdom changed. Dynasties rose and fell and with them, King Erwin's memory. The mighty castle stood like a ghost of the past, whispering the long lost tale of the brave king and his sacrifice.
One day, a young wanderer came across the castle. He was captivated by its grandeur and felt an irresistible urge to explore its history. Through the villagers, he learnt about King Erwin and his valiant act. Story after story, he listened and was marveled at the king's bravery and altruism. His respect for the king turned into admiration and then into a responsibility. He decided to bring back the memory of the king from the forgotten pages of time.
The wanderer went back to his home country and shared the king’s story. His passion and King Erwin’s tale touched the hearts of many. People planned pilgrimages to King Erwin's kingdom, the once desolated castle was now teeming with life. King Erwin’s legend was etched into their hearts, and the king was never forgotten ever after. Thus, a forgotten king once lost to the depths of time was brought back to life by words and lived in stories, affirming that real heroes never die. They live in the hearts of the people they protect.