The Legend of the Silver Stag
A long time ago, in a kingdom bounded by mighty snow-clad mountains, gurgling streams and lush green woods, thrived a fairly bustling village named Aires. The villagers were simple folk, dwelling on farming and hunting.
One hunting tradition recited from generation to generation was about a mythical creature, the Silver Stag. The Silver Stag, with its twinkling silvery coat and large majestic antlers, was said to be involved in the creation and protection of Aires itself.
Our protagonist, a young lad named Eadan, with sparkling eyes full of dreams and a heart brimming with courage, was intrigued by the tale of the Silver Stag. Ignoring the villagers’ warning, he embarked on a quest to hunt down this mythical beast.
Eadan journeyed across vast fields, steep cliffs, and dense woods. Each night, under the watchful eyes of the moon, he heard rustles in the thicket, further fuelling his belief in the existence of the Silver Stag.
One cold, frosty twilight, there it was! The twinkling coat, ample antlers masterfully carved by nature itself, trotting across the icy glade. Eadan was awestruck; the enormous beauty of the Stag was beyond words. Eadan, pulling out his bow, was ready. He took a deep breath, focused, and was about to release the arrow when a mighty voice echoed, “Stop!”
Eadan was startled. It was the Silver Stag! It spoke in a rather calming and authoritative voice, pleading Eadan to spare its life, asking him to abandon his quest. Shaken yet mesmerised, he lowered his bow, interested in hearing the Stag's tale.
The stag narrated its story and described its sacred role in protecting Aires. He described a prophecy that foretold a disaster striking Aires if the stag was ever harmed. These tales and the fateful prophecy had got lost in the folklore over generations.
Eadan, realising his mistake, pledged to protect the Stag and returned to Aires without any glory of a victorious hunt but with a heavy heart burdened by the truth.
He reached the village only to find panic and chaos. Aires had been hit by a severe drought that year. Fields were barren, rivers dried out. Livestock was dying, and the villagers were fleeing their homes.
Eaden knew the time had come to unveil the truth about the Silver Stag. Most villagers dismissed it as fantasy, some even ridiculed him. But, Eadan was determined. He rallied the young ones, recounted the tales of the Silver Stag. His conviction started bringing the villagers together. The village that once cared for nothing but hunting now stood strong to protect the beast.
Eadan led the initiative to conserve their forest and rivers, ensuring Aires became increasingly hospitable for the Stag. The village refrained from hunting, engaged in collective farming, and slowly, life began to heal. It poured one magical night; the river filled, the fields turned green. The Silver Stag was sighted more often, strolling across the river or standing atop the green cliff.
Eadan was hailed for his wit, courage, and spirit for leading the village through its dark time, ensuring it came out stronger and wiser.
Years later, Aires was known not just for its beauty but also for its tale; the tale of the Silver Stag and the courageous lad who fought not to kill, but to conserve. Eadan was no longer just a man. He had become a legend, the legend of Aires.