The Quest for the Dragon's Eye
Once in a far distant kingdom ruled by the wise King Eldridge, there lay a prophecy that said, 'Only a true hero, pure of heart, can retrieve the Dragon’s Eye – the jewel that could save the kingdom from impending doom.'
The Dragon's Eye was a magical gem; embedded in the forehead of a mighty dragon, Cratox. Cratox dwelled in the Precipice of Shadows, a jagged peak wrapped in ominous dark clouds, far away from the kingdom.
The kingdom lived in harmony until King Eldridge's sickness spread rumors of the prophecy. The chief doctor announced that only the magical powers of the Dragon's Eye could undo the mysterious illness. The news resulted in many brave men embarking on this perilous journey. Still, none returned, presumably falling victim to Cratox's fiery wrath.
Meanwhile, in the quiet village of Bellbrooke by the kingdom's boundary, a young orphan named Oliver was reading the prophecy in a dusty old book. Strangely drawn to the tale, Oliver decided to find the Dragon's Eye himself. With just a satchel and a small iron dagger, Oliver set out on his journey, his brave heart pulsating with determination.
On his journey, Oliver met Alara, a wise and experienced witch with mystical knowledge. Sensing his pure intentions, Alara gave him a pair of magical boots that could help him scale the Precipice of Shadows. With Alara's blessings, Oliver entered the dangerous mountain path.
Oliver battled specters and trickster goblins, outwitting them all. Using his wit, courage, and the magical boots' power, he reached the lair of Cratox. There, he watched in awe as Cratox, a tremendous, serpentine dragon with scales glittering like the night sky, rose before him. The mesmerizing gem on its forehead was the Dragon’s Eye, radiating a soothing aura.
Instead of stealing, Oliver, with respect in his voice, narrated his reason, pleading for the Dragon's Eye. Touched by his sincerity, Cratox decided to give him a chance. 'If you can answer my riddle, then the Eye is yours. Fail, and you shall join the others who dared to claim my treasure,' he bellowed.
The riddle was, 'What swings yet does not move, giving but leaves you empty?'
Oliver, thinking hard, remembered his childhood in the Bellbrooke orphanage, where an old pendulum clock hung on the wall. He replied, 'Time, it is. It swings but does not move, it gives everyone moments but leaves us empty as it passes.'
Cratox, impressed by his wisdom, detached the Dragon's Eye and gave it to Oliver. With his objective achieved, Oliver hurriedly returned home.
As soon as the Dragon’s Eye was presented to the King, the gem shed ethereal light, enveloping King Eldridge. With this magical light, the King's sickness lifted, and he restored to his vigorous health.
King Eldridge bestowed upon Oliver the highest honor of the kingdom and formally recognized him as a hero. Yet, Oliver refused wealth and status, asking only for a modest house in Bellbrooke and a promise that the kingdom would always help the needy.
To this day, Oliver’s tale is whispered around campfires, inspiring children to be brave, wise, and selfless. His tale is a stirring reminder that status and power do not create heroes; instead, their true strength lies within their courageous heart and selfless spirit.