The River Guardian and the Boy: A tale from Cedor🔊

Once upon a time, in a quiet corner of the world, there existed a small town named Cedor. The town was located on the banks of the mighty River Bell. People lived in harmonious coexistence, developing a steady rhythm that corresponded with the ebb and flow of the river. Their simple lifestyle was enriched by their web of human relationships and an inseparable bond with nature. Ironically, the people of Cedor revered the river as their guardian deity, and the river too enjoyed their solemn respect, never causing any harm.

However, there was one aspect which was a mystery to all. The river at times roared at the sight of the full moon. For generations, the people followed a superstition, that the river roared due to the presence of a monster named, Morros. Some believed that their ancestors had dashed Morros into the river due to its inhuman deeds. Hence, the elders of Cedor advised their young ones not to venture close to the Bell on a full moon night.

Lucas, a young courageous lad of Cedor, was fascinated by this secret. His inquisitiveness increased every day until one full moon night, he made up his mind to unravel the mystery. Unarmed, he stepped near the riverbank, his heart pounding but his spirit unbroken. As he got closer, the river roared louder. Suddenly, he saw the river moving, creating whirlpools and finally, an enormous figure emerged from it.

Surprisingly, Morros was not a monster, but a giant, gentle fish, with a body glowing in yellow and fins gaunt like those of a dragon’s. Unlike the horror-filled tales narrated by his ancestors, Lucas discovered the reality that Morros was a magical creature, a protector of the river, not a monster. His roar was the expression of pain every full moon night because his body radiated intense energy due to the moon's impact. Lucas approached Morros, offering empathy, healing him by gently caressing his enormous body. The roaring subsided, and Morros sank gracefully into the quietness of Bell.

Lucas visited Morros every full moon night, both becoming intimate friends. Morros, as a token of gratitude, presented Lucas with a tiny, glowing scale from his body. The scale had a miraculous power; it contained water from River Bell that could heal any wound or ailiness. As the news spread, people sought the magic water, and Lucas generously helped them all. The tales of the river-monster turned protector, and his mysterious friend, Lucas, became legends in the peaceful town of Cedor, their story one of courage, exploration, and friendship.

In years to come, the quiet riverbank under the full moon blossomed into a joyful gathering place. The river ceased to roar on full moon nights, but the atmosphere filled hums of joy, reverberating in the calm of the night. The town Cedor thrived prosperously under the benevolence and bond of Lucas and Morros, the River Guardian.