The Saga of The Golden Apple Tree
Long ago, in the heart of a broad and fertile land, lay a town of men who had forged their livelihoods from the wild. This town, known as Thessar, was surrounded by towering forests, vivid green valleys, and large mountains. Thessar was wealthy, not by the accumulation of gold and silver, but due to its prosperous land and their most treasured possession, a golden apple tree, the last of its kind.
The golden apple tree stood tall in the center of Thessar, its roots were weaved intrinsically into the town's heart. The golden apples that dangled from the tree were rumored to possess the power to heal any ailment. It brought in travelers from near and far to witness its glow, and the fortunate ones were granted an apple by the 'Guardians of the Tree', a group elected by the town's folk to shield the tree.
Among the Guardians, Kylan was the youngest. Bright eyed and full of purpose, Kylan was chosen for his courage and loyal nature. He loved Thessar more than anything and would go to any lengths to protect the golden apple tree.
However, peace in Thessar was disrupted when a menacing dragon arrived, slumbering beneath the city’s mountain. It wanted the golden apples for its avarice. The dragon torched the surroundings, bellowing threats to the town's folk, promising cessation in return for the golden apples.
The fear-stricken townsfolk thought of surrendering, but Kylan stepped forward, 'We should not give in to such tyranny. The golden apple tree is our heart, we must protect it.' But others feared the dragon's wrath and Kylan sadly found himself alone in his resolve.
One day, as the dragon's ultimatum drew nearer, Kylan noticed the glow of the golden apple tree dimming. The more the town's hope waned, the more the tree withered. Understanding this peculiar phenomenon, Kylan knew it was not just the dragon they were fighting against, but their fear as well.
Clad in courage, Kylan embarked on a solitary mission to face the dragon. He knew of one old legend which said that a dragon's power lay in its heart, just like Thessar’s lay in the golden apple tree. By using an arrow carved from the sacred tree, Kylan decided to strike at the heart of the dragon.
He ventured into the cavernous mountain and faced the dragon. A daunting battle ensued, with flames painting the skies, but Kylan stood firm. Navigating the perilous flames and the dragon's seething rage, Kylan launched his arrow, striking the dragon's heart. With a thunderous roar, the dragon collapsed, its reign of terror ended.
As Kylan returned, Thessar stood quiet, etched with the remains of their cowardice. Kylan was different, strength radiated off him, it wasn't just a victory over the dragon, but their fear as well. As Kylan said, 'We didn't need the golden apples to save us, we needed the courage to believe in them.'
Slowly, the town rebuilt, their spirit grew stronger and the golden apple tree started glowing brighter than ever. Kylan's saga of courage became a legend in Thessar and was told generation after generation, echoing the power of belief over fear.
And so, Thessar flourished, their golden apple tree standing tall, a symbol of their unwavering spirit. Its glow was a beacon to all, whispering a tale, that courage comes not from power, but from faith, and from the heart, we derive our greatest strength.