The Sapphire in the Labyrinth🔊

Once upon a time, in the small, enchanting town of Edenridge, clung onto the side of a mountain, lay a giant labyrinth. For centuries, it was known that at its heart lies the biggest, most beautiful, and mystical sapphire, the Dome of Stars. Legend binds an old prophecy with the Dome of Stars, saying whosoever shall possess it shall rule the entire kingdom of Edenridge, blessed with a prosperous reign. This brought aspiring men from near and far, who dared to see the sapphire sparkle, albeit, none were successful; the labyrinth tricks their senses, ensnaring them with its never-ending twists and turns.

The king of Edenridge, a wise and benevolent man named Alaric, was much too old and frail to venture into the labyrinth himself. His only son, Prince Cedric, a youthful lad of nineteen summers, full of heart and determination, trained at the hands of the finest knights of the kingdom and the scholars of high learning—gearing himself to enter the labyrinth and retrieve the Dome of Stars, not for material gains, but to fulfill the prophecy and bring prosperity to his kingdom.

The day of his expedition arrived. The entire kingdom gathered at the entrance to cheer for their beloved prince. With a heart filled with hope and bravery, Cedric descended into the labyrinth, the cheers and roars echoing behind him.

Inside the winding walls of the labyrinth, Cedric encountered all sorts of perils. There were winding pathways, filled with overgrown thorny bushes and sharp rocks, treacherous cliffs he could barely see, and sudden forks in the path that left him second-guessing his every move.

In his journey, he crossed paths with a seemingly ordinary but old and frail woman, stuck in the labyrinth herself. Out of kindness, Cedric decided to help her navigate the exit, using everything he'd learned to plot their course.

Their time together was filled with shared tales, laughter, and support, as they overcame trials and tribulations. And while Cedric was on a quest to find the Dome of Stars, he found himself profoundly moved by the simple woman's wisdom and kindness—an unforeseen treasure in the labyrinth of life.

Days turned into weeks, and just as all hope seemed fading, in the heart of the labyrinth, they found it. The Dome of Stars—bigger, brighter, and more breathtaking than any story could capture. It was nestled in a celestial bed of glimmering gemstones, casting a mesmerizing hue around the chamber.

But as Cedric reached out to claim it, a brilliant light enveloped the frail woman, and in her place stood a beautiful sorceress dressed in shimmering robes. 'I am Selene,' she explained, smiling, 'the guardian of the Dome of Stars and the tester of hearts. You have demonstrated kindness, courage, and wisdom in your journey. These qualities, not the Dome itself, will bring prosperity to your kingdom.'

She held out the Dome of Stars, which faded into an insignia fashioned from pure sapphire. 'Carry this as a sign of your true strength, and rule your kingdom with the same valor you displayed here. For kindness and wisdom are the true gems of any throne.'

When Prince Cedric emerged from the labyrinth, Dome of Stars insignia in hand, the people of Edenridge greeted him with jubilation. Their prince had fulfilled the prophecy, but in a different manner than they had expected. His stories of wisdom and kindness echoed through the kingdom, making his reign one of the most prosperous and peaceful that Edenridge had ever seen.