The Shadows of Umberton
In the bedazzling kingdom of Umberton, reigned King George, known for his wisdom and vigor. His kingdom thrived in prosperity, protected by the mysterious forces unseen, felt, but revered. These forces were known as the 'Shadows'.
The Shadows were not mere physical forms cast by light, but sentient entities. They were deemed as the guardians, shields, and forces of nature under the king's regiment. There was a sacred bond between King George and the Shadows, but it was observed only by the practice of two essential virtues - Truth and Courage.
King George had a son, Prince Gabriel - a virtuous soul and a valiant fighter, unaware of the Shadows that existed. Upon his 16th birthday, King George decided to reveal this secret to him, thus marking his steps towards his destiny.
Gabriel was taken into the concealed crypt underneath the royal castle. George narrated the history of Umberton, the legacy of Shadows, and his critical responsibility towards them. Gabriel, taken aback by this revelation, accepted the disclosure and vowed to safeguard his kingdom with sincerity.
Days passed with Gabriel learning to communicate with the Shadows. These entities communicated through whispers, silent instructions, and instincts, guiding him towards imperative decisions and dangers lurking upon the kingdom.
One such warning led Gabriel to the discovery of a conspiracy. Lord Mirewood, the diplomatic ally from the neighboring kingdom, plotted to infiltrate and take over Umberton. This revelation staggered Gabriel, for Mirewood was revered as a trusted friend.
Despite the shock, Gabriel decided to confront Mirewood. Trusting his Shadows and the virtues seeded by his father, he challenged Mirewood in the Royal court. Surrounded by the courtiers, Mirewood, with his great pretense, laughed off the accusation, pointing towards Gabriel's naive age and imagination. Gabriel had no solid proof, only the backing of the Shadows that no courtier could see or believe.
To test Gabriel's conviction, Mirewood proposed a duel. If Gabriel won, Mirewood would surrender himself; else Gabriel would have to retract his accusation publicly. King George permitted the duel, placing his trust in Gabriel and the Shadows.
The duel ring witnessed a fierce combat, where Mirewood's deception fought against Gabriel's courage. The unseen Shadows stood with Gabriel, guiding his every move, shielding from imminent attacks, and pointing towards Mirewood's loopholes.
With an unexpected sweep, Gabriel deflected Mirewood's strike, revealing the hidden weapon that Mirewood had unlawfully used in the duel. This event unveiled Mirewood's mysterious activity and vindicating Gabriel's accusation. Mirewood was arrested and removed. Peace was restored in Umberton with a new hero in its narration.
Gabriel stood high upholding the virtues of truth and courage his father instilled in him. He learned that power or the Shadows didn't define one's victory, but the righteousness of one's heart and the courage to sustain it. The Shadows had not only protected him and the kingdom, but they had cast a light on his own shadow of doubts, making him a true protector of Umberton.
The Shadows continued to whisper, guide and protect, and the tale of Umberton went on. Living amidst the kingdoms in the outside world, the tale of Shadows of Umberton stood as a reminder - not everything you can't see is non-existent.