The Shepherd's Secret🔊

Once upon a time, in a land nestled amidst undulating hills and golden wheat fields, there thrived a tiny hamlet named Yona. The inhabitants of Yona, with their everyday laughter and arguments, were as beautiful and diverse as the rustic countryside that surrounded them. However, amidst the cheer, there was an unsolved mystery that hung over the village – the mystery of a reclusive shepherd boy, Arun.

Arun was a weather-beaten lad of fifteen known for his ever-vigilant sheepdog and mysterious flute music that often wafted through the valleys. Rumors about Arun's past filled the village taproom, whispered often but never confirmed. Yet no one ever dared to ask him, fearing the retribution of invading his privacy.

One day, as the crimson tendrils of the setting sun laced through the swirling mist, an old, bent traveller hobbled into Yona. Tired and weary, he sought refuge and found himself in the lively taproom. As the villagers regaled him with local anecdotes, Arun's mystique inevitably became the conversation's epicenter. The old man listened carefully and then shook his head.

'I can help unravel the boy's mystery,' he said. 'But I'd ask for your patience and an attentive ear.'

The villagers agreed, their eyes sparkling with excitement.

The old traveller began his tale. 'Many years ago, in a kingdom far away, there was a benevolent king. He loved music above all and had a son, who was a brilliant flautist. The prince, who was similar to your Arun in age, was adored by all. But their happiness was short-lived. One fateful night, the castle was attacked – a coup by his own Uncle, lusting for the throne. The king was murdered, and the young prince barely escaped. He ran away, leaving his life of royalty behind.'

The air in the room felt heavy as everyone held their breaths. The old man continued, 'When he had fled far enough, he took refuge in a shepherd’s hut. The shepherd taught him to tend sheep, and the prince, once living in luxuries, began his life as a shepherd. The royal prince turned into a humble shepherd.'

With the last word of the tale, the room fell silent. The villagers looked at each other, their faces pale. The shepherd boy Arun was their prince. The old man nodded, 'I was the royal advisor. I survived the coup and been looking for the prince ever since. I believe your Arun is the lost prince.'

Overwhelmed with a rush of emotions, the villagers decided to approach Arun the next day. To their surprise, when they broached the topic, Arun just sighed and nodded. His cherubic face displayed a myriad of complexities. But along with his confession, he made it clear that he had no intentions to go back and claim his throne.

He told the villagers, 'I am a Prince, yes. But now, I am merely a shepherd boy who plays a flute. The throne might be my past, but these fields, the sheep, the flute music piercing the tranquillity of my nights, this is my present and my future.'

Arun's revelation was met with utmost respect by the Yonians. They cherished him not as a Prince but still as the shepherd boy who preferred the rustle of the fields over the clinking of royal jewellery. They protected his secret as fervently as they had sought it, and Yona remained the haven it had always been for Arun.

His story served as a reminder. A reminder of the changing motifs of life, and the important lesson that sometimes, leaving one's destined path can lead him to where he truly belongs.