The Silent Guardian of Arcadia🔊

In the lush green landscapes of Mountrom, there was an idyllic little village named Arcadia. It was enveloped by towering mountains on one side and a serene river flowing endlessly on the other. The beauty of Arcadia lay in its simplicity, and perhaps the most distinctive feature was the single towering lighthouse. Owned by an old man named Norman, it was named 'The Eye of Arcadia'.

Norman was a peculiar man, a recluse. Residing alone in the lighthouse, he would while away his time observing the world beneath from the top floor of the lighthouse, documenting the day-to-day life of the villagers in a diary that he held very dear.

One day, Norman noticed a group of menacing men skulk into Arcadia. Looking through his telescope, he recognized them as the infamous Plunderers Gang known widely for their loots and ransacks. Panic washed over Norman as he rushed downstairs to warn the villagers. However, his warnings fell on deaf ears, brushed aside as baseless worries of an old man.

Disappointed but more determined, Norman returned to his den. He had to formulate a plan. He decided to use the lighthouse to create warnings. Every day he would watch the gang closely and, knowing about their superstitious beliefs, he started creating illusions through the lighthouse lights, mimicking omens that were deemed unlucky by the gang.

His plan worked. Suspicion rose amongst the gang as they became unsettled, experiencing one bad omen after another. Though they were fierce, they were also deeply superstitious, questioning their stakeouts in this seemingly ominous village. On the seventh day, when they saw the mirrored image of cawing crows (a sign of fatal consequences in their folklore) they decided to flee.

The villagers, oblivious to the danger they had been in, experienced a series of events they deemed as miracles. The superstitious Plunderers Gang abandonment was the last of these miracles which was celebrated greatly. Even though Norman’s bravery went unnoticed, he felt content knowing that his home was saved.

Time passed, seasons changed. The villagers went about their everyday life, while up in the lighthouse, Norman continued to serve as Arcadia's silent guardian. Destiny had presented him with the opportunity, and he had silently accepted the responsibility. His actions were guided by his love for his village, proving that one does not need to wear a cape to be a hero.