The Silent Honor
Once upon a time, in the ancient city of Jindsa, lived a humble, rope-maker named Shia. She lived in a small home with her two children Resheph and Elin. Despite being a widow, she was always full of life with an endearing smile.
Taking over as the breadwinner, she worked from dawn to dusk, meticulously crafting ropes for her fellow city dwellers. Although her work was arduous, she never complained, rightfully believing her work brought people together.
One day, the city of Jindsa received the news of a royal visit from the realm’s king. The king was said to be notorious, known for his arrogance and unkindness. Fearing the royal arrival, the city was surrounded by cold anxiety contrasted with the warm sun.
As the day of the king’s arrival approached, Shia, just like the rest of the city, was nervous but went about her work like every other day. Creating the toughest knots and the smoothest cords, she toiled yet always had time for her children's stories and education.
On the dreaded day, the King, dressed in his lavish attire and accompanied by a large retinue, paraded through the city streets, his eyes searching for flaws and reasons for rebuke. As he crossed the market square, he spotted a lone vendor still toiling - it was Shia, deeply engrossed in her work. He approached her with a challenging gleam in his eyes.
'Your job seems easy? Show me, how you weave a rope', the King commanded. This unexpected confrontation made Shia nervous, but she decided to confidently show the craftsmanship behind her honest labor. Taking a long strand, she started to explain the process, her hands deftly weaving the strands into a rope.
Halfway through, the king grabbed another strand and tried weaving a rope himself but ended up creating a messy and knotted cord. This embarrassed him and, in his fury, the king declared a challenge directed at Shia.
He gave Shia a task - to create a rope that could sustain the weight of the royal treasure. He promised her the wealth she would never imagine in return, but failure would result in exile. Undeterred by fear, Shia accepted the challenge, believing in her craft and her honorable intentions.
Days turned into nights as Shia worked relentlessly on the rope. Her children offered help, but she insisted on doing this alone. It was her fight; her honor was at stake.
Finally, the day came when Shia had to present her creation to the king. In the market square and in front of the whole city, she presented her rope to the king. A massive cauldron filled with the royal treasure was hauled high into the air, sustained by Shia's rope. The city held its breath.
The rope held firm, not a single fiber out of place. The crowd erupted in applause. Shia had beaten the King at his challenge. However, the King was not quelled, his arrogance remaining intact. 'Your part of wealth was hanging with the treasure. You only get what's left after the rope cut,' he said insultingly.
Without wasting a second, Shia swiftly cut the rope. The cauldron fell, its content scattering all around. However, what shocked everyone was that the treasure contained only worthless stones. The real wealth had been in the cauldron's lid that now lied open at Shia’s feet.
Her seemingly insignificant reward turned out to be a hoard of rare gems concealed in lead. The city roared in approval as Shia, with grace and humility, accepted her well-deserved reward. And the King, in his humiliation, left the city, his arrogance defeated.
Shia's story spread across towns and cities, her silent honor and hard work becoming a tale of inspiration. Though she continued living her simple life, oblivious to her fame, she silently taught a lesson of humility, diligence, and honor to those who thought they could undermine her labor.
In the end, she was just a ropemaker, yet she was more than that. She was a symbol of resolute will, quiet honor, and the quiet strength of humility against the roaring waves of arrogance and power. Even years later, her tale is told with pride and serves as a reminder of the strength and honor that lies in true, honest work.