The Silent Soldier🔊

In the small, forgotten town of Berida, in the shadow of the imposing Mount Maark, lived a silent soldier named Orion. His tall figure often walked the quaint streets quietly, causing the people to grow fond of him, despite his taciturn nature. His deep eyes, sharp as a hawk's, had seen countless battles and bore the scars of many wars.

When Orion had been a young boy, he had demonstrated an uncanny skill with the sword. His father, a blacksmith, marveled at Orion’s skill and dedication, training him tirelessly for years until the young boy became known for his unparalleled talent in combat. However, Orion also developed a sense of intense empathy toward the sufferings of others, which was reflected in his quiet demeanor.

One day, news reached their peaceful town that a war was stirring in the distant kingdom of Kraide. The king's excessively oppressive rules had caused the people to rise in rebellion. Orion, guided by a sense of honour and justice, decided to join the rebellion. The village elders protested, but Orion’s determination was unwavering.

As the once silent warrior battled on different fronts, word of his bravery and tactical genius spread across the lands like wildfire. The rebels looked up to him, and the common folk sang songs about him. But every victory claimed a piece of Orion's tranquility, a sliver of his calm, replacing it with vicarious pain for the comrades he lost.

Among the stories circulating about Orion, the most famous one was of the battle at Huntsford, a turning point in the war. Huntsford was the crucial stronghold of King Darian of Kraide, where the king was known to store all his treasures and machinery. The rebel army traded blows with the royal army on the open plains outside Huntsford. However, outnumbered and out-weapons, the rebellions started losing momentum.

Just when things seemed hopeless, Orion spotted a vulnerable side of the royal army and led a handful of soldiers to attack it. This diversion created enough chaos for the main force to regain their footing and launch a robust counter-offensive. Orion's brave move not only saved his comrades but also led to the capture of Huntsford, ultimately turning the tide of war.

When the war finally ended, Orion returned to Berida, a hero in the eyes of the world, but to him, he was just a soldier who had fought for the right side. Despite the praise and adulation, his return was not met with celebration but with an alarming silence. The kin of those who hadn't returned from the war had only tears to offer him.

Haunted by the echoes of war, Orion retreated further into his silence and isolated himself. He shut himself in his room, not even willing to wield his sword anymore. And so, Berida's hero returned, not as a fierce warrior but as a silent soldier, his spirit embattled and worn.

Years later, an aged man arrived in Berida, claiming to be a historian documenting stories of the great war. He journeyed to Orion's humble abode and begged for an audience with him. Worried about his reclusiveness, the villagers implored Orion to meet the historian, and he obliged.

The historian brought something that sparked life back into Orion's tired eyes: letters. They were notes written by the soldiers who'd served under Orion, thanking him for his leadership. They told stories of how Orion had saved their lives, how his bravery had given them hope, and how his strategies had brought them victory.

With each letter, Orion realized the impact he'd had on so many lives. This revelation was like a salve to his war-weary heart. He noticed how his silence had been misinterpreted, how his empathy had been called weakness, and how his isolation wasn't the solution.

There and then, he decided to share his experiences, to pass on his knowledge, to break the silence. Orion started training young men and women in Berida to fight. Not to promote violence, but to strengthen them, preparing them for a day they would hopefully never see.

The transformation was astounding. The silent soldier of Berida started talking, started sharing, and in doing so, he began healing. He helped his town heal from the scars of war and encouraged them to remember, not just the loss, but also the love they had for one another. And so, Orion's tale turned over a new leaf. No longer a tale of silence and isolation, it became a story of hope, resilience, and firm determination.

The world remembered Orion as a war hero, but for the little town of Berida, he was, and always would be, their silent soldier.