The Song of The Crystal Reed
In the serene kingdom of Islador, there was an old legend that told about the purest manifestation of magic – the crystal reed. Many dismissed this legend as a mere yarn spun by old wives, but to some, it was the purpose of their existence. This is their story.
There was a young boy named Torin, a miner's son, whose heart was gentler, and mind was sharper than the tips of the highest mountain peaks in Islador. He had an exceptional affinity for stories, especially the legend of the crystal reed. He grew up listening to it, often from the lips of the oldest inhabitants of their picturesque village draped by the thickety woods and light-purple heather flowers.
According to the legend, deep in the heart of the Islador woods, a reed of pure crystal existed. The reed's magic could only be awakened by a melody pure and harmonious, flowing from the heart of a true believer. The enchanting tune would awaken the crystal reed, granting the believer a single wish.
One day, overcome by the urge to substantiate the legend, Torin ventured deep into the woods, his lute in hand, courage in his heart. Under the canopy of giant trees and a twirling mist that tasted like ancient secrets, he sensed an ethereal presence. It was the crystal reed, towering like an exquisite sculpture, translucent yet filled with rainbows. With shaking fingers, he began playing the most heartfelt melody, one that carried his hopes, dreams, and wishes.
His tune awakened the crystal reed, flooding the forest in a wave of magic, glittering with a thousand shades of the spectrum. The reed, enchanted by Torin's melody, asked for his wish. But, Torin wished not for gold nor power but for his father's failing health. The crystal reed smiled at the purity of his wish and healed his father instantly.
News of the crystal reed spread far and wide, reaching the greedy King's ears, who decided to exploit the reed's magical powers. The King, a tone-deaf man, forced Torin to lead him to the crystal reed. As they arrived at the enchanting clearing, the King commanded Torin to play his lute, but fear choked the melody in Torin.
After several failed attempts, Torin asked the king to play his soul's melody. Begrudgingly, the king strummed the lute, but instead of a melodious song, a cacophonous noise filled the forest. The crystal reed, abhorring the greed in the King's tone, turned to dust, sealing its magic forever.
Torin returned home, his heart heavy with the loss of the magical reed yet bursting with joy at his father's miraculous recovery. He became the embodiment of the legend he aspired to uncover, a hero who touched magic through his pure heart.
Years later, the story of the crystal reed and Torin remained, spoken in hushed whispers, bringing hope to some and teaching the folly of greed to many. Torin's lute was an heirloom, its melodies echoing the purity of heart and the magic of beliefs.