The Star of Astoria🔊

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of Astoria, referenced by many as the city of stars, there lived a humble baker named Edmund.

Edmund unlike others, claimed of a secret - a star he had found one rainy night, fallen from the sky on the outskirts of Astoria, shining with radiant celestial energy. He cherished it as a son cherishes his father's inheritance or how a devoted monk values his divine scriptures. It wasn't a mere dream or eccentrically vibrant hallucination, it was tangible and every bit real. Every time he glanced at the star, it would shine brighter than before, pouring a profound sense of serenity over him, inspiring him to replicate its aura in everything he did, may it be his baking or his demeanor.

Edmund's bakery was a delight to many. Just like their baker, the cakes and pastries held a unique charm of their own. Children from faraway corners, knights returning from battles, weary travelers, and even the noble ladies, were all spellbound by the sublime flavor and enchanting sweetness of his baked goods. A strawberry tart, for example, was not just a tart, it embodied the captivating lusciousness of a ripe red strawberry, dipped in the heavenly sweetness of golden honey. It was as if every pastry was baked with a touch of the radiant star that Edmund kept as treasure. Reputation of the enchanted bakery soon reached the palace, catching the attention of the discerning king.

King Leopold was a wise and just king, but his curiosity was as vast as his kingdom. Intrigued by tales of the mystical baker/bakery, he decided to invite Edmund to his royal feast. That evening, every noble, each Knight, and the wise king himself, tasted the celestial aura in Edmund’s pastries. The feast, which was supposed to be the king's coronation anniversary, turned into a celebration of Edmund's divine baking.

Impressed by the unique essence, the king asked Edmund about his secret. Humbled by the king's curiosity, Edmund introduced everyone to his celestial secret - the fallen star, now an enchanting amulet wrapped around his neck. King Leopold and his courtiers were aghast, yet spellbound. They gazed at the star, radiant yet soothing, as it reflected the divine energy that the people of Astoria had tasted in the baked goods.

King Leopold was a man of wit and wisdom, yet he couldn't disregard the ember of greed that kindled in his heart. He summoned Edmund and asked him to surrender the star, promising to protect it wisely. For Edmund, the star was not just a stone, it was his companion, his muse, his life. He could very well dismantle his life from his body but could never part ways with the star. He firmly but politely declined the King's demand, explaining the bond he shared with the star.

The refusal came as a shock to King Leopold. In a fit of rage, he decreed Edmund to be an enemy of the state and banished him from Astoria, seizing the star. But, he failed to realize that true power doesn't come from possessing an item but understanding its essence. As the king could not understand the star, its radiance dimmed and ultimately died.

Astoria mourned the loss of Edmund and the joy that his bakery brought. The once busy streets were now desolated, the laughter replaced by silence. The King, now regretting his impulse, was heartbroken. He realized his mistake and decided to return the star to Edmund.

Edmund, living alone in the wilderness, was astonished but heartened to see the King's envoy bringing the star to him. With Edmund, the star, once dull and lifeless, glowed with the same pure, celestial light. Seeing this, the King's envoy brought Edmund back to Astoria where he was welcomed amidst the cheer of people, more loved and revered than ever before.

The star of Astoria shone brightly again, in Edmund's bakery and in the hearts of the people. King Leopold, having learned his lesson, never let his greed govern his decisions again. Edmund continued to bake his celestial goods, bringing joy and smiles, beaming brighter than ever, just like his beloved star.

A glorifying tale of love, companionship, repentance, and wisdom teaches us that power isn’t in possessing but understanding, love is about cherishing and not owning, and wisdom is in correcting one's mistakes. The star still shines in Astoria, illuminating every heart that remembers the tale of Edmund and his beloved star.