The Stone of Justice
In a kingdom nestled between tall, snow-capped mountains and vast verdant plains, a stone unlike any other was worshipped. This stone was of a brilliant blue, glittering under the sunlight enveloped with an everlasting chill. It was called the Stone of Justice.
The people of the kingdom believed that this stone was a gift from the gods, given to their ancestors in a time of despair, the day their wicked king was dethroned. The stone was said to judge the hearts of those who touched it. A good heart was accepted, and a wicked heart was punished.
One day, a shepherd boy named Phillor found himself curiously wandering around the shrine where the stone was kept. Being a simple and honest lad, he had heard stories of the miraculous stone but had never seen it. His curiosity got the best of him, and he sneaked inside to get a closer look.
Enraptured by the stone's sparkling blue hue, Phillor hesitantly reached a small, calloused hand towards the stone. Knowing its power, he couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear. His palms met the chilling surface of the stone. There was a brief silence followed by a comforting warmth. The stone had accepted Phillor's pure and innocent heart.
Amazed at what transpired, Phillor told everyone in the village. The news spread wide, eventually reaching the king. Curiosity piqued, the king commanded Phillor to bring the stone to his palace.
King Terrance was a man known for his rigorous fairness and incorruptible will. But he was also an ambitious man, always hungering for more power. Secretly, he wished to use the stone to solidify his rule, to purge his kingdom of those with wicked hearts.
Phillor was hesitant. The thought of uprooting the stone from its shrine felt wrong. But one could not simply deny the king's command, so Phillor, filled with trepidation, agreed and took the stone to the palace.
As soon as the stone reached the palace, King Terrance couldn't hold his excitement. He eagerly extended his hand towards the stone, expecting to feel the same warmth Phillor described. But instead, his touch was met with an increasing chill that soon spread through his body, leaving him numb and shivering. His ambition had shadowed his fairness, and the stone deemed his heart wicked.
The news of the King's condition reached the citizens and sent them into a panic. It was the shepherd boy, Phillor, who acted wisely. He pleaded with the royal council to return the stone to its shrine. Recognizing their helplessness, the council agreed.
Phillor took the stone and returned it to its rightful place. As soon as it was returned, an unbearable chill left King Terrance, and warmth returned to his body. He realised his hunger for power had almost cost his life. Shamefaced, he thanked Phillor, rewarding him handsomely for his courage and wisdom.
So, the story of Phillor's bravery spread far and wide, serving as a reminder for all, especially the power-hungry King Terrance, that justice and truth could not be masked or manipulated by power or desire.
The Stone of Justice remained undisturbed, emanating its chilled radiance, judging hearts and offering wisdom. And righteous hearts always found their way to it, gaining the mortar to build a kingdom of fairness and honesty.