The Test of Wisdom: Tale of Yonderwood
Once upon a time, in the village of Yonderwood, a clever man of unfathomable wisdom lived. His name was Eli. Eli was known far and wide for his intelligence and problem-solving capabilities. The story unfolds when his wisdom was put to the greatest test.
On a quiet afternoon, Eli, known for his wisdom, was called to the Grand Central House - a significant place where all the matters of the village were discussed and decided. Givea, the village chief, had received a proposition - an invitation to a battle of wisdom from the nearby village of Duskwood. The challenge was simple - ‘Three questions, three answers.’ The village able to answer all three questions would be crowned the 'Village of Ultimate Wisdom' at the annual gathering. Eli was chosen as Yonderwood’s champion and thereby bore the burden of the village's honor. Undaunted by the approaching contest, he started preparing himself.
Arriving at Duskwood on the predetermined day, Eli was welcomed by Falon, the wise one of Duskwood. The spectators held their breath as the contest began in the Duskwood’s grandeur hall.
The first question was ‘What comes always but never arrives?’ Eli was silent for a long minute before answering, 'Tomorrow.' Applause filled the hall, and Yonderwood drew the first blood.
The next question touched the limits of philosophy and reasoning, ‘What is the one thing that you can gift but still keep?’ Eli replied calmly, almost instantaneously, 'Knowledge.' The people gasped, and the scales tilted heavily in favor of Yonderwood.
Eli was only one step away from victory as the final question was asked, ‘What is the precious thing hard to gain but easy to lose?’ Eli paused, his eyes wandering off as if looking for the answer somewhere beyond the horizon. The hall fell silent with anticipation; then, Eli softly uttered the word 'Trust.' The hall erupted with applause, and Yonderwood was crowned 'The Village of Ultimate Wisdom.'
On the return journey, Givea asked Eli, ‘How do you always find the right answers?’ Eli, looking out over the passing countryside, simply said, ‘Not all wisdom lies within us, but in the world around us only if we are willing to observe and learn.’
Back in Yonderwood, they were welcomed as heroes. From the day onwards, the annual gathering happened in Yonderwood with the banners of ‘The Village of Ultimate Wisdom’ fluttering above them, carrying the tale of that wise afternoon in the winds of time.