The Woodcutter and the Dragon
Once upon a time, in the hidden and secluded hills of Mirabella, lived a poor woodcutter named Leo. He was a man of humble beginnings, known for his honesty, strength, and a heart full of kindness. His wooden hut, small yet warm, was nestled between the woods and was his only possession, apart from his well-worn woodcutting axe.
One bitterly cold winter’s night, Leo was awakened from his slumber by a loud thump. Frightened yet curious, he geared up with his axe and sneaked outside to investigate. What he saw sent shivers down his spine - a majestic dragon, silhouetted by the moonlight, laid wounded in snow curling and twisting in agony.
Without thinking twice, courageous Leo assisted the distressed dragon, nursing it back to health using all the remedies he could muster from the forest. He named the dragon Ignis, and over time, an unusual bond formed between them.
As spring arrived, Ignis, now fully recuperated, prepared to depart. Out of gratitude, Ignis offered Leo any reward he desired. But Leo, content with what he had and happy to have helped, refused any gifts, leaving Ignis to ponder upon a deserving surprise.
One day, Leo returned from his day in the woods to an unexpected spectacle. His tiny hut was replaced by a grand mansion, made of the finest wood he had ever seen, an endless pantry of food, a vault of gold beyond his imagination, and, in the heart of the mansion, a grand fireplace that already had a roaring fire. Amazed and utterly shocked, Leo soon realized that his friend Ignis had left him the reward he sorely deserved.
News of Leo’s sudden fortune traveled fast among the greedy hearts, including the jealous King of Mirabella. Intrigued, the king invited Leo to his castle. His envious mind planned to seize Leo’s treasures. During the feast, the king posed Leo an offer, “Share half of your wealth and earn my friendship, Leo,” he proposed greedily.
Remaining undeterred by the king's plot, Leo said, “I am a simple man, Your Highness. All I have is because of my friend, Ignis. I do not own it; I am just a guard of his gift. I gladly accept your friendship, but my richness belongs to the one who gifted me.”
The king, enraged by Leo’s reply, threw him into the darkest dungeon, threatening to seize all his possessions. But Leo was unfazed; he trusted Ignis. As another winter struck Mirabella, the castle was shaken by a looming figure in the sky. The king's greed had awoken the wrath of Ignis. He swooped down to the highest tower, breathing fire into the sky, his roar echoed across the kingdom.
Engulfed in fear, the king pleaded for mercy and quickly released Leo. A roar marked the end of the dreadful night, and when dawn arrived, Ignis was nowhere to be seen.
Impressed by Leo’s honesty and loyalty, the people of Mirabella chose him as their new leader. As for Leo, he lived his life fulfilling his duty as a true-hearted man and a faithful friend. Even today, people echo the tale of Leo and his mighty friend Ignis, reminding everyone about the value of true friendship, courage, humility, and the severe consequences of greed.