Wooden Dragon of Venice
Once upon a time in the beautiful city of Venice, Italy, there was a young and humble carpenter named Stefano, known for his remarkable talent and dedication. Crippled since birth, he had a limp in his right leg, but his spirit was far from broken.
Stefano lived in a small cottage, just outside the boundaries of the city, inherited from his parents. Although he didnt possess much wealth, he was known for his kindness and his passion for carving intricate wooden sculptures in his free time.
One sunny afternoon, Stefano received a visit from a wealthy and respected Venetian merchant, Giacomo. Giacomo was spellbound by a beautiful sculpture of a dove Stefano had made and displayed in his shop. Impressed, Giacomo requested Stefano to carve a grandiose sculpture of a dragon for a grand event at his mansion.
Despite his fear, Stefano agreed, as Giacomo promised that this project would bring him fame and fortune he could never imagine. Stefano worked tirelessly day and night, carving exquisite scales, wings, and fangs. Every detail was given minute attention, and as days turned into weeks, a majestic dragon began to take shape.
When the day of the event arrived, Giacomo unveiled Stefano's masterpiece to the guests. They stood in awe, admiring the intricacies, and praising the unknown artist. Upon Stefano's introduction, many couldn't believe that a humble carpenter could create something so grandiose.
Suddenly, the lavish party was interrupted by tremors. The chandeliers shook vigorously, the ground beneath quivered, creating a sense of panic among the guests. To everyone's disbelief, the wooden dragon in the room started to tremble and, in a flesh, transformed into a real, alive dragon!
The dragon, fierce and majestic, had sparking sapphire eyes and scales glittering under the grand chandelier. It then spoke in a thunderous voice that echoed through the mansion. It declared that it was an ancient dragon spirit, trapped by a wizard in a tree which Stefano had unknowingly used for his sculpture, and was set free by the energy of the crowd.
He expressed gratitude towards Stefano for freeing him and rewarded him by granting a single wish. Baffled, but keeping his composure, Stefano wished for the ability to walk without his limp, something he had yearned for all his life.
The dragon closed its eyes and exhaled a light-blue pearl-like orb towards Stefano. As it touched him, it engulfed his body with an ethereal warmth. Within moments, Stefano found himself standing upright, with no limp. He was filled with an indescribable happiness.
Satisfied, the dragon then launched itself towards the sky, bursting through the mansion's ceiling, showering splinters of glass and wood around. It disappeared into the night, leaving everyone in awe and amazement.
Stefano’s life changed overnight. He was no longer an unknown carpenter, but the saviour of Venice who set free the dragon. He even found a new vigor in his life, his legs now sturdy and strong. Thereafter, he produced numerous art pieces which fetched him fame and fortune just as Giacomo had promised.
However, amidst all the success, Stefano remained the kind-hearted, humble man he had always been. He believed that his greatest fortune was not the fame or money, but the chance to be the instrument of freedom for an ancient spirit and the miracle of walking again.
The legend of Stefano and the dragon passed down generations. It stood as a testimony to his incredible talent and the magic that art can bring to life.