Nothing.
As the farmers surveyed their once-vibrant village, their hearts sank at the sight of their crops—wilted, barren, and lifeless beneath the unrelenting sun. The old king had been a benevolent ruler, ensuring that rain poured down upon the land, nourishing the fields and blessing the villagers with bountiful harvests. But that was months ago, a distant memory now, as the new ruler seized power in a cloak of darkness, slaying the beloved king in his sleep. The rains ceased immediately, leaving only parched earth in their wake; the only water that remained was the villagers' tears, weeping for the loss of their rightful leader. Whispers filled the air about the new ruler's horrifying visage—some claimed a face so repugnant it could drive a person mad, while others swore that a single glance could bring on blindness.
The farmers drew in weary breaths, dreading the walk back to the village to deliver the grim news that there was nothing left. They knew the time had come to approach the castle, to plead for help, to beseech the merciless ruler for water before starvation claimed them all. Standing in a circle, they exchanged anxious glances, pondering who among them would take on the daunting task. Then, stepping forward with a mix of courage and naiveté, was a brave young man named Ivis, the son of the village baker. Messy, golden ringlets tumbled into his eyes, framing a face that shone with a blend of excitement and audacity as he yearned to confront this figure of dread.
His father's strong protest echoed around him, a desperate plea underscored by worry. Ivis felt warmth spread across his cheeks, igniting a fierce determination within him. Tired of being perceived as merely a boy, he was resolute. The villagers, sensing his fervor, rallied around him, their collective nods sealing his fate. Yet, in the shadows of their encouragement, his father's face fell, a mask of unspoken fears for the safety of his son. What if Ivis did not return? Or worse, what if upon his return, he found the village devoid of life, consumed by hunger?
That night, as Ivis prepared for the arduous journey ahead, he sat in his dimly lit room, packing his few belongings with tender care. Each item stirred bittersweet memories—the warmth of his father's bakery, the sweet fragrance of fresh bread, and laughter shared with friends. A fleeting smile crossed his lips as he imagined how Michael and Caleb, his closest companions, might get along in his absence. But the weight of his decision weighed heavily on his heart.
With a yawn, he finally lay down, thoughts swirling like the myriad stars scattered across the night sky. He dreamed of the wonders and challenges that lay beyond the village boundaries, allowing sleep to gently sweep him away. Tomorrow, his adventure would begin—a quest to confront the wicked ruler, to challenge the darkness that had fallen over their lives.
