In a land where towering mountains kissed the sky, and lush forests whispered secrets, there lived a dwarf named Wolf. Unlike most dwarves, known for their prowess in mining and forging, Wolf possessed an extraordinary gift—he could communicate with all creatures of the forest and mountains. They all called him friend, from the tiniest sparrow to the mightiest bear.
One crisp morning, as the sun began to rise over the jagged peaks, Wolf received an urgent message from his friend, Eldra, the wise owl. With feathers as soft as dusk and eyes like polished amber, she perched herself on a nearby branch and hooted softly to catch Wolf’s attention. “Wolf, a great darkness looms over our world. The balance of nature is in peril, and only the ancient scroll hidden in the heart of the mountains can save us,” Eldra warned, her voice grave. “What does this scroll contain?” Wolf asked, his brow furrowing with concern. “It holds the knowledge of harmony, a way to unite all beings against the encroaching shadows. But it is guarded by the fierce Keeper of the Mountains, a creature of stone and fury.” Determined to help, Wolf packed his satchel with essentials: a sturdy rope, some enchantment herbs, and a small hammer, a gift from his father, which could mend anything broken. He donned his favourite green cloak, which blended seamlessly with the forest and set off towards the mountains.
As he journeyed, Wolf encountered many friends along the way. First, he met Thistle, the mischievous fox. “What brings you to the mountains, Wolf?” she asked, her amber eyes twinkling. “I seek the secret scroll that can save our world,” he replied.“Then I shall accompany you! I know a shortcut through the thicket,” Thistle exclaimed, her tail flicking with excitement. Together, they navigated the dense forest until they reached the base of the mountains. There, they encountered Grom, the wise old bear. “You’ll need strength and courage to face the Keeper. I’ll join you as well,” Grom said, lumbering towards them with a knowing look.
With their trio complete, they began to climb the rugged terrain. As they ascended, the air grew thin, and the path became treacherous. But with teamwork, they overcame each obstacle—Wolf’s ingenuity, Thistle’s agility, and Grom’s strength guiding them forward. At last, they reached a massive stone door, intricately carved with runes that sparkled like stars. “This must be the entrance to the Keeper’s lair,” Wolf said, his heart pounding. To their surprise, the door creaked open, revealing a cavern filled with shimmering crystals. But at its centre stood the Keeper, a towering figure of stone with eyes like molten gold. “Who dares enter my domain?” it roared, causing the ground to tremble. Wolf stepped forward, unafraid. “I am Wolf, a friend to all creatures. We seek the ancient scroll to protect our world from darkness.”
The Keeper regarded them with a mixture of curiosity and scepticism. “Many have tried to claim the scroll, but none have understood its true purpose. Why should I trust you?” At that moment, Wolf remembered the stories of unity and friendship passed down through his clan. “The scroll is not for us alone. It belongs to all beings of this land. Together, we can foster harmony and protect our home.” The Keeper paused, sensing the sincerity in Wolf’s heart. “Very well, you shall prove your worth. Solve my riddle, and the scroll shall be yours.”With a deep breath, the Keeper recited the riddle: “I can be cracked, made, told, and played. What am I?”
Wolf thought momentarily, and then a wide smile spread across his face. “A joke!” he exclaimed, laughter bubbling forth. The Keeper’s stone face softened, and it nodded slowly. “You have shown wisdom and courage. The scroll is yours.” With a wave, the Keeper revealed the scroll, glowing with an ethereal light. Wolf carefully unrolled it and read its ancient text, feeling the weight of knowledge fill him with hope. Wolf, Thistle, and Grom carried the scroll with pride as they descended the mountain. They shared its teachings with every creature they met, binding them together in a newfound alliance. With their combined strength and unity, the darkness that threatened their world began to recede. The forests flourished, the mountains stood tall, and peace returned to the land. Wolf became a legend, not for his size or strength, but for his heart—a heart that embraced all creatures, ensuring that harmony reigned forevermore. And so, the dwarf who spoke to animals became a hero, reminding everyone that true power lies in friendship and understanding.
Lazarus Carpenter - Author 