Deep within the mesmerizing rolling meadows, lived a shepherd boy. His existence was essentially pure, and unsophisticated. His primary duty was mainly to care for his flock of rams.
Their low murmuring and the rustling of the wind among the lone tree on the peak were his main companions. Day upon day, guarding his charges imbued in him a sense of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were at times moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would pine for fellowship. During one such occasion from sheer monotony, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous scheme.
Stories of wolves hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the town. So, the boy chose to used this fear and played a joke on the townsfolk.
One morning he raced into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is attacking my sheep!” The terrified villagers rushed up the hills for rescue but saw nothing threatening.
The boy laughed at the confusion on their faces. This game persisted for a few more days. However, one day, a real wolf did come to prey the flock. The shepherd boy ran for help, shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could protect only few of his sheep. Devastated, he returned to the village only to be met with a scolding on honesty and the consequences of dishonesty.
The tale of this shepherd boy has more info been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it stresses how trust once broken, is tough to reclaim. It's a story as appropriate today as it was in the past.