In the heart of the captivating rolling fields, resided a shepherd boy. His existence was essentially pure, and unsophisticated. His primary duty was mainly to care for his flock of rams.
Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the wind among the single tree on the peak were his constant companions. Day in day, looking out for his wards instilled in him a sense of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would pine for company. During one such occasion because of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy conceived a mischievous plan.
Tales of predators prowling on sheep had been around for a while in the hamlet. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One morning he ran into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf preying on my sheep!” The frightened villagers rushed up the hills for rescue but found no wolf.
The boy giggled at the puzzle on their faces. This trick persisted for a few more days. Yet, one noon, a real wolf did charge at the herd. The shepherd boy dashed for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.
Frustrated and alone, the boy battled against the wolf but could rescue only few of his sheep. Devastated, he went back to the town only to receive a more info reprimand on honesty and the results of false alarms.
His tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once broken, is tough to regain. It's a story as pertinent today as it was then.