Broken Crown
I guess it would be a good children story. I don't really have anything constructive to say about this. It's one of the oldest stories I wrote. But decided to share now.
A long time ago, in a distant kingdom ruled wise and prudent king. All his lieges lived in peace and prosperity.
As the king was getting old, he decided it is the time for him to give up the throne. He gathered his three sons, all his advisors and subjects on the square in front of the palace and said.
"The day when I will leave this world is approaching. Thus I decided my eldest son will be crowned the new king. For I deem him a worthy successor. Already possessing all the wisdom that I could teach him."
But the first night since the king declared his will, joy has come to end. The two younger king's sons treacherously attacked their older brother and killed him. Then they began to argue, which one of them should be the ruler. Then they fought and the youngest son won. For he was the best fighter of all the three.
When this terrible news reached the king, his heart filled with anger and concern. He did not leave his room for many days, thinking what to do next. Finally he ordered to bring him his last living son out of dungeon. All king's advisors and subjects were again gathered on the square in front of the palace. The king announced.
"This is my son who committed a crime of the murder on his brothers. For that he is deemed unworthy of the throne and will be banished forever. Now my kingdom is left without any heir. And my hearth is full of pain and grief. The new ruler will be the one who manages to put pieces of my crown back together. "
Having said this the king took off his crown and threw it to the ground, where it shattered into small pieces.
For many long months, people of all classes and professions arrived to take a trial and become the new king. Rich and poor, coming from the same kingdom and from abroad. Everyone tried and failed.
All hope was fading, until one day an old man came to the palace, saying that he wanted to try to put the crown back together. Everyone were surprised by this, for the man was even older than the king himself. Even greater was the surprise when he asked if his family could join him.
The king agreed. One by one, bowing, people started to enter the throne room. First adult men and women, then behind them teenagers and finally small children.
The old man took one piece of the crown and held it in his hand in front of him. Following his example others took the pieces and held them in outstretched hands. Working together, matching the pieces together to make the crown whole again.
All the witnesses were stunned by what happened in front of their eyes. The old man looked around at everyone gathered and said.
"Why are you astonished? After all, this is the way to achieve our goals. The elders should serve younger generations with their knowledge and experience gained during the long years of life. While the younger should support their elders with their power of youth."