The Story of the Shepherd Boy

In the heart of the captivating rolling hills, dwelt a boy named Shepherd. His existence was mostly pure, simple, and honest. His primary duty was essentially to care for his herd of ewes.

Their low murmuring and the rustling of the breezes among the solo tree on the peak were his only associates. Day after day, looking out for his wards instilled in him a notion of quiet fulfillment.

However, there were the occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would yearn for fellowship. During one such occasion because of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy conceived a naughty plot.

Stories of predators prowling on sheep had long been circulating in the hamlet. So, the boy decided to used this fear and played a prank on the townsfolk.

One morning he ran into the village yelling “Wolf! A wolf is click here preying on my sheep!” The terrified villagers ran up the hills for rescue but found no wolf.

The boy laughed at the puzzle 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 dashed for aid shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one came.

Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but could rescue only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he went back to the village only to receive a scolding on honesty and the consequences of dishonesty.

His tale of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable to teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the risks of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is hard to reclaim. It's a story as pertinent today as it was then.