At the center of the enchanting rolling fields, resided a boy named Shepherd. His life was essentially unadulterated, simple, and honest. His only responsibility was to care for his herd of rams.
Their gentle baas and the whispering of the wind through the single tree on the check here hilltop were his main associates. Day in day, guarding his responsibilities inculcated in him a sense of tranquil contentment.
However, there were occasional moments of loneliness, when the shepherd boy would yearn for fellowship. During one such occasion from sheer boredom, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous plan.
Tales of wolves prowling on sheep had been around for a while in the town. So, the boy chose to used this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.
One day he ran into the village shouting “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to offer assistance but found no beast.
The boy giggled at the dilemma on their faces. This prank continued for a few days more. However, 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 fought against the wolf but managed to rescue only few of his flock. Devastated, he returned to the village only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the repercussions of false alarms.
The story of this shepherd boy has been passed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the dangers of crying wolf. Moreover, it highlights how trust once broken, is tough to reclaim. It's a story as relevant today as it was then.