Kale washed his hands and was now ready for bed, he yawned as he relaxed his back against the concrete wall. He knew there was a story coming seeing how everyone was silent except for their breathing and the sounds from his cousin's mouth. This time, it was from Uncle Sorle who cleared his throat and asked if the children needed to hear a story from him, to which they all nodded.
-Kale was seated between his twin sister, Nazor, and his younger brother Ledum. Their cousin, Barilee was still struggling with a bone trying to pry away every piece of meat.
"Once upon a time," Uncle Sorle began, "in a grand empire filled with riches and splendor, there lived a young boy named Keania. He was the only son of King Saro, making him the prince of this wealthy kingdom. Keania's father had ruled the empire with wisdom and compassion, earning the love of his people. The future seemed bright under his reign, and Keania was proud to be the heir to such a noble legacy."
-"Barilee throw that thing away" Uncle said, his voice deep, as the noise from Barilee's mouth ceased, Uncle Sorle continued.
"However, as fate would have it, tragedy struck when King Saro fell seriously ill and eventually passed away. The kingdom mourned the loss of their great ruler, but through their grief, there were those who saw an opportunity to seize power for themselves.
Keania's uncle, Nakpugi, was among the ambitious kins who craved the throne. Consumed by his thirst for power, Nakpugi saw the young prince as an obstacle to his dreams of ruling the empire. Unbeknownst to Keania, dark plans were set in motion to eliminate him from the line of succession."
-"Some Uncles are wicked" Nazor whispered, "not you Uncle Sorle" she quickly added with a grin that showed half her teeth in the yellow light of the lantern.
Uncle Sorle smiled and continued his story.
"As Keania's mother, Queen Nornu, learned of the brewing treachery, she was torn between her love for her only child and her duty to protect the empire from chaos. She knew she had to act swiftly to save her son and the legacy of her late husband.
Late one evening, Nornu took her son aside to share the grave news. Keania's eyes widened with shock as he listened to his mother's whispered words. "My dear son," she had began, her voice filled with warmth, "a storm is approaching. The love your father had for this kingdom lives on within you. But beware, for not everyone wishes to see you flourish."
Keania looked into his mother's eyes, realizing the weight of the burden he now carried. "What shall we do, Mother?" he asked, his voice quivering."
-Something fell in the kitchen and every stopped to look as Kale's mother came out carrying a green ball in her hands. She looked in their direction and hissed. Kale and Barilee had been playing the ball earlier that day.
"Uncle Sorle, please continue" Nazor said, she had been the only one not distracted by the noise.
-Uncle Sorle continued, shifting in his chair to get a better position.
"Trust me, my son," Queen Nornu had replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "We must leave the palace tonight, seek refuge beyond the empire's borders, and gather allies who will stand by your side."
With his mother's guidance, Keania embraced the adventure that awaited him. They traveled in disguise, seeking refuge in neighboring lands where they encountered different cultures and customs. Along the way, Keania's wisdom grew as he conversed with travelers from all walks of life. Despite the treacherous plots against him, he found kindness and friendship in unexpected places."
"What is treacherous" Nazor interrupted,
"Wicked " Kale said, rolling his eyes, he didn't like that the story was interrupted.
"I didn't ask you " Nazor said.
"It means to betray someone" Uncle Sorle said, stepping in to end the building tension.
"Now can I continue" he asked, and they all nodded.
"As the months passed", Uncle Sorle continued, "Keania and his mother assembled a group of loyal supporters who believed in the rightful heir to the throne. Through his encounters with various people, Keania learned the true essence of leadership, the importance of love, and the strength that lay within unity.
When the time was right, Keania, now a confident and compassionate young man, returned to the empire with his allies by his side. Facing his uncle Nakpugi, who had grown increasingly in wickedness and in his pursuit of power, Keania's voice echoed with strength."
"My dear uncle," he said, "I seek not to fight for a throne, but to fulfill my father's legacy of prosperity and peace. It is with a heavy heart that I see you corrupted by ambition, but I shall not be swayed by the shadows you cast. I ask only for the chance to serve our people with the same love my father showed them."
Nakpugi's heart was touched by Keania's sincerity, but his desire for power proved too strong. The loyal supporters that stood by Keania's side, however, inspired hope in the hearts of the empire's people. Nakpugi's grip on power began to loosen as his supporters left him one by one"
In the end, it was not through violence or aggression that Keania won the hearts of his people. Instead, it was his love, compassion, understanding, and willingness to listen that united the empire once more.
With the support of the people, Keania reclaimed his rightful place as the prince of the wealthy empire. Under his rule, the kingdom thrived, and the legacy of his beloved father, King Saro, lived on."
"So what did you all learn from this story?" Uncle Sorle asked, he shifted his gaze to Barilee.
"That we should respect our elders" Barilee said, it had been hus custom response whenever he is asked about the moral of a story. Nazor chuckled a little but jeot quiet as Uncle Sorle began to speak.
"The tale of Keania reminds us that even in the face of betrayal, true strength lies in staying true to oneself and leading with pity for the people."
"Time for bed" Kale's mother said, and everyone in the sitting room began to rise sluggishly. Uncle Sorle made grunt as he stood up.
"Good night Uncle" Nazor said first while the boys chorused theirs.