Stone Heart Part -2

Stone Heart felt sorrow, but his excitement over his newfound magic was stronger. Soon, he used the enchanted dust to become the most successful hunter of all time. His name was spoken with awe far and wide.

But the day came when his magical powder ran out. Without a second thought, he returned to Jalraj for more. When he arrived home, another child was gone.

His wife wept again, but Stone Heart only laughed. With a cold, empty voice, he simply told her to make his food.

Days turned into months, and months into years. Each time he returned to Jalraj for more powder, he lost something—until he had given away not only all his children but even his wife.

Finally, the day came when the powder was gone, and he had nothing left to trade.

Desperate, he begged Jalraj for more. But Jalraj only laughed—the same hollow laugh that Stone Heart had once given his wife.

Stone Heart returned home, thinking he could still hunt as before. But his luck had turned. His hands trembled, his prey escaped, and his tribe mocked him, for now, even the weakest among them could outmatch him.

One day, starving and filled with regret, he stumbled upon a small pool of water where a family of mice played. At last, some luck, he thought. I will kill them all for food.

He caught the smallest one first, but as he was about to crush it, the tiny creature squeaked,

Father, please dont kill me!

Stone Heart froze. What Are you one of my children

Yes, I am, the mouse answered. Jalraj turned us into mice, and we now live in this pool with our mother.

Hearing this, Stone Heart was overcome with grief. This is my fault, he cried. I wish I had never gone to Jalraj. Wealth means nothing compared to my family.

Determined to set things right, he ran to the lake. Once again, he struck the water with his stick, harder and harder, until Jalraj rose from the depths, angered by the disturbance.

What do you want now, hunter he demanded.

Stone Heart fell to his knees. I beg you, return my wife and children to me, he pleaded. Now I know that love is more valuable than fame or wealth.

Jalraj was silent for a long moment. Finally, he spoke,

Why did you not realize this before If you had come to me while you were still wealthy, I might have helped you. But now, you only remember your family when you are poor, sick, and alone.

I know, Stone Heart admitted. I am ashamed. But please, give me one last chance to prove my words are true. I swear, I will never again choose wealth over my loved ones.

Jalraj pondered for a moment. Then he said,

There is only one way. For seven years, you must serve me as a serpent. If you do, I will return your wife and children.

Without hesitation, Stone Heart agreed.

For seven long years, he slithered through the earth, searching for precious stones and pearls for Jalraj. His only comfort was the brief moments he could sneak away to the pool where the mice lived, whispering to them, Another day has passed. One day, this will end.

At last, the day arrived. Jalraj declared,

Your service is complete. You shall no longer be Stone Heart. You have learned compassion. From now on, you will be known as Brave Heart. Go home, and you will find your family waiting.

Brave Heart rushed home, and there, he saw the fire burning, food cooking, and his wife sitting beside the hearth, just as she had in the past. His five children were playing near their hut.

They welcomed him with joy, and as he drank pure water, he knew he was truly rich.

He became a great hunter once again, but this time, he was also a great husband and father. His daughters grew up to be the most beautiful in the land, and his sons became strong and noble.

And so, Brave Hearts days were spent in true happiness and abundance.