The Three Feathers

 


Long ago, in the rolling hills of England, there lived a poor shepherd named Tom. He was an orphan and had little in the world but his flock of sheep and a small, rickety cottage. One cold evening, as he sat by his hearth, a strange gust of wind swept through the cottage, though the door was tightly shut. To his amazement, three feathers floated in on the breeze and landed gently at his feet.

Tom picked them up, and a voice echoed softly in the room: “Follow the feathers, and they will lead you to your fortune.”

Thinking it must be a sign, Tom carefully placed the feathers in his pocket and decided to follow wherever they might lead. The next morning, as he tended his sheep, the wind stirred again. The first feather fluttered out of his pocket and floated toward the forest.

Tom followed it deep into the woods, where he found an injured raven caught in a hunter's snare. “Poor thing,” he said, freeing the bird from the trap. The raven croaked in gratitude and flapped its wings weakly. Before flying away, it plucked a single feather from its wing and dropped it at Tom's feet.

“This will help you when the time comes,” the raven said.

Tom tucked the raven’s feather into his pocket and continued on his way. That evening, as the sun set, the second feather floated out of his pocket and drifted toward a rocky hillside. Tom climbed the hill and discovered an old badger trapped under a fallen log.

Using all his strength, he lifted the log and freed the badger. “Thank you, kind shepherd,” said the badger. It scurried away but soon returned, holding a tiny golden key in its mouth. “This key will open any lock. Keep it safe.”

Tom took the key and continued his journey.

The next morning, the third feather floated out of his pocket and led him to a great oak tree in the middle of a meadow. At the base of the tree was a deep, dark hole. Tom hesitated, but a voice whispered on the wind, “Your fortune lies below.”

Gathering his courage, Tom climbed into the hole. He slid down a smooth tunnel and landed in a glittering cavern. The walls sparkled with gemstones, and at the center stood a massive wooden chest bound with iron.

Tom remembered the golden key and used it to unlock the chest. Inside, he found piles of gold coins, enough to make him rich beyond his wildest dreams. But among the treasure, he also noticed a small silver whistle. Something about it felt important, so he slipped it into his pocket.

As he turned to leave, the cavern began to shake. Stones fell from the ceiling, and the entrance began to collapse. Tom blew the silver whistle, and the raven he had saved swooped down into the cavern. Grasping his shoulders with its strong talons, it lifted him out just in time.

Tom returned home, his pockets heavy with gold. He used his newfound wealth to repair his cottage and care for his flock. But he never forgot the raven or the badger and the gifts they had given him. From then on, he always carried the three feathers with him as a reminder that kindness and bravery lead to the greatest treasures.

And so, Tom lived happily ever after, not just rich in gold but rich in heart as well.

This tale highlights the value of kindness, courage, and the rewards of helping others, even when the path is uncertain. 

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