Storyclover
Storyclover
At first light, Tomas carried his iron axe into the forest. He needed enough wood to sell for bread and lamp oil before evening.
The Woodcutter Who Gave Back the Silver AxeA poor woodcutter refuses rewards that are not his, and his honesty brings help without costing him his peace.
1. At first light, Tomas carried his iron axe into the forest. He needed enough wood to sell for bread and lamp oil before evening.
2. He chose a fallen oak and worked carefully. The iron head was heavy, but it had served him faithfully for many years.
3. Then the handle slipped. His iron axe struck a stone and vanished beneath the stream. Tomas knelt at the bank, staring into the ripples.
4. Without the axe, he could not work. Without work, he could not pay for the food waiting at home. Still, he did not reach for a stranger's tool when none was his.
5. A river spirit lifted a shining silver axe from the water. “Is this the tool you lost?” she asked. Tomas looked at its bright blade and shook his head.
6. She returned with a golden axe, brighter still. Tomas shook his head again. “That one is not mine,” he said. “I would rather go home with empty hands than carry a lie.”
7. At last, the spirit brought up his old iron axe. Tomas held it close, checking the nick near the handle. “Yes,” he said. “This is mine.”
8. The spirit smiled. She gave Tomas his iron axe and left the silver and golden ones on the stone. “You have kept what is yours,” she said. “May your honesty find its way home with you.”
9. On the path home, Tomas met Mara the baker. She had heard what happened and offered him bread and lamp oil until his next load of wood was ready.
10. That night, Tomas ate warm soup beneath a steady lamp. His troubles had not vanished, but his axe was his, his promise was unbroken, and his mind was quiet.
11. The next morning, Tomas returned to the forest. He raised his iron axe, and the first bright ring of the day sounded across the water.
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