
The Magic Keris
By Deen

05 Jul, 2023

In the heart of the ancient Melayu kingdom, nestled beside the sparkling ocean, lived a young man named Ali. Even though he was born into poverty, Ali was rich in courage and heart. His life was simple, yet filled with love and contentment.

One day, a mysterious fortune teller came to their small wooden house. She revealed a shocking truth that Ali's mother was, in fact, the missing princess of the kingdom, kidnapped long ago by an evil sorcerer.

When Ali learned of this, he was stunned. His mother, the frail woman who worked tirelessly to raise him, was a princess? He was a prince himself? The revelation, however, was the least of his concerns. The sorcerer, she said, was returning.

The evil sorcerer belonged to the ancient, ruthless tribe of sea serpents. He had vowed to return after a century to claim his 'rightful queen' - Ali's mother. The news had the entire town on edge, their peaceful life disrupted.

Ali, determined to save his mother and their town, decided to challenge the sorcerer. In his possession was a family heirloom - a keris, an ancient dagger known for its mystical properties and protective powers.

The young man embarked on a journey to unravel the true powers of the keris. He consulted wise men and women, scholars, and even hermits living in dense forests, looking for guidance and knowledge.

Through trials and time, he discovered the Keris was not just a weapon but a source of immense magical strength. If wielded properly, it had the power to create shields, summon forces, and even control the elements.

With newfound knowledge, Ali returned to his town. But, everything had changed. The once buzzing marketplace was deserted. Fearful whispers filled the air - the sorcerer had arrived and taken his mother.

Rage filled Ali, but he also felt a powerful resolve. He stood before the towering castle where his mother was held captive, holding the keris high and vowing to bring her back safe.

As he ventured deeper into the eerie castle, he faced numerous obstacles that tested his courage and willpower. But his unyielding faith in his mission and the magic keris guided him through.

Finally, after battling monstrous creatures and solving mind-bending riddles, Ali stood before the imposing figure of the sorcerer. He was terrifying, yet Ali remained unshaken. His mother's life was at stake.

A fierce battle ensued. The two forces clashed, the castle shaking with the force of their powers. The keris, in the hands of Ali, shone fiercely, protecting him from the sorcerer's deadly spells.

With a swift move, Ali cut through the sorcerer's defences, using the keris to send a powerful shockwave. It struck the sorcerer hard, causing him to stumble and weaken. Ali seized this chance.

He recited the ancient verses he'd learned from the wise hermits, summoning the full power of the keris. A brilliant light engulfed the blade, and Ali plunged it into the sorcerer. His shriek echoed through the castle.

With the sorcerer's defeat, the castle crumbled around Ali. He rushed to where his mother was held captive, freeing her just in time. They escaped the collapsing castle, the entire town watching in awe and admiration.

Ali's mother was reinstated as the princess, with Ali as the rightful heir. The kingdom slowly returned to its former glory, the terror of the sorcerer becoming a tale of legend told by the elders.

However, Ali did not wish to live a royal life within the confines of a castle. He gifted the magical keris to the kingdom for its protection and resumed his humble life with his mother.

People revered him as a hero, the saviour of the kingdom. But to Ali, he was just a son doing everything he could to protect his mother. And for his mother, he was her brave and loving son.

Through the legend of Ali, the kingdom of Melayu learnt the true meaning of courage, love, and sacrifice. Ali's story became a beacon of hope for the people, encouraging them to stand against any adversities.

Till the end of his days, Ali, the poor young hero with a magic keris, lived happily with his mother, the princess. His legacy continued to inspire generations, turning into a fable treasured by the kingdom.