The Eternal Winter

    By Jayvenem

    The Eternal Winter cover image

    14 Oct, 2023

    In the small, isolated village of Noren, a young farmer's boy named Finn was considered an oddball. Unlike other children, he was always captivated by the ancient tales of the grand candle that could end the eternal winter.

    One day, as the snow fell relentlessly, Finn decided to embark on a journey. He carried with him a small, delicate candle, a symbol of the hope that was slowly flickering in Noren.

    The blizzard was unrelenting, its icy grasp threatening to extinguish Finn's candle. But the boy pressed on, his small frame unwavering in the face of the storm.

    Finn's journey was filled with challenges. He had to cross frozen rivers, traverse icy cliffs, and navigate through blinding snowstorms, but his determination never wavered.

    One day, Finn stumbled upon a large, silver wolf trapped in a hunter’s snare. It whimpered helplessly, its eyes reflecting a plea for mercy. Finn, without hesitation, freed the beast.

    The wolf, grateful for its rescue, guided Finn through the snow-covered wilderness. The two formed an unlikely friendship, their bond strengthening as they braved the harsh winter together.

    As the days passed, the blizzard grew fiercer. The biting cold threatened to extinguish Finn's candle, but the boy and his companion pressed on, their spirits unbroken.

    Their journey led them to the heart of the blizzard, where the greater candle was said to reside. As they neared their destination, Finn could feel the anticipation building within him.

    Finally, they stood before the grand candle. It towered above them, its once brilliant flame extinguished, symbolizing the eternal winter that had befallen Noren.

    Fear gripped Finn as he approached the candle. The frosty air around him seemed to tighten, and for a moment, he hesitated. But the wolf nudged him forward, a silent encouragement.

    With a deep breath, Finn stepped forward and held his small candle up to the wick of the greater one. The flame flickered for a moment before it took hold, casting a warm glow around them.

    The grand candle roared to life, its brilliant flame piercing the icy cold. The snow around them began to melt, and the sky above cleared, revealing the first dawn Noren had seen in years.

    The once endless winter was finally over. The villagers of Noren woke up to a sight they had almost forgotten – the sun. The joy in their hearts was immeasurable.

    Finn and the silver wolf returned to the village as heroes. The boy who was once considered an oddball was now their savior, the one who had ended the eternal winter.

    And so, Finn's tale became a legend, a beacon of hope for future generations. His courage and determination served as a reminder that even the smallest flame can conquer the fiercest storm.

    The villagers of Noren never forgot the boy who brought back the sun. They celebrated his bravery every year, lighting a candle in his honor, ensuring his story lived on.

    And as for Finn, he continued his life on the farm, forever a friend to the silver wolf. But every time he saw a candle, he was reminded of his journey and the winter he had conquered.

    The tale of Finn and the silver wolf remains a beacon of hope for the villagers of Noren. It's a testament to the power of friendship, bravery, and a small candle's flame.