The thief who became a hero
In a kingdom far away, theft was a frequent problem even the king himself was not spared. Sometimes it was just food, but now and then, even the most well-guarded treasures would vanish mysteriously. Oddly, the stolen treasures often reappeared months later in the exact same place. The royal guards were growing desperate, and the police couldn't catch the mysterious thief. Then, one day, even the king’s crown was stolen.
Furious, the king ordered posters to be hung across the land offering a reward for the capture of the thief. Not long after, a man came to the palace and said, “I am the thief. Here is your crown. Stealing is the only thing I’m truly good at. But all I’ve brought the world is trouble and sorrow.” The king had the thief imprisoned, giving him time to reflect on his actions.
Months later, in a neighboring country, a powerful general with a massive army became greedy. He had heard rumors of the king’s wealth and decided to invade. Though the king did not have a large army, his city was surrounded by strong, high walls. The general laid siege to the kingdom. No one could get in, and no one could get out. Food supplies inside the kingdom began to run low, and the people grew desperate. The king, out of ideas, made a public announcement:
“Whoever can help us defeat this army will be richly rewarded.” The thief, still in prison, heard the message and sent a letter to the king: “I believe I can help.”Since it was the only response the king received, he decided to listen. “What’s your plan?” he asked the thief. “Trust me,” said the thief. “Let me out tonight, and I’ll return by morning.” The king hesitated, then agreed. That night, the thief slipped beyond the city walls.By dawn, he returned carrying an ornate helmet.“Whose helmet is this?” asked the king.
“The general’s,” replied the thief.
“Place it outside the main gate and wait,” he added. When the enemy soldiers saw the helmet, they panicked. “This is the general’s!” they whispered, and brought it to him. Enraged, the general shouted, “How could someone get so close to me without being seen? Double the guards!” The next night, the thief returned with a shining sword. “The general’s again,” he said with a grin. The king ordered it placed outside the gate. Fear spread like wildfire through the enemy camp. Their general, now missing both helmet and sword, was furious.
“Triple the guards! No one sleeps tonight!” That evening, the thief snuck in once more and returned with a stunning golden necklace. The king smiled. “If this is what I think it is, then you’re not just a thief you’re a hero.” “It is,” said the thief. “It belongs to the general.” The necklace was laid outside the gate.When the enemy soldiers saw it, their faces turned pale.
They brought it to their leader, who froze in shock.“If they can reach me three times, next time it won’t be a necklace it will be my life. Pack up. We’re leaving.” The enemy retreated. The kingdom was saved. The people celebrated and cheered,
“The thief is a hero!” The king declared, “Sometimes the greatest talents are hidden in the most unlikely people.” The thief, no longer ashamed of his skills, finally felt understood and finally felt proud.
Food for thought
Every person has a talent. Sometimes, it just takes the right purpose and a second chance to turn it into something extraordinary.