In the heart of the enchanting rolling hills, dwelt a shepherd boy. His being was pure, simple yet virtuous. His only responsibility was mainly to look after his flock of ewes.
Their soft bleating and the whispering of the gales through the single tree on the hilltop were his only associates. Day after day, looking out for his charges imbued in him a feeling of calm satisfaction.
Yet, there were occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would yearn for companionship. On one such day out of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous scheme.
Narratives of wild beasts hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the town. So, the boy chose to exploit this fear and played a trick on the villagers.
One afternoon he ran into the village yelling “Wolf! A wolf is that has taken my sheep!” The frightened villagers ran up the hills to offer assistance but saw no beast.
The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This game read more persisted for a few more days. But, one noon, a real wolf did come to prey the flock. The shepherd boy ran for aid shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one responded.
Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but could protect only few of his sheep. Heartbroken, he went back to the town only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the results of dishonesty.
His tale of this shepherd boy has been transmitted generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the value of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it emphasizes how trust once violated, is tough to earn back. It's a story as pertinent today as it was in the past.