A passionate fisherman once set out in search of rare fish. To find it, he ventured into a basalt cave on the coast after the tide had gone out. He walked for a while along the seawater stream, leaping from column to column, until he reached a lake. It seemed bottomless to the naked eye, and the dim light offered by the moon rocks made it look eerie on top if it.
Just then, an immense creature slowly emerged from the water. Twenty meters high and looking like a powerful sea serpent with barbels on its muzzle, it stared at the fisherman with white eyes. Frightened, the man ran away and returned to his village. Everyone laughed at him, finding his story so unbelievable that they advised him to drink less liquor on his fishing trip.
Nevertheless, his story attracted the attention of a very curious young girl. She decided to visit the cave herself, and discovered the secret lake. After a five-minute wait, the immense creature appeared in all its splendor, the light of the gems reflecting off its scales. She got scared as well and returned to the village to tell of her misadventure. The others laughed a little at her, but a doubt now lingered in their mind.
The next day, a man went to visit the cave lake and also encountered the snake. He returned to the village, which finally believed the whole story. Worried that the creature might be dangerous, they gathered a grouped armed with whatever weapons they could find: pitchforks, knives and harpoons. They went into the cave, and as soon as the snake was out of the water, they attacked it. The beast could not be brought down so easily however. Its scales were as hard as steel, and its speed in the water was unmatched. The entire expedition either perished under its jaws or drowned.
Rumors began to spread throughout the region, and then the country: a bloodthirsty creature resided in the Minjvendar caves. Several brave men tried to slay it, but to no avail. Until one day, an unarmed traveler presented himself to him. They stared at each other for a moment, before the young man questioned him. To his surprise, the beast could speak.
“What do you want, traveler?”
“Greetings, O snake of the salt waters. Tell me, why do you kill those who come to you?”
“I only defend myself. Not once have I killed without reason.”
“Why are you here, then? Why do you haunt these waters?”
“I'm not haunting, I'm here to bring good fortune. Shame on those who pull out a blade without asking a question or showing a shred of manners."
“Good fortune? What kind?”
“I can bring your soul mate to you if that is your wish. All I ask in return is some fish."
“Just fish? What kind?”
“Anything you like.”
“Very well, I'll fetch you some.”
He wished the snake a good day and went off to find the best fishing spot. On his way, he met two people at different veccas: a woodcutter and a blacksmith. He told them the astonishing truth about the creature in the cave. Emboldened, the two set off to try their luck. While the traveler was still trying to catch the fish he wanted, the man angrily approached him.
“It was all a lie! I brought him a sardine, and as I left the cave, I came face to face with a bitter, cantankerous old lady! She beat me with a stick until I got the hell out of there.”
“I'm sorry it didn't work out for you.”
The woodcutter stormed off without even a goodbye to the traveler, leaving him alone. He shrugged and patiently resumed his fishing. Another day, the blacksmith slapped him on the back with her thick glove to get his attention. She was scandalized.
“I've offered my finest fish fillets, but this snake is being picky! I've had a leper on my doorstep!”
“I'm sorry it didn't work out for you.”
She left, grunting and muttering under her breath. As for the traveler, he resumed his fishing. After almost a holv of patience and at nightfall, he finally pulled a giant silver-scaled carp out of the water. Proudly, he placed the fish in a bucket filled with salt water, placed it on a small cart and launched his mount. He hurried to the lake, which was still half a day’s walk away, and entered the cave with his prize. Out of breath and exhausted, he reached the lake. The snake emerged from the waters at full height.
"Greetings, o snake of the salt waters. Allow me to give you this gift.”
He released the fish into the lake, and the snake hissed with satisfaction.
“A moon carp, still alive and well. You've earned my blessing.”
“When and how shall I know?”
“See it with your own eyes.”
The snake returned to the water to swim with the carp. The traveler looked at them for a moment before hearing footsteps approaching him. He turned his head to discover a handsome young man of his own age looking around him with a bewildered expression. When their eyes met, his heart leapt into his chest and he knew he was the one sent by the snake. He smiled and went to meet him.
There are many blessings available to us. Understanding what we need to do to obtain them is as important as not being greedy.
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