The Soldier and Death
The Soldier and Death — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In the hidden world beneath a forgotten village lived brave soldiers and cunning merchants, wise healers and burdened kings. But Death, the silent toll collector, waited for all. Marius, a soldier known for his valor, sought not gold or glory, but a way to outwit the inevitable. He dreamed of a world where courage, not fate, dictated destiny.
Page 2
Marius's days were spent drilling new recruits in the underground barracks. 'Discipline is the key to survival!' he'd bellow, his voice echoing through the cavernous space. But at night, he'd pore over ancient texts, searching for secrets to defy mortality. 'There must be a way,' he muttered to himself, tracing faded symbols with a calloused finger, 'a path not yet taken.'
Page 3
One day, old Elara, the village healer, confided in Marius. 'I overheard the merchants whispering about a hidden passage,' she said, her voice barely audible. 'They say it leads to Death's own chamber.' Marius leaned closer, his eyes widening. 'The merchants speak of a blue flower that blooms only in the presence of Death. It has healing powers'
Page 4
Ignoring Elara's warnings, Marius ventured into the passage. The air grew cold, and the path twisted deeper into the earth. "What was it Schopenhauer said?" Marius muttered, trying to steel his resolve as he crept along. "'To avoid error is the triumph of reason.'" Marius didn't stop; he had to find the flower.
Page 5
The passage opened into a vast hall filled with mirrors, each reflecting a different version of Marius: young, old, triumphant, defeated. A voice echoed, chilling and familiar. 'So, the valiant soldier seeks to bargain with me?' Death materialized from the shadows, a skeletal figure draped in black. 'What price are you willing to pay?'
Page 6
'I seek not to bargain, but to understand,' Marius declared, 'to learn the secret of defying you.' Death chuckled, a dry, rattling sound. 'Very well. Answer my riddle: I am always coming, but never arrive. I am always present, but never here. What am I?'
Page 7
Marius thought for a long moment, sweat beading on his brow. Finally, he spoke. 'The future.' Death nodded slowly. 'Correct. You are wiser than I anticipated.' He gestured, and a single blue flower bloomed at Marius's feet. 'Take it. But know this: even the bravest soldier cannot escape his fate.'
Page 8
Marius returned to the village, the blue flower clutched in his hand. A deadly plague had swept through, claiming many lives. Elara lay on her deathbed, her eyes dim. 'Use it on yourself,' she croaked, 'you've earned it.' Marius looked at the flower, then at Elara.
Page 9
He crushed the flower and pressed it to Elara's lips. Her eyes fluttered open, and a faint smile touched her lips. 'You chose wisely, Marius,' she whispered. 'As Helen Keller said, 'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.' Marius returned the weary smile, content with his fate.
Page 10
Marius lived a long and full life, serving his village with courage and compassion. He never defied Death again, but he faced it without fear, knowing that true victory lies not in escaping fate, but in embracing life. And so, the soldier who sought to conquer death instead discovered the meaning of life.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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