Dini wanted to become a knight. But he was too short and too thin. The other knights were tall as trees and strong as rocks.
"You will never become a knight," they told him. "Go play with dolls!"
But Dini had made up his mind. He began training every day. Not with a sword — he had none — but with knowledge. He read books about animals, plants, history. He learned new languages. He solved puzzles.
Once, the black dragon of the mountain began terrorizing the villages. Tall and strong knights were sent many times with shining swords. None returned.
Dini went alone. Without a sword.
When he found the dragon, he saw it was suffering — it had a big thorn stuck in its hind leg.
Dini approached slowly. "Do not be afraid," he said calmly. He pulled out the thorn with his hands. The dragon roared from pain — and then calmed down.
The dragon flew away, not hurting anyone else.
When Dini returned to the village, they asked: "Where is your sword?" "I did not need it," said Dini. "I had something sharper — understanding."
Lesson: Wisdom and compassion are the most powerful weapons of all.
✦ The End ✦