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THE CURSE OF THE EMERALD CAVERN

CHARACTERS:

NARRATOR

NYX (A CAVE SPIRIT)

BRIG (A GREEDY TRADER)

TORIN (A TRICKSTER MERCHANT)

DARIN (A HUMBLE WANDERER)

SCRIPT:

In a distant land, beyond towering mountains and deep, dark forests, there lies a hidden cavern known only to the bravest adventurers: the Emerald Cavern. Legends say it is guarded by Nyx, an ancient spirit who watches over piles of gold, glittering gems, and mystical stones. Many have sought its treasures, but few have left unscathed. Today, three men will venture into the depths of this enchanted realm, where their true natures will be revealed.

NARRATOR: Deep within the heart of the Emerald Cavern, Nyx, the spirit of the cave, watches over her precious treasures.

NYX: (Sighs) Endless riches, but what good are they? All I long for is to see the world above—the sun, the stars, the rivers, and the fields. But I am bound to this cavern, tethered to guard these stones and gold forever.

NARRATOR: One day, Nyx hears a noise outside the cavern walls. Three men are digging, determined to breach her sacred vault.

NYX: (Smirking) They seek my treasure. Very well, let them enter. I shall grant them what they desire, and see what kind of men they truly are.

NARRATOR: With a wave of her hand, Nyx opens a passageway. Three tired, grimy men stumble into the cavern.

BRIG: (Blinking) What is this place? I can’t see a thing!

TORIN: I can’t either!

DARIN: Where’s that glow coming from? It’s blinding!

NARRATOR: Slowly, the men adjust to the light, and their eyes widen at the sight before them.

BRIG, TORIN, AND DARIN: (In awe) Incredible!

BRIG: (Greedily) Everything here belongs to us!

NYX: (Appears suddenly) Halt!

TORIN: Who are you?

NYX: I am Nyx, keeper of these treasures. You don’t need to steal; take what you wish.

DARIN: Really? Would you give it to us?

NYX: Yes, take what you desire. But heed my words—do not let greed guide your heart.

BRIG: (Ignoring her) Thank you, kind spirit!

TORIN: I’ll fill my pockets with every gem I can carry!

DARIN: You are most generous.

NYX: Take what you will and be gone.

NARRATOR: The men fill their sacks and leave, their minds spinning with dreams of wealth. But soon, their true natures emerge. Months pass, and Brig, the greediest of the three, returns to the cavern.

NYX: You return? Did I not give you enough?

BRIG: I kept everything you gave me, hidden where no one can find it, not even my own son!

NYX: (Frowns) You are blinded by greed! Begone! I shall give you nothing more.

BRIG: Wait, please—

NYX: (Firmly) Leave!

NARRATOR: Brig slinks away, and time passes before Torin comes back.

NYX: Why have you come back?

TORIN: (Desperate) I lost it all. I used it to expose the true nature of people, and now I am left with nothing.

NYX: You used my gifts to sow discord and deceit, and now you expect more? Leave, trickster. You deserve nothing.

NARRATOR: Torin leaves, and finally, Darin returns.

NYX: You, too? Have you come for more?

DARIN: No, Nyx. I have come to return what you gave me. I wish for no riches.

NYX: (Curious) You would give it all back? Why?

DARIN: Because wealth brought me no joy. It attracted only false friends and hollow praise. I long for the peace I had before.

NYX: (Softens) Perhaps you are the wisest of them all. Return to your simple life. You are free from the burdens of wealth.

NARRATOR: Darin leaves, his heart lightened, and Nyx, moved by his sincerity, reflects on her place in the world.

NYX: (Quietly) Perhaps there is wisdom in remaining here, in the darkness. Men cannot see that true wealth is not of gold or gems but of the spirit. Here I shall stay, watching over my treasure, as a lesson to those who seek it.

NARRATOR: And so, Nyx remained in her cavern, guarding the riches and the lessons they held. The world above continued, but those who heard the tale of the Emerald Cavern knew that to seek its treasures was to find not just gold, but one’s soul.

THE END

AUTHOR: UNKNOWN

ADAPTED BY: K I D S I N C O

Moral of the Story: True wealth is not measured by gold or silver but by the purity of one’s heart and the strength of one’s character. Greed and deceit will lead only to sorrow, but humility and contentment will bring peace.

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