In a quiet valley surrounded by towering gray cliffs stood a small village named Darun. Life there was simple, but never truly easy. The soil was dry and stubborn, forcing farmers to work from sunrise until the last light faded. Water had to be carried from distant springs, and every drop was treated like something precious. Above everything, casting its long shadow across fields and homes, stood a massive mountain known as Koh-e-Sakoot—the Mountain of Silence. It was always there, unmoving, as if it had been placed there not by nature but by intention. In the mornings it blocked the sun, and in the evenings it swallowed the light, leaving the village in a quiet half-shadow. At night it became a dark shape against the sky, so still that some villagers said it felt alive only when no one was looking. No one in Darun ever climbed it. Not because it was impossible, but because it was feared. Stories had been passed down for generations, warning that the mountain was not ordinary stone. Some believed it tested anyone who dared to approach it. Others said it broke the minds of the weak and turned strong people back into frightened children. A few elders whispered a different belief—that the mountain allowed passage only to those who carried four rare virtues: bravery, courage, faith, and discipline. Most people called these stories myths meant to keep children from wandering too far. Yet even those who laughed at the tales never went near the mountain. Among the villagers lived a sixteen-year-old boy named Aariz. He was quiet, thoughtful, and often distant from the noise of others. While other boys ran through fields or argued over small things, Aariz often stood alone at the edge of the village, staring at Koh-e-Sakoot for long stretches of time. It was not fear that held his gaze—it was curiosity. Something about the mountain felt like a question waiting for an answer. His father was a strict farmer who believed life was built only through hard work and discipline. Dreams, in his view, were dangerous distractions. His mother, however, believed that life was guided by patience and unseen purpose. Between these two beliefs, Aariz grew up feeling both grounded and restless at the same time. One evening, as the sun sank behind the mountain and painted the sky in fading gold, a stranger arrived in Darun. He walked slowly into the village, wearing a dust-covered cloak and carrying a wooden staff carved with strange markings. His presence drew attention immediately, because strangers rarely came to such a remote place. He introduced himself as Rafiq, a traveler who studied ancient paths and forgotten teachings. Unlike most visitors, he did not ask for food or shelter first. Instead, he looked directly at Koh-e-Sakoot, as though he recognized it. “This place still remembers the old test,” he said quietly. The villagers grew uneasy. They had heard rumors of the mountain’s curse-like stories, but no one had ever spoken of it so directly. “The test?” someone asked. Rafiq nodded. “The Mountain of Four Virtues. It is not a legend. It is a challenge for those who seek truth beyond fear.” Whispers spread through the crowd. Some stepped back. Others frowned in disbelief. But Aariz felt something inside him tighten, as if a long-buried thought had just been given shape. Rafiq’s gaze moved across the villagers and then settled on Aariz. “You,” he said gently, “you have been looking at it longer than the others. Tell me, boy, what do you see when you look at the mountain?” Aariz hesitated. He felt every eye turn toward him. After a moment, he spoke honestly. “I see something calling me.” Rafiq’s expression softened slightly. “Then you are already halfway lost—or halfway found.” That night, Aariz could not sleep. The words echoed in his mind again and again. Bravery. Courage. Faith. Discipline. They did not feel like simple ideas anymore. They felt like something waiting to be lived. At dawn, before the village fully awakened, Aariz went to Rafiq. The stranger was already waiting at the edge of the settlement, watching the mountain as if it were speaking to him in silence. “I want to understand it,” Aariz said. “If there is a test, I want to face it.” Rafiq studied him for a long moment. “Many start. Few continue. And fewer still return unchanged.” “I will return,” Aariz said firmly. Rafiq nodded once. “Then listen carefully. The mountain does not test strength. It reveals character. It breaks those who rely only on power and exposes who they truly are.” He handed Aariz a small cloth bundle. Inside was a smooth black stone. “This will remind you of discipline when your mind weakens.” Aariz accepted it without question. Before the sun reached its highest point, he began walking toward Koh-e-Sakoot. The base of the mountain was colder than the village. The air felt heavier, as though it carried memories of everyone who had ever stood there and turned back. The ground was uneven, filled with sharp rocks .............to be continued

Fairy — A Tale of Courage, Faith, and Justice An Inspiring Story Author: Binta Noor "No matter how long a dark night is, a bright morning always comes." :Dedication I dedicate this book to my parents, teachers, and all those who encouraged me on the difficult paths of life. :About the Author Binta Noor is an emerging writer who has a passion for writing stories, poems, and instructive writings. The purpose of her writings is to spread messages of hope, courage, faith, and good morals. :Introduction Fairy — A Tale of Courage, Faith, and Justice is the story of a girl who endured countless hardships, trials, and deprivations in life but never lost courage. This story highlights the importance of patience, faith, family bonds, and justice. Fairy’s journey is from an innocent girl to a strong, dignified, and successful woman. This tale contains sorrow, hope, separation, and love. Most importantly, this story teaches that the path of truth and justice never goes to waste. :Characters Fairy Fairy’s Mother Fairy’s Father Grandfather Grandmother Paternal Aunt Gul Cruel Uncle Kind Uncle Stepsister Stepbrother principal judge Introduction of Characters All the characters involved in this story are important in their own ways. Their love, sacrifice, struggles, and decisions together complete the tale of Pari's life. Pari: A brave, faithful, beautiful-natured girl with strong determination who faces every difficulty courageously. Mother: A symbol of love, patience, and sacrifice, who, despite being away from her daughter, always loves her from the heart. Father: A virtuous, honest, and principled man, whose memory serves as a source of courage and strength for Pari. Grandfather: A wise and kind-hearted elder who guides and trains Pari. Grandmother: The embodiment of compassion and love, providing Pari with motherly affection and protection. Paternal Aunt (Phuphi): Pari's closest companion and well-wisher, who stands by her in every difficulty. Gul: Pari's sincere friend, who supports her during times of loneliness in school. Cruel Uncle: The negative character of the story, whose decisions cause the separation of Pari and her mother. Kind Uncle: A compassionate and gentle man who always teaches Pari lessons of goodness and patience. Step-Sister and Step-Brother: Children from Pari’s mother’s second marriage. The children born from Pari's mother's second marriage, who later become a part of her life. :The madrasa's principal, an excellent teacher who values Pari's hard work, ability, and character. :The judge, the character who ultimately ensures the triumph of truth and justice. Now, let's begin the journey of Pari's life... In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful "The Tale of Courage, Faith, and Justice" Chapter One: The Beginning of Orphanhood Pari was only six months old when her father passed away in an accident. She was so little that she could not even remember her father’s face, but from what people said, she knew that he was a pious, brave, and honest man. Her mother took on the responsibility of raising her alone. Despite poverty, hardships, and the attitudes of people, she endured every suffering for her daughter. But fate had prepared another harsh test. Pari's uncle was a greedy and ruthless man. He was concerned about the family property and wealth, not his brother’s widow and orphaned daughter. As time went by, his cruelty increased. One day, circumstances became so dire that Pari even lost her mother. Her mother’s death was such a shock that it plunged Pari’s little world into darkness. Now she was completely an orphan. The villagers felt pity for her, but no one could truly understand the wounds in her heart. A little girl without the shadow of a father and without a mother's love. But Pari did not give up. At night, she would look at the sky and silently pray: 'O Allah! If my parents are not with me, then You are with me. Make me strong, give me courage, and make me a person who can be a hope for others.' Perhaps on that day, a new fairy was born within her. A fairy who would not bow down to circumstances.

The storm began just after midnight. Lightning flashed across the black sky, revealing the silhouette of an ancient castle standing alone on a rocky hill. The villagers below called it the Castle of Shadows, a place abandoned for centuries and feared by all. John, a young traveler with a thirst for adventure, had heard countless tales about the castle. Some said a powerful prince lived there long ago — a prince whose heart had been consumed by darkness. Others claimed his spirit still wandered the halls, waiting for someone brave enough to uncover the truth. Ignoring the warnings, John climbed the winding path toward the castle. The heavy iron gates creaked open as if inviting him inside. A cold wind rushed past him, carrying whispers from the darkness. Subscribe to the Medium newsletter As he stepped into the great hall, he noticed a strange symbol glowing on the stone floor. Suddenly, the doors slammed shut behind him. The castle seemed to come alive. Then a deep voice echoed through the shadows. “At last… someone has come.” John’s heart pounded as a tall figure emerged from the darkness, his eyes glowing like burning embers. He wore a black crown and a cloak that flowed like smoke. “I am the Prince of Darkness,” the figure said. “And your fate is now bound to mine.” John realized that the stories were true. But he had no idea that this meeting would lead him into a battle between light and darkness that would decide the future of the entire kingdom.