The Commander and the Soldier
Once upon a time, there was a magnificent palace at the edge of an old forest where cool waters flowed. In this palace lived a brave and proud commander who was greatly loved by his people. The commander was a wise leader whose great victories had made him famous throughout the land. While the scent of linden trees rose in the palace garden, the commander listened to the troubles of the people every day. One summer morning, an old soldier who had fought shoulder to shoulder with him in the old wars arrived. The soldier, who carried the tiredness of the years on his face, had come before the court because of an unjust accusation. The old soldier bowed with respect before his commander, with deep loyalty in his eyes.
“My lord, my name has been mixed into an injustice, and tomorrow I will stand before justice,” he said. But the commander was very busy, so he offered at once to appoint a representative for him. “I will send my most skilful lawyer to the court to defend you,” he answered. When the old soldier heard this answer, his heart ached, and he uncovered his arm full of sword scars. The soldier looked into the commander's eyes and made an unforgettable reproach. “Ah, my great commander, when we faced the enemy in that bloody war, I did not send another man in my place,” he said. “While the arrows of the enemy were raining down on us, I put my chest in front of you without hesitating for a moment.”
These words full of reproach entered the commander's heart like a sharp knife. The memory of the old days and the loyalty of the soldier were enough to fill the commander's eyes with tears. The commander, who understood his mistake, rose from his own throne on the day of the trial and went to the hall himself. Standing beside his old friend, he defended him with warm words and with pride. The soldier, whose innocence was proven, embraced his old commander with grateful eyes and left the palace in peace. True loyalty is not sending a representative on hard days, but standing beside your friend yourself. A true friend is known on a dark day.