The Torchbearer
The village of Lumora had been without a leader for years. Once a thriving community, it had fallen into chaos—crops failed, disputes grew, and hope faded. The elders decided it was time to find a new leader, but not just any leader—one who would restore Lumora’s lost glory.
A challenge was set: anyone who wished to lead must climb to the peak of Mount Solara and bring back the legendary Torch of Wisdom, a symbol of leadership passed down through generations.
Many tried. The strongest warriors rushed ahead, eager to claim the title. The cleverest minds devised shortcuts, hoping to outsmart the journey. But one by one, they failed, returning empty-handed, exhausted, or never returning at all.
Then came Tariq, a humble farmer. Unlike the others, he took his time, observing the mountain, speaking to those who had failed, and learning from their mistakes. Before setting out, he gathered supplies—not just for himself, but for anyone he might meet along the way.
As he climbed, he encountered a wounded traveler. The man had been one of the first to attempt the journey but had fallen and been left behind. While others had passed him by, Tariq stopped, bandaged his wounds, and helped him down to safety before continuing.
Further up, a group of young climbers had lost their way. Instead of ignoring them, Tariq shared his map and guided them until they found the right path.
Finally, as he neared the peak, he found the Torch of Wisdom resting on an ancient pedestal. But to his surprise, he was not alone. A young woman, Leila, sat beside it, exhausted. “I’ve been here for hours,” she admitted. “But I can’t lift the torch. It’s too heavy.”
Tariq smiled. “Leadership is never meant to be carried alone.” He knelt beside her, and together, they lifted the torch. As soon as they did, its flame grew brighter, lighting their way back down.
When they returned to the village, the elders declared Tariq the rightful leader. But he refused the title alone. “Leadership is not about strength or intelligence alone,” he said. “It’s about serving others, lifting them up, and walking together toward a shared vision.”
And so, under the guidance of Tariq and Leila, Lumora flourished once more—not because they had claimed the torch, but because they had carried the light together.
Moral of the Story:
A great leader is not the one who reaches the top first but the one who ensures no one is left behind.
