Amadeus was a hero, and he knew it. His name had spread across the globe in a raging fire of praise. Praise for his selfless acts, for his simple deeds of kindness, for his unwavering love of God and all mankind.
But he had never asked for this. He didn’t want to be recognized when he entered a new town. Didn’t want to be hailed and praised and put on a pedestal. He didn’t want the gifts they showered on him, and he in no way wanted the money they always gave him.
That said, he always took it. He carefully loaded it all into his wagon. Then he took to the peaceful solitude of the road with only his horse for company. He traveled for weeks, and as he went he would leave the gifts on the doorsteps of the less fortunate. He would give coins to the too skinny children that played in the streets.
Amadeus only kept the coins he needed to survive. Enough for food, water, and, occasionally, shelter.
It was nearly sunset when Amadeus made it to his favorite stretch of road. The oranges, purples, and pinks of the approaching sunset cast their enchanting glow on the amazing statue of Amadeus the Great.
This was his namesake. This was the Amadeus who was so selfish that the other gods punished him to an eternity of servitude. He was to hold back the giant boulder that threatened the town below. To ensure he would do his job, the gods turned him to stone.
Every time he was travelling, Amadeus would stop underneath the boulder and whisper the story to himself. It was a constant reminder to do better. To be better.Â
Then, before he continued on his journey, he would leave a copper coin at the feet of Amadeus the Great as a token of his gratitude, for his family lived in the small town at the base of the hill, and without Amadeus the Great, they would have died long ago.
Happy Saturday! The week got away from me, as it sometimes does, so this week’s offering comes a few days late from the old archives, circa July 2020.
See you next Thursday, for real this time, for my one year Substack anniversary!
Love it. Learning to be content with enough is a hard thing to do. He deserves praise. 🤓
Love this! I could read a whole mini-series of his adventures and more lore about the neighboring lands.. Well done, Claire!