In a cozy little cottage, not too far from a whispering wood, lived a kind old man with his three sons. His back was a bit bent, and his steps were slow, so he called his boys to him one sunny morning.

"My dear sons," he said, his voice like rustling leaves, "I am getting old, and soon I will need to rest a lot. I want to give our little house to the one of you who learns the most wonderful and useful skill. Go out into the world, learn a trade, and then come back and show me what you can do."

The three sons, eager to please their father, packed small bags and set off on their adventures.

The first son, let's call him Alex, decided he wanted to be the best barber in the world. He found a master barber who taught him to snip and shave with amazing speed and gentleness. Alex practiced so hard that he could shave the fuzz off a peach without leaving a single scratch, or give a speedy squirrel a quick trim as it scampered by!

The second son, Ben, thought being a blacksmith was the most useful trade. He went to a village with a busy smithy. He learned to hammer hot metal, make strong horseshoes, and fix anything made of iron. Ben became so skilled, he could make a perfect new shoe for a horse while it was prancing, and the horse would hardly even notice!

The third son, Charlie, loved adventure and decided to become a master fencer. He learned to use a practice sword (a safe one, of course!) with such grace and speed. He could twirl it and swish it so cleverly that if a sudden gust of wind tried to blow his hat off, he could tap it right back onto his head with his sword before it even lifted!

After a year had passed, the three brothers met up and journeyed home together, excited to show their father their new skills.

When they arrived, their father greeted them with a warm smile. "Welcome home, my boys! Now, let's see what you have learned."

Just then, a little field mouse, quick as a flash, darted out from under a bush. "Alex," said the father, "show me your skill!"
Before anyone could blink, Alex, with a tiny pair of shining scissors, gave the mouse’s whiskers the neatest, quickest trim you ever did see. The mouse paused, wiggled its newly neat whiskers, and scurried off, looking quite dapper.

Next, a farmer’s cart rumbled by, and one of its wheels made a creaky, wobbly sound. "Ben," called the father, "your turn!"
Ben grabbed his tools. With a few swift, strong taps and twists, he tightened a loose bolt and smoothed a bent piece of iron on the wheel, all while the cart was still slowly rolling! The wheel spun smoothly and quietly afterwards.

Suddenly, a few raindrops began to fall from a passing cloud. "Oh dear," said the father, looking up. "Charlie, what can you do?"
Charlie grinned. He took out his practice sword and began to swish and swirl it above their heads. He moved it so fast and so cleverly, it was like an invisible umbrella! Not a single raindrop touched his father or his brothers.

The father clapped his hands, his eyes shining with pride. "My sons, you are all truly amazing! Alex, your gentle, quick hands are wonderful. Ben, your strong, clever work is so useful. And Charlie, your skillful protection is fantastic!"

He looked from one son to another. "It is impossible for me to choose just one of you," he said. "Each skill is special in its own way."

So, the three brothers decided the best thing to do was to live in the house together with their father. Alex kept everyone looking neat and tidy. Ben fixed anything that broke or needed mending. And Charlie, well, he made sure they were always ready for any surprise the weather brought, and his stories of adventure kept them all entertained. They lived happily together, each using his wonderful skill to help the others.

1858 Views