As Phalen gathered firewood in the forest, he heard the cries of agony piercing through the quiet woods.
He followed the winding paths until he stumbled upon a stone altar surrounded by ancient oaks.
Upon the altar lay a terrifying creature bound in shimmering ropes, its twisted form and gnashing teeth promising only death.
Phalen started to flee, but the creature's cries halted him. Despite its monstrous appearance, something in its suffering and wailing stirred compassion in the young bard's heart. With caution, he approached as the ropes tightened around the roaring beast.
Suddenly, from the shadows emerged a wicked sorcerer, casting dark whispers of spells toward Phalen.
He evaded the sinister murmurs, inching closer to the creature despite its anger.
Up close, Phalen noticed the creature's crimson eyes, holding more fear than malice.
When the monster spoke, its voice, though powerful, was laced with pain.
It warned Phalen of the sorcerer and added that no hands could break its bondage.
But Phalen, too, held some secrets in his arsenal; he was a musician of enchanted melodies.
With emotion and pity for the suffering creature, Phalen drew his flute, trusting in the power of his music.
As he played, the mystical ropes began to slacken their grip.
Enraged, the sorcerer intensified his attacks, but Phalen's magical tune diminished their potency until they were brought to naught.
Eventually, the creature was freed, emitting a cry of relief.
As the released monster, instead of attacking Phalen or the sorcerer, a regal figure emerged from its form, leaving Phalen stunned.
The monstrous visage melted away, revealing a kingly griffin full of majesty before him.
Now that the griffin was freed, it stunned the sorcerer and easily subdued him.
With gratitude for his release, the griffin lowered its head before Phalen.
Then, as a sign of gratitude, it offered Phalen a flight above the forest.
Phalen smiled as they soared into the clouds, grateful that he followed his heart instead of his fears.
And the griffin smiled too, realizing that hands did not break its bondage but by the power of the melody of compassion.