2| Please Save me, I'm Still Alive

“Please save me, I’m still alive!” Eryndor woke up at once. He wondered where the voice was coming from. He tried hard to configrate but couldn't find anyone nearby except his companions horse and eagle on the branch of the tree near the bank of a river. The cool shadow and pleasant breeze touched his face and fell asleep. During a sweet nap, he heard the voice: "Please, save me, I'm alive!"

This time the voice was clearer and optative in tone. He at once woke up and looked around to find the speaker, but he found nobody. He looked deep into the water and was disturbed badly. The choked and filthy water of the river made him upset. He reflected on the voice that made him feel the prick of his conscience.

Eryndor returned back to the town and tried to see the elderly townspeople and pleaded, "The river is not just a source of water or a place of recreation, it is a living being that has sustained us for thousands of years."

"What are you talking about? Do we not perceive it?"

"You know very well, but the point is that you have not realized the urgency of the situation."

"Thanks for your information." people reacted curtly.

Please do consider what I want to say." Eryndor deplored.

"My point is that not only the people but the animals and birds depend upon its water. We must learn to respect and care for it, or we will lose it forever."

The ancient river Aurorin flowed majestically through the heart of Cap Town, its very presence a testament to the passage of time. For thousands of years, it had nourished the land, quenching the thirst of the people, animals, and crops that relied on its waters. It was a source of their livelihood. The townspeople revered the river much, recognizing its strength, dignity, and wisdom.

People used to gather on its banks to fish, swim, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery. The river's beauty and significance were deeply ingrained in the town's culture, and its wisdom was cherished by all. They would also come to celebrate their rituals and offer their special prayers.

As a symbol of pride and identity, the river Aurorin stood as a constant reminder of the town's rich history and its enduring connection to the natural world. But for a few years, they have been ignoring its survival as it should be. This was alarming!

As the town's population swelled, the people's appreciation for the river Aurorin's bounty began to wane. Their negligence had devastating consequences, severely impacting the river's natural flow and beauty. Houses and factories sprouted along the riverbanks, spewing pollutants into its waters. The once-pristine river transformed into a receptacle for waste, its clarity and purity dwindling.

Eryndor's eyes widened in horror as he grasped the magnitude of his mistake, his mind racing frantically to find a way to undo the damage. His body trembled with regret as he stumbled backwards, in such a transfixed situation, his eyes fixed on the chaos he had unleashed, his thoughts consumed by a singular longing to turn back time at any cost.

The townspeople's decision to build a dam for the production of electricity further disrupted the river's natural flow, altering its course. The river's once-lively currents slowed to a trickle, its banks lined with trash and abandoned factories, while the few remaining fish swam listlessly in the murky waters, their scales coated with a film of grime and oil.

If left unchecked, the negligence would wreak havoc on the river, threatening the very existence of this precious natural resource. They had overused its resources, taking more water than it could sustain. The more they developed the land the more they made the situation worse.

As the years went by, the river began to dry up, gurgling and melodic flowing of water disappeared. The ecosystem was badly damaged. The animal life attached to it began disappearing. It could no longer support the colourful fish and other colourful aquatic life that had once thrived in its waters with abundance.

The once-lush fields surrounding the riverbed now turned to wither and golden, their parched earth cracking beneath the unbearable scorching sun. The crops' brittle stalks snapped in the gentle and pleasant breeze, like nature's own dying lament. In the town, furrowed brows and worried glances replaced the usual warm smiles.

The townspeople's restless pacing and hushed whispers betrayed their growing unease, as the reality of their actions already sank in: the river's gentle gurgle had slowed to a mere trickle, its stinking waters clotted with trash, receding like a dying breath.

One day Eryndor happened to visit a clinic and met with many patients who were suffering from Respiratory issues due to waterborne pollutants. They had got skin problems from bathing in contaminated water.

Their negligence increased cases of waterborne illnesses and the rosy faces of kids lost their attraction; strange rashes or lesions appeared on their skin. A sense of alarm and desperation gripped the community at once.

The timely wisdom of Vicky's words infused a new spirit into the townspeople, and they decided to address the issue and got ready to take necessary action immediately. They set up a committee to rehabilitate the grandeur of the river. They chalked out a plan to clear up the pollution, remove the dams, and limit water usage.

They visited schools and organized seminars on the importance of the river's original existence. "It's high time to remedy our follies and save the environment," they declared. Rules and regulations were formulated to preserve the river's vitality. Thus, their utmost efforts to highlight the importance of education in driving this mandatory transformation began.

They successfully educated future generations about the importance of preserving the river and its ecosystem. As the townspeople's efforts bore fruit, the river began to flow majestically once more. Its water became clean and clear, and fish and other aquatic life thrived in its lush flow. The crops flourished, and the townspeople could once again enjoy its beauty.

Though the river's water couldn't speak, its transformation conveyed a powerful message to all, revitalizing the situation and teaching the people to respect and care for the natural resources that sustain them. They grasped the idea just in time, recognizing the urgency to preserve their precious heritage and culture for future generations.

The town's population growth served as a catalyst, highlighting the importance of river conservation and prompting action before it was too late. It's crucial to instil the value of natural resources and their role in our lives in the next generation, ensuring their continued preservation.

Eryndor effectively conveyed his message, urging the townspeople to reflect on their actions and their consequences. He aptly emphasized that learning from mistakes is crucial to environmental protection.

By instilling environmental values in the youth, Eryndor inspired a sense of responsibility and stewardship, paving the way for a sustainable future for the community. His efforts ensured that the next generation would prioritize the preservation of natural resources, securing a brighter future for all.

Now it's time for Eryndor's departure, and nobody wished him to go away:

"And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep," by Robert Frost