Deep within the mesmerizing rolling fields, dwelt a shepherd boy. His existence was mostly untarnished, simple yet virtuous. His main role was essentially to tend to his herd of ewes.

Their gentle baas and the murmuring of the gales across the lone tree on the hilltop were his constant co-dwellers. Day after day, looking out for his responsibilities inculcated in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.

But, there were the occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would pine for companionship. During one such occasion because of sheer boredom, the shepherd boy devised a mischievous plot.

Tales of wild beasts hunting on sheep had long been circulating in the hamlet. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a prank on the inhabitants.

One day he ran into the village screaming “Wolf! There is a wolf that has taken my sheep!” The scared villagers sprinted up the hills for rescue but discovered no wolf.

The boy giggled at the puzzle on their faces. This prank continued for a few days more. But, one noon, a real wolf did come to prey the flock. The shepherd boy ran for aid shouting “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, click here no one came.

Frustrated and alone, the boy fought against the wolf but managed to protect only few of his flock. Devastated, he went back to the village only to be met with a reprimand on honesty and the consequences of dishonesty.

The tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable for teaching the importance of honesty, the consequences of lying and the perils of crying wolf. Moreover, it stresses how trust once lost, is difficult to regain. It's a story as appropriate today as it was anciently.