Taking a Friend’s Place

Once in a kingdom, there lived a man named Liam. One day, he spoke out against the king’s wrongdoings. The king, proud and harsh, was furious. He ordered his soldiers, “Arrest this man and hang him!”

Liam didn’t resist. Calmly, he said, “Your Majesty, I accept your punishment. But please, grant me one last wish. Let me visit my home and see my children one final time before I die.”

The king shook his head. “No. What if you run away? How can I be sure you'll return?”

Just then, a man from the crowd stepped forward and said, “My Lord, take me as his guarantee. Put me in prison. If he doesn’t return, you can hang me instead.”

Everyone was shocked. Even the king was surprised. “Why would you risk your life for him?” he asked.

The man replied, “He is my best friend. I trust him with my life. He will come back.”

The king was moved by this loyalty. “Fine,” he said. “Liam, you have six hours to go home and return. After that, your friend will be hanged.”

Liam left at once, met his family, and shared his last moments with them. He still had enough time to return. But on the way back, he fell from his horse and got injured. The horse was also hurt. He couldn’t ride anymore.

Meanwhile, at the palace, time was running out. The friend stood calmly on the hanging platform, smiling, ready to give his life.

Just as the executioner was about to pull the lever, Liam came running, bruised and breathless. He fell to the ground and shouted, “Stop! I’m here! Let my friend go!”

But his friend stepped forward and said, “Liam, no. Go back. I’m happy to take your place.”

Liam went to him and said, “No, my friend. You’ve done more than enough. This is my punishment. I will face it.”

The king was deeply moved. He had never seen such friendship before.

With a warm heart, he said, “Stop the execution. You both are free. Your friendship has taught me a great lesson.”

Moral: A true friend is someone who trusts you and stands by you, even in your worst times. Real friendship has the power to change hearts and overcome any problem.

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