Sir Reginald was a very proud knight. He had the shiniest armor in the whole kingdom! Every morning, he polished it until it sparkled like a thousand stars. He loved showing off his armor to everyone he met. He thought being shiny made him the best knight ever.
One evening, as Sir Reginald was admiring his reflection in a pond, a little voice called out, “Help! Help!” He looked around and saw a group of fireflies, their lights flickering sadly. “What’s wrong?” asked Sir Reginald, trying not to get mud on his boots.
“The wind blew our glow-berries away!” cried a tiny firefly named Flicker. “Without them, we can’t light up the forest for the sleepy animals!” Sir Reginald frowned. Searching for glow-berries would be messy! It would definitely dull his shine.
But then he remembered what his grandmother, the Queen, always said: “A true knight helps those in need, no matter how small.” Sir Reginald took a deep breath and said, “Don’t worry, little fireflies! I will help you find your glow-berries!”
He followed the fireflies into the dark forest. Thorns scratched his shiny armor, and mud splattered on his helmet. He didn’t even notice! He was too busy looking for the bright red glow-berries. Finally, after a long search, he found a bush full of them!
Sir Reginald carefully collected the glow-berries and brought them back to the fireflies. They were so happy! They ate the berries, and their lights began to shine brighter than ever before. The forest twinkled with their happy glow.
“Thank you, Sir Reginald!” Flicker chirped. “You are a very brave and kind knight!” Sir Reginald looked down at his muddy, scratched armor. It wasn’t shiny anymore, but he didn’t mind. He felt warmer and brighter inside than his armor had ever made him feel.
He realized that being a true knight wasn’t about having the shiniest armor. It was about being kind, helpful, and brave enough to do what’s right. From that day on, Sir Reginald still polished his armor, but he always remembered that a kind heart shines brighter than anything else. Now close your eyes, little one, and let the fireflies guide you to sweet dreams.