Golden duck

Once upon a time in the great Polish kingdom there lived a little boy named Kuba, earning a living as a cobbler in a small place in the center of Warsaw. No matter how hard he worked, however, he could never seem to scrape enough to get by. Every evening, leaving the workshop, he rested in an inn, listening to old tales.

One day an unfamilliar traveler came in. Bribed with a mug of ale, he told a fabulous story – the legend of a Golden Duck. Kuba was listening, enchanted. According to the myth a brave champion, if he knew where to look, could find a lake with a bird who would give him a splendid treasure.

All night, the boy mulled over the story, feeling strong enough to take on any quest. Come dawn, he went back and asked the old man to repeat the tale. Seeing the passion in the eyes of the young cobbler, the elder wanted to share all of his knowledge. He recounted the story, taking care to preserve even the smallest details, and adding in the end:

-They say the duck lives in the caverns under the Ostrogski’s palace near Tamka street. Even though until today no one has found the entry to the underground, I can feel you will at least try. Young man, I wish you good luck, for despite all my belief in your success you will sorely need it.

Every evening after this conversation, Kuba made his way to the Tamka street. He wandered around the palace, looking for the entrance to the dungeon. Finally his persistence was rewarded as he discovered a crack in a basement wall, opening into shadows. Gathering all his determination, he squeezed through, not caring about the tight fit. On the other side, he found himself facing a damp and completely dark corridor. Keeping a hand on the stones on his left, he descended, feeling the air getting more and more humid with every step.

As the passages grew narrow, the boy started to lose the hope that he would ever find the lake. He was freezing, drenched to the skin and hungry. Just as he started to think of turning back, he spied a delicate sheen in the distance.

Approaching, he saw a strange reflection on the wall. He followed the turn of the corridor and then he spotted the lake. It was small, but quite magnificent, the waters crystal-clear and transparent. Lights were dancing all around the cave. He has never seen this kind of illumination before. He couldn't discern the source of brightness until it dimmed a little and showed the silhouette of the duck, sitting in the middle of the pond.

She was luminous, her golden feathers sparkling, encrusted with diamonds. Her neck was adorned with rubies and emeralds, but what caught the eye the most was her golden crown, decorated with stones that shone with their own gentle glow.

The boy was so hypnotized by the variety of colours shining in the cave that he didn’t notice the duck swimming up to him.

-Be welcome, brave adventurer. I guess you came here seeking a treasure? – the duck said softly.

-Yes - uttered the boy, too stunned to say anything more.

-Then you shall have a chance at it. Firstly, though, you must complete a task. It is simple enough, but if you stray from it even a little, I won't be able to give you what you want.

-What should I do? - asked Kuba, eager.

-Here you have a thousand ducats. You have to spend them all in one day, and only on yourself. When you have used them all, up to the last penny, you should come back to me, and I will make you the richest man in the country - richer than the king.

Kuba took money, bowed and turned back to the exit. He found his way out in a daze, clutching tightly at the money.

Spending the money wasn’t difficult. He bought himself new clothes, ate and drank well in his favorite inn, and played dice all day long. As the dusk started to fall, he made his way leisurely towards the palace of the golden duck, already trifling away the promised fortune in his mind. Unexpectedly, just in front of the entrance he came across a beggar who asked him for change. The boy put his hand in his pocket, finding one forgotten penny. Without thinking, he gave it to the old man.

Suddenly, the duck appeared, hissing :

- You have broken your promise and forfeited your task. You will never have any of my treasure. Fool!

And she vanished into thin air, never to be seen again.

- It’s not true. – the beggar said. – You have a good heart. I promise you, you’ll be happy in your life.