In the heart of the mesmerizing rolling fields, dwelt a young shepherd. His being was essentially untarnished, simple, and honest. His primary duty was mainly to look after his herd of sheep.

Their soft bleating and the rustling of the gales through the solo tree on the hilltop were his only companions. Day upon day, watching over his wards imbued in him a feeling of tranquil contentment.

However, there were the occasional moments of isolation, when the shepherd boy would check here long for companionship. On one such day because of sheer monotony, the shepherd boy orchestrated a mischievous plan.

Stories of predators hunting on sheep had been heard times and again in the town. So, the boy opted to exploit this fear and played a trick on the inhabitants.

One morning he dashed into the village shouting “Wolf! A wolf is preying on my sheep!” The terrified villagers ran up the hills to offer assistance but found nothing threatening.

The boy giggled at the confusion on their faces. This trick persisted for a couple of more days. However, one noon, a real wolf did come to prey the herd. The shepherd boy raced for help, screaming “Wolf, Wolf!” But this time, no one responded.

Frustrated and alone, the boy struggled against the wolf but managed to protect only few of his flock. Heartbroken, he went back to the village only to receive a reprimand on honesty and the consequences of crying wolf.

The tale of this shepherd boy has been handed down generations as a mediaeval parable to teaching the significance of honesty, the implications of dishonesty and the risks of false alarms. Moreover, it stresses how trust once lost, is tough to earn back. It's a story as pertinent today as it was then.