He POUNDED His Only DAUGHTER ALIVE

In a far-off village lived an old man named Tar. Though he was not rich, his home was a haven of happiness, anchored by a beautiful and loving family. Tar was a hardworking farmer, but he owned no land; he earned his living by laboring on the farms of others. Despite their meager means, Tar always ensured his wife and three children—two sons and a pretty daughter, Amina—were well cared for.

Tar’s wife was a tireless partner, working as a trader in the market, selling vegetables and fruits. Every morning, she prepared her goods with a smile, ready to support the family. Their home was filled with a deep love and joy that transcended their poverty. In the evenings, Tar would return home weary but content, met by a warm meal, his wife’s welcome, and the children’s embrace. They would sit together, sharing laughter and stories, proving that true wealth is measured by the happiness shared.

The Humiliation of Poverty

 

Tar had many friends in the village, all wealthier than he. As time passed, these friends began to drift away. They didn’t want to be seen with a man so poor, their companionship tainted by the difference in wealth. Tar was saddened, but he constantly reminded himself: “My family is what matters most.”

One day, at a large village gathering, Tar decided to go, hoping to reconnect with his old companions. When he arrived, his friends seemed happy to see him and invited him to join their meal.

But after they finished eating, a moment of crushing humiliation arrived.

One friend stood up and sneered, “Tar, since you are not as rich as us, you should pack the plates.”

Tar was shocked. “We are all friends, and I am older than you. Just because I don’t have as much money doesn’t mean you can treat me this way. Everyone should pack their own plate!”

His friends merely laughed. “If you don’t pack the plates, we’ll tell the seller you haven’t paid. That will be even more embarrassing for you.”

Tar had no choice. Humiliated, he packed the plates, left the gathering, and walked home slowly, the unfairness burning in his soul. When his wife noticed his mood, he sighed and explained, “My friends treated me badly today because I am not as rich as they are. But it doesn’t matter. I will always do my best for you and our children.”

 

The Seeds of Discontent

 

Tar was known throughout the village for his diligence, yet he was often taken advantage of. The wealthy people he worked for sometimes delayed payment, telling him to “come back tomorrow.” His wealthier friends often asked him to do menial and degrading tasks, like washing their clothes or cleaning their houses, as payment for a small loan.

Once, when Tar desperately needed money to buy food, a friend laughed and said, “If you want money, you must clean my house and wash my clothes.” Humiliated, Tar agreed. He spent the whole day laboring, only to be given a small fraction of what he had earned.

Despite the unfair treatment, Tar never gave up. He woke up early every day, driven by his determination to provide a roof and food for his family.

As the harvest season arrived, Tar saw a chance to earn a good wage. He approached Chief Azuka, the richest man in the village, who owned the largest farm.

“Good morning, Chief Azuka,” Tar greeted him respectfully. “I would like to help with the Harvest. I have my two sons who can help, too.”

Chief Azuka agreed, and the next day, Tar and his sons woke before sunrise. They worked tirelessly, through hot sun and heavy rain, their hands rough and their backs aching, sustained only by the knowledge that their labor would bring happiness to their home.

 

The Temptation

 

After many days, the harvest was complete. Tar went to Chief Azuka for his payment.

“Here is one-third of what I owe you,” the Chief said, handing him some money. “Come back tomorrow for the rest.”

Tar was surprised; the Chief had never done this before. That night, his wife noticed his worry. Tar confided in her that he was uneasy about the partial payment. “Don’t worry, Tar,” she assured him. “You have worked hard, and everything will be fine. Let’s enjoy our meal with the children tonight.”

The next day, Tar returned to the Chief’s grand house. Azuka welcomed him with a warm smile, an unusual hospitality, and invited him to eat. After the meal, the Chief leaned back.

“Tar, you have worked hard all your life. You deserve more than just a few coins. I have an opportunity for you to become rich without all this hard work. You just have to see my old friend at the edge of the forest.”

Tar was taken aback. “How can I become rich without working hard?”

“There is a way, Tar,” the Chief replied. “A way that requires a small ritual, but no bloodshed. You are getting older; think about your family.”

Though cautious, Tar felt his heart race. The Chief then pulled out a large bundle of money—ten times what he was owed—and handed it to Tar. “Take this. It is a gift, a small taste of what you could have. Take your time to decide.”

Tar returned home, the heavy bundle of money filling his mind with conflicting thoughts. He explained the offer to his wife.

“Tar, this offer sounds too good to be true,” she said, her face lined with concern. “We have always lived honestly and worked hard. Be very careful. Easy riches can bring great trouble.”

 

The Dark Decision

 

The temptation was a constant, heavy weight. Tar thought about his children’s future and the endless struggles they had faced. After wrestling with the offer for several days, Tar finally made his decision.

“I will go to the Forest Edge tomorrow and meet the old man for the ritual,” he told his wife.

“Please be careful,” she pleaded. “Our family’s happiness means more than wealth. Promise me you will come back safe.”

“I will come back safe. This is for our future,” he promised, holding her tightly.

The next day, Tar made his way to the dark, thick forest. The old man with a long white beard and wise eyes greeted him.

“Ah, Tar. Chief Azuka told me you would come. Are you ready?”

Tar, his voice trembling, nodded. The old man led him to a clearing with a circle of stones and strange symbols drawn on the ground. The old man began to chant, filling the air with an eerie, rhythmic sound.

“This ritual will grant you wealth without shedding blood,” the old man said, holding out a bowl of dark oil. “Rub this oil on your body, and the gods will bless you.”

Tar applied the oil, feeling a strange warmth spread through him. The old man placed his hands on Tar’s head. “You have been chosen. The gods will grant you riches, but remember, there is always a price to pay.” He gave Tar a small pouch filled with gold coins. “This is just the beginning. More will come to you. Go now, and take care of your family.”

 

The Illusion of Prosperity

 

In the days that followed, Tar’s life changed dramatically. His humble home was suddenly filled with wealth beyond his wildest dreams: gold coins, fine clothes, and beautiful ornaments. Tar, once the poorest, was now one of the wealthiest.

His old friends, who had once shunned him, now flocked to his side, showering him with praise and asking for his secret. Tar, however, was cautious, simply telling them, “I have been blessed by the gods.”

His family was overjoyed with their new life. His children wore fine clothes and ate well. But Tar’s wife couldn’t shake a shadow of doubt.

“Tar, I am happy that we have all these things, but I am worried. How did this happen so quickly?”

“The gods have blessed us, my love,” he insisted. “They saw our struggles and decided to reward us. I made a promise to them, and they have fulfilled it. You don’t need to worry.”

Yet, as the weeks passed and his wealth grew, Tar became more distant and preoccupied, a heavy burden weighing on his shoulders. He longed for the simple, honest days before the riches came, missing the genuine companionship he once had.

 

The Demand

 

Then, one quiet evening, a messenger arrived with an ominous summons: the old man from the forest demanded to see Tar.

The next morning, dread gnawed at Tar as he faced the old man, whose expression was now grave.

“Tar,” the old man said, “the time has come for you to fulfill your part of the bargain. The gods demand a sacrifice.”

Tar’s heart sank. “What kind of sacrifice?”

The old man’s eyes were piercing. “You must sacrifice your only daughter, Amina, to the gods. It is the price for the wealth you have received.”

Tar staggered back. “No! Not Amina! I cannot do this!”

“If you do not fulfill the gods’ demand, you will lose everything,” the old man declared. “The wealth, your sanity, and your life. You have seven days to make your decision. If you refuse, the gods will take her themselves, and you will suffer the consequences.”

The threat was clear, the fear of losing his newfound wealth and his sanity gnawing at him. He paced the floor, telling himself he still had two sons to carry on the family name, a terrible rationalization that pushed him closer to the unthinkable. His wife noticed his turmoil, but he could not bring himself to tell her.

 

The Shattered Family

 

On the fifth night, heart heavy with dread, Tar prepared the drink and the black oil as instructed. He found Amina playing.

“Amina, come here,” he called softly. “Drink this, my dear, and use this oil. It’s very important.”

Trusting her father completely, she drank the potion and took the oil. As the potion took effect, Amina fell unconscious.

Tears streaming down his face, Tar carried her to the clearing, the weight of his guilt crushing him. He laid her gently on the ground and knelt beside her, a mortar prepared by the old man waiting nearby. He was about to proceed with the final, horrific act when a piercing scream shattered the silence.

“Tar! No!”

It was his wife. Suspecting the worst, she had followed him. The villagers, awakened by her scream, rushed to the forest with torches, illuminating the terrible scene. They quickly restrained Tar. His wife ran to Amina, cradling her daughter and crying, “What have you done, Tar?”

Amina was rushed to the herbalist, and Tar was tied up, guarded by villagers whose faces were a mixture of anger and pity.

 

Atonement

 

The next morning, the village elders declared, “Tar must face Justice. We must take him to the King.”

Bound and surrounded, Tar was led to the King’s Palace. In the grand hall, the King sat on his throne, his face stern. Tar fell to his knees, confessing everything, telling the King how Chief Azuka had manipulated him with promises of wealth and the terrible demand for a ritual.

The King listened, his expression darkening. He sent guards to find Chief Azuka, but the man had already fled, leaving behind only the destruction he had orchestrated.

“Tar, you have committed a grave sin,” the King pronounced. “But since you thankfully did not take your daughter’s life, your life will be spared. You will spend the rest of your days in prison, where your wife and children may visit you, but you will work to atone for your actions.”

Tar bowed his head, tears streaming down his face, accepting his fate.

He had lost everything he had worked for and, worst of all, he had shattered his family’s trust for the promise of easy riches. In his prison cell, Tar vowed to spend the rest of his life atoning for his sins, knowing that the love and happiness of his family were treasures far greater than any amount of gold. His tale spread throughout the village, a stark reminder of the dangers of greed and the true meaning of wealth.