Once there was a boy named Yax. He lived in a place called the Shadow Lands.

Life in the Shadow Lands was hard.

Yax worked all day and all night just to survive. In the Shadow Lands, everyone was sad and blue.

Life in the Shadow Lands had not always been so hard. It had been a happy place to live. The legend stated that the Shimmering Stone, which brought wealth and prosperity to the land, had been stolen from its owner, Oso. Oso was a large bear with mystical powers who ruled over the animal kingdom. Oso put a curse upon the people of the Shadow Lands until the stone was returned. Sadly, no one returned the stone. Not only had the land become harsh and gloomy, but the animals became very angry and wanted revenge.

Early one morning, Yax heard a commotion outside. He carefully peaked through his bedroom window to see what was happening. In this distance, he saw all the forest animals angrily marching toward the castle with weapons.

Yax jumped on his horse and rode as quickly and quietly as he could to warn the King. When he reached the castle gate, he shouted to the guard "an army of angry animals is coming!"

The guards took Yax immediately to see the King. Yax begged the King for mercy and said "Hurry, the forest animals are coming to destroy your castle!"

The King was old and weak. He looked at Yax and begged him for help. "I have not always been a good King. I cannot stop these animals alone. Will you help me?"