Chapter 3: The Test of Faith

As the boy grew into a young man, he dedicated himself to studying the herbs that Death had shown him in the forest. He spent many years learning how to use the herbs to heal the sick and soon became a skilled physician.

As he gained knowledge and skill, people from far and wide came to him for help. He became famous for his ability to cure even the most dire illnesses and was well-paid for his services.

But the young man never forgot the promise he had made to his godfather, Death. He knew that Death would always be there, watching over him and guiding him. And whenever he saw Death standing at the bedside of one of his patients, he knew that it was time to use the herbs and bring healing.

The young man's reputation as a skilled physician spread far and wide, and soon he was summoned to the palace to attend to the king, who was gravely ill. When he arrived, he found Death standing at the king's feet.

The young man knew that this was a test of his faith in his godfather, Death. He knew that any treatment he gave the king would be useless, as Death had already claimed him.

But the young man's heart was filled with compassion for the king, and he could not bear the thought of letting him die without trying to save him. He turned the king's bed so that Death stood at his head, and he gave him the special herb.

To his surprise, the king began to recover and soon made a full recovery. The young man was filled with joy and gratitude for his godfather, Death, for giving him the gift of healing.

But his joy was short-lived, as Death appeared before him, his face dark with anger. "You have disobeyed me," Death said. "You have cheated me of my due."

The young man fell to his knees, trembling with fear. "I am sorry, godfather," he said. "I was filled with compassion for the king and could not bear to let him die without trying to save him."

Death looked at the young man with a stern expression. "You have betrayed my trust," he said. "But because you are my godchild, I will spare your life. But know that if you ever cheat me again, I will take your life."

The young man nodded, tears streaming down his face. He knew that he had disobeyed his godfather and had cheated Death of his due. He swore never to do so again and to always trust in Death's guidance.

He knew that he had to be true to his godfather, Death, and to always trust in the gift that Death had given him, even if it meant letting go of his own desires and emotions.

The young man lived the rest of his days as a respected and successful physician, always keeping his promise to his godfather, Death, and always remembering the gift of healing that Death had given him.