The Stone King

In the valley of a beautiful mountain, surrounded by a dark forest, there lies a mysterious village. Everyone born in this village is assigned a specific purpose at birth, and no one is ever burdened by the question of what to do with their lives. Everyone's purpose is predestined, and each life weaves perfectly in with the others, forming a harmonious, self-sustaining society. Counseled by three "guides," who can see the destiny of each person born in the village, no one ever questions their role in the community. Everyone identifies fully with their life's task, and for centuries, perfect balance and harmony prevail, as if bestowed by the forces of the universe. Until one day a child is born. A boy who does not speak. His behavior is perplexing and unusual, and his purpose is unknown. He does not fit into the community and as he grows older, the harmony in the village mysteriously begins to dissolve. People begin to lose track of their tasks as if bewitched, and for the first time, the guides are blind. Ominous sounds begin to emerge from the surrounding forest, and the village is on the brink of collapse. Surely, the boy is at fault. To restore balance, the village faces an unthinkable decision.