CHAPTER I

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Amidst the shadows of war-torn England, in a quaint little town, there lived four siblings named Louie, Jillian, Angel, and Jacob. This story is something that happened to them as they embarked on a summer vacation at their grandparents' house. The house, a magnificent structure nestled in the countryside, stood as a testament to a bygone era. Its weathered walls were adorned with crawling vines, and towering trees surrounded the property, casting a comforting shade. As the siblings stepped foot into this old and grand abode, they couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and anticipation for the adventures that awaited them.

As they stepped inside, their grandparents, Adelaide and Robert, greeted them with open arms and warm smiles. Adelaide, with her silver hair styled in an elegant bun and a gentle demeanor, exuded grace and wisdom. Robert, with his tall and sturdy frame, twinkling eyes, and a playful grin, radiated joy and mischief.

"Welcome, my darlings, to our beloved home," Adelaide said, her voice filled with affection. "This house has been in our family for generations. It may be old, but it holds countless memories and stories."

Louie, the oldest sibling, looked around in wonder. "Wow, Grandma and Grandpa, this house is incredible! It feels like stepping into a different era," he exclaimed.

Jillian, her eyes wide with curiosity, chimed in, "And look at those beautiful vines covering the walls! It's like the house is a part of nature itself."

Angel, always eager for adventure, nodded in agreement. "I can't wait to explore every corner of this place! I bet there are hidden treasures waiting to be discovered."

Jacob, the youngest of the siblings, clung to Louie's side, his eyes filled with apprehension. "Um, guys, do you think there are ghosts in this old house?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Louie chuckled, ruffling Jacob's hair. "Don't worry, little bro. There's nothing to be scared of. It's all just stories and imagination."

Adelaide, overhearing their conversation, joined in, her voice soothing. "Jacob, my dear, this house may have its secrets, but it holds nothing but love and warmth. You'll see."

As the day turned into night, the siblings settled into their shared bedroom, ready to rest after a day of excitement. The room was cozy, with vintage wallpaper adorned with delicate floral patterns. Moonlight peeked through the lace curtains, casting a soft glow on their beds.

Louie, sitting cross-legged on his bed, initiated the conversation. "Alright, guys, now that we're all here, let's talk about the rumors we've heard about this house. What do you think is hiding in these old walls?"

Jillian, snuggling under her blanket, giggled. "I heard there's a hidden treasure buried somewhere in the garden! Maybe we'll stumble upon it during our exploration tomorrow."

Angel, her eyes sparkling with excitement, added, "And what about the ghost stories? I bet there's a friendly ghost wandering around, waiting to be discovered."

Jacob, clutching his stuffed bear tightly, whispered, "I hope it's a friendly ghost. I don't want any scary surprises."

The siblings laughed and shared their own theories, their voices filled with a mix of fear and excitement. As the night wore on, their laughter echoed through the old Victorian house, blending with the creaking of the wooden floors.

Unbeknownst to the siblings, the house was not only home to their grandparents but also to three maids named Anna, Clara, and Barbara. Anna, with her warm smile and nurturing nature, had been with the family for many years. Clara, with her graceful movements and neatly tied hair, brought an air of elegance to the household. Barbara, with mischievous eyes and a playful demeanor, added a touch of liveliness to their daily routines.

As the night settled in, the maids went about their duties, ensuring that every corner of the house was clean and welcoming. Anna, dusting the antique furniture in the living room, called out to Clara and Barbara. "Clara, could you please water the plants in the conservatory? And Barbara, could you make sure the bedrooms are tidy?"

Clara, her voice gentle, replied, "Of course, Anna. I'll take care of the plants right away."

Barbara, mischief twinkling in her eyes, teased, "And I'll make sure the bedrooms are so tidy that not even a speck of dust will be found!"

The maids continued their tasks, their presence adding to the sense of nostalgia and history that filled the house.

The next morning, after a delicious breakfast prepared by their grandparents, the siblings gathered in the dining room, ready to embark on their exploration of the house. Louie, with a mischievous glint in his eyes, proposed an idea. "How about we have an adventure at our grandparents' house today? We can explore every room, uncover hidden treasures, and maybe even solve a mystery!"

Jillian's eyes lit up with excitement. "That sounds amazing! Count me in!"

Angel, always up for an adventure, nodded eagerly. "I'm in too! Let's see what secrets this old house holds."

Jacob, feeling a mixture of fear and anticipation, hesitated for a moment before finally joining in. "Okay, but promise me we won't encounter any ghosts, alright?"

The siblings laughed and reassured Jacob, their bond growing stronger with each shared moment of joy and excitement.

After breakfast, they set out on their exploration, starting from the top floor and working their way down. Louie ventured into the attic, where he discovered a treasure trove of forgotten belongings. Dusty trunks filled with old photographs and letters revealed glimpses into the past.

Jillian found herself in a cozy bedroom on the second floor, with a window overlooking the garden. She marveled at the vintage furniture and delicate lace curtains, imagining the stories that unfolded within those walls.

Angel explored the winding corridors, stumbling upon a room filled with old statues. The eerie yet captivating atmosphere sent shivers down her spine, igniting her imagination.

Meanwhile, Jacob, with his curious nature, found himself in a small room tucked away in a corner. The room was dimly lit, with a single window that offered a view of the garden. As he explored further, he noticed a small staircase leading down to the lower level of the house.

Intrigued, Jacob descended the staircase, his heart pounding with anticipation. He found himself in a cozy library, lined with shelves filled with ancient books. The scent of old pages filled the air, and the soft glow of the reading lamps created a tranquil ambiance.

Beside the library, a narrow hallway beckoned Jacob. He followed its twists and turns until he stumbled upon an empty room. The room was bathed in a soft golden light, filtering through the stained glass windows. As Jacob stepped closer, he noticed a small door at the end of the room, adorned with intricate carvings.

His curiosity getting the better of him, Jacob slowly opened the door and found himself transported to a magical world called Angbotain. The air buzzed with enchantment, and he marveled at the fantastical creatures and breathtaking landscapes that stretched before him.

Filled with a mix of awe and trepidation, Jacob called out to his siblings, but there was no response. So he entered by himself, Jacob was stunned by the beauty of the woods. The trees were tall and lush, and the air was filled with the sweet scent of flowers. As he explored, he saw fairies fluttering around and talking to each other in their high-pitched voices.

"Wow, this is incredible," Jacob whispered to himself.

As he walked further into the woods, he stumbled upon a clearing where he saw a group of animals having a tea party. There were rabbits, squirrels, and even a deer, all sitting around a table and sipping tea from tiny cups.

Jacob was amazed and couldn't believe what he was seeing. He watched in awe as the animals chatted and laughed together.

Discovering Angbotain The beginnings - book 1Where stories live. Discover now