Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The Phantom Castle

(Storytober - Day 9 - Secret)

 In a quaint village surrounded by misty hills and whispering forests, there was an ancient legend that spoke of a mysterious castle. This castle, the Phantom Castle, appeared only on the night of a blue moon. For generations, villagers passed down tales of the castle's ghostly inhabitants and the hidden treasure said to break their curse.

Living in this village was a curious and adventurous orphan named Salomon. Salomon, with his wide, bright eyes and an unyielding spirit, had always been fascinated by the legend. He dreamed of the day he might see the castle for himself and uncover its secrets.

As the night of the blue moon approached, Salomon felt a strange pull, an irresistible urge to venture into the forest. Armed with only a lantern and a heart full of courage, he set off as the moon began to rise, its silvery light casting an ethereal glow over the land.

The forest was alive with the sounds of night, but Salomon pressed on, guided by the light of the blue moon. As he reached a clearing, he gasped in awe. There, shrouded in mist and bathed in the moon's glow, stood the Phantom Castle. Its spires reached toward the sky, and its walls shimmered with an otherworldly light.

Summoning all his courage, Salomon stepped through the castle gates. The air was thick with the scent of old stone and the whispers of the past. As he wandered through the grand halls and winding corridors, he marveled at the opulent decor, though everything seemed frozen in time.

In the heart of the castle, Salomon discovered a grand ballroom. It was here that he saw them—the ghostly inhabitants, their forms translucent and their eyes filled with sorrow. They danced in a slow, mournful waltz, their movements fluid and graceful, yet tinged with an eternal sadness.

Among them was a beautiful young woman with a tear-streaked face. She noticed Salomon and drifted toward him. Her voice was soft and filled with longing as she spoke.

"Who are you, brave soul, to venture into our cursed abode?"

"I am Salomon," he replied, his voice steady. "I have come to uncover the secrets of this castle and to help, if I can."

The young woman smiled sadly. "I am Lady Luciane, once the joy of this castle. We are cursed to remain here, bound by our tragic past. Only the hidden treasure can break this curse and set us free."

Salomon listened intently as Lady Luciane recounted the castle's story. Long ago, the castle was a place of happiness and prosperity, ruled by a kind and noble family. However, a jealous sorcerer, spurned by unrequited love, cast a dark spell, trapping the inhabitants in an eternal dance of sorrow.

Determined to help, Salomon asked, "Where can I find this hidden treasure?"

"Seek the key in the library, hidden within the pages of a book," Lady Luciane whispered. "It will lead you to the treasure."

With renewed resolve, Salomon made his way to the castle library. The room was vast, filled with countless books, their spines coated in dust. He searched tirelessly, his fingers tracing the shelves until he found an ancient tome with a gilded cover.

As he opened the book, a small, ornate key fell into his hand. With the key in his grasp, he followed Lady Luciane's instructions, navigating the maze-like corridors until he reached a hidden chamber. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with magic. In the center stood a chest adorned with intricate carvings.

Salomon inserted the key into the lock, and with a soft click, the chest opened. Inside, he found a radiant gem, its light pulsating with a warm, soothing glow. As he lifted the gem, the castle began to tremble, and a brilliant light filled the chamber.

The curse was breaking. The ghostly inhabitants started to fade, their forms becoming more solid and real. Lady Luciane approached Salomon, her eyes now filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Salomon," she whispered. "You have freed us."

As the first light of dawn broke, the castle began to dissolve into the morning mist. Salomon found himself back in the clearing, the gem still in his hand. The villagers would never believe the tale he had to tell, but he knew the truth. He had uncovered the secrets of the Phantom Castle and freed its cursed inhabitants.

And so, Salomon returned to the village a hero, his heart forever touched by the magic and mystery of the blue moon's night. The legend of the Phantom Castle lived on, but now it was a story of hope and bravery, carried on the lips of generations to come.

And they all lived happily ever after.