The Forgotten Castle🔊

Once upon a time, in the flourishing Kingdom of Mortain, there stood a monstrous and beautiful castle known as the Shrouding Pinnacle. Perched high on a secluded hill, shrouded by a grove of ancient oaks, its grey stone walls kissed the sky and spoke of a time lost in the realms of ancient myth.

The ruler of the castle, Marquis Bartleby, was a benevolent man with a heart of pure gold. He was known for his kindness and merciful judgments, a quality rarely seen among the nobility. However, Bartleby had one weakness - his astoundingly beautiful but equally wicked daughter, Isolde. With her porcelain skin, raven black hair and eyes that mirrored the night sky, she was an intoxicating beauty. But within her beat the heart of a cold, calculating woman.

Isolde despised her father's inclination towards kindness. She yearned for power, for the throne that she knew she could rule with an iron hand. So, she hatched a dark plan. With the help of a secret lover, she managed to poison her father. As Marquis Bartleby perished, he whispered to his faithful servant, Thomas, 'Take care... Isolde...misled...' His words faded into an eerie silence but resonated in Thomas's heart.

Now, under Isolde’s ruthless rule, the once thriving kingdom began to wither. People lived in fear, the land suffered, and the once-glorious castle turned into a prison of despair.

In the midst of such gloom, the Kingdom of Mortain heard a glimmer of hope. A young boy named Oliver, an apprentice blacksmith, had risen from the shadows of the kingdom. He had learned about Marquis Bartleby’s death and Isolde's wickedness from the wise old Thomas. Filled with resentment for what Isolde had done to his beloved kingdom, he decided to dethrone her.

Equipped with his determination and a sword forged from the purest steel, Oliver embarked on a dangerous quest. After overcoming a multitude of perils, he reached the Shrouding Pinnacle. His heart pounded as he saw the castle, a formidable sight that was once a symbol of hope and now radiated despair. Undaunted, he steeled himself for the imminent confrontation.

Using his blacksmith skills, he crafted a plan to infiltrate the castle. Finally, he confronted Isolde. There she stood, her beauty marred by her wickedness. Oliver, with his determined spirit and fiery courage, challenged Isolde, and the mighty duel began. The whole kingdom held its breath, awaiting the outcome of what was the most significant battle in their history.

After hours of relentless fighting, Oliver, by sheer determination, landed a powerful blow, disarming Isolde. However, he chose not to kill her. Instead, he banished her forever from the Kingdom of Mortain. The words of Marquis Bartleby rang in his ears, 'Kindness... even when most denied... is the mark of a true ruler...'

As Isolde was banished, the kingdom rejoiced, and they hailed Oliver their savior and new ruler. The gloomy shroud lifted from the castle, and happiness filled the kingdom once more. Oliver vowed to rule justly and honorably, just like Marquis Bartleby.

Thus, Mortain thrived under Oliver, and the castle regained its old glory. People sang songs of their young king and his deeds, and his tale echoed through centuries, finding its way to the heart of every man, woman, and child, a testament of courage and justice that surpassed the ruthless tide of power and greed.