The Forgotten Town of Elara
Once, nestled within the jagged cliffs and the frothing seas off the coast of Sicily, was the forgotten town of Elara. It was home to a mere handful of colourful homes, a small, lively market, and hardy Sicilians, known for their strength, courage and love for the sea.
It was in Elara that little Angelo was born; an olive-skinned boy with sparkling green eyes - a reflection of the emerald sea. As the son of the town’s fisherman, Angelo grew into his father's craft passionately. His father, Miguel, would often remark, 'The sea is in his soul, as it is in his father's.' The vibrant Angelo, untouched by the town’s desolation and its whispers of an ancient curse, savoured his childhood playing by the rocky shore, dreaming of unlocking its secrets.
The heart of Elara, however, was an age-old lighthouse, moss-covered and lonely. It was said that the lighthouse was the gateway to a hidden treasure buried deep by the sea, guarded by the ancient spirits of the sea. For ages, the lighthouse stood, its beam of silver guiding lost ships, but no one dared venture near it, fearing the wrath of the ancient spirits.
One day, when Angelo was about fifteen, he came across an old, dusty map in his father's attic. The map had a convoluted path from the lighthouse to a spot in the open sea. Angelo, with a glint of adventure in his eyes, decided to follow this map. He was not afraid, for he was a son of the sea.
Armed with undying spirit and armed with the old mariner's map, Angelo sailed into the open sea. Guided by the lighthouse, he navigated the rough Sicilian waves. Suddenly, a tempest unleashed its fury, but Angelo manoeuvred his tiny boat skilfully, merging with the sea. Once in the middle of the storm, he dove deep into the sea. The ocean welcomed him like a long-lost son, and he swam deeper, the mystery of the sea unravelling before him.
In the depth, he discovered a spectacular submerged city, shimmering in the aqua light. There lay a magnificent chest, glowing with an ethereal light. However, three ancient spirits surrounded it- protectors of the treasure. Trembling but determined, Angelo spoke to them, 'I don't seek gold or jewels. I aim for prosperity and happiness of Elara. Its people suffer. I want to save my town and my people.' To his surprise, the spirits smiled and placed the chest in his hands.
Angelo emerged from the sea, the storm had capitulated, the sea was calm. Elara reeled at the spectacle as he held out the chest and out came a sparkling stream, soaring towards the town. It washed over the houses, the market, the people, the lighthouse. Everywhere it touched, faded shades gained vibrancy, the sterile land sprouted green, salty wells turned fresh, and happiness filled the hearts of people. The curse was lifted.
Angelo, who went as a common boy, returned as their saviour. The lighthouse, once feared and desolate, became a symbol of hope and transformation. And when Angelo was an old man, he would sit by the sea, a new map in his hands, his eyes shining with unshed tears, as he would tell the tale of their town. Elara-the forgotten town, was forgotten no more.