Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The King's present

Once upon a time, in the magical realm of Arindor, there lived a noble and benevolent king named Marden. King Marden was adored by his subjects for his kindness and fair ruling. As his birthday approached, the kingdom was filled with anticipation and excitement, but little did they know that a dark force was lurking in the shadows.

Deep in the forbidden forest, a wicked sorcerer named Vivian plotted to overthrow King Marden and seize the throne for himself. Vivian was known for his cunning and deceitful nature, and he possessed a deep-rooted hatred for the king, fueled by envy and a thirst for power.

With his malevolent plans set in motion, Vivian crafted a cursed present to offer to King Marden on his birthday. The present was an intricately designed golden scepter, adorned with precious gemstones. Unbeknownst to the king and his loyal subjects, the scepter contained a powerful curse that would slowly drain the life force of anyone who touched it.

On the day of the grand celebration, the castle was adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air was filled with laughter and joy. The citizens of Arindor gathered in the courtyard, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their beloved king. As the clock struck midnight, King Marden made his grand entrance, accompanied by his loyal advisor, Lady Celestia.

Vivian, disguised as a humble servant, approached the king with the cursed scepter in hand. With a deceitful smile, he presented it to King Marden, who graciously accepted the gift. The moment the king's hand touched the scepter, a surge of dark energy coursed through his veins, weakening his spirit and clouding his mind.

Sensing the impending danger, Lady Celestia, a wise and intuitive sorceress, recognized the foul play and sprung into action. She swiftly cast a protective shield around the courtyard, ensuring the safety of the innocent bystanders. Lady Celestia knew that time was of the essence, and she needed to find a way to break the curse before it consumed the king completely.

Determined to save her beloved king, Lady Celestia embarked on a treacherous journey to seek the guidance of the ancient Tree of Wisdom. Deep within the enchanted forest, she communed with the spirits of the past, who revealed a hidden truth to her. The only way to break the curse was to retrieve a rare and powerful antidote hidden in the depths of a long-forgotten cave.

With unwavering determination, Lady Celestia ventured into the treacherous cave, facing perilous obstacles and dark enchantments. Finally, after facing countless trials, she emerged triumphant, clutching the antidote in her hands.

Returning to the castle, Lady Celestia administered the antidote to King Marden, breaking the curse that had plagued him. The king's strength returned, and his mind cleared from the darkness that had clouded it. With renewed vigor, King Marden confronted Vivian, who revealed his true identity.

A fierce battle ensued between King Marden, fueled by his love for his kingdom, and Vivian, consumed by his thirst for power. With each swing of their swords and clash of their magic, the forces of good and evil collided. In the end, King Marden emerged victorious, banishing Vivian from the realm forever.

The people of Arindor rejoiced, celebrating their king's triumph over the forces of darkness. They honored Lady Celestia for her unwavering loyalty and bravery. From that day forward, King Marden's birthday became a symbol of resilience and unity, reminding the kingdom of their ability to overcome adversity.

And so, the realm of Arindor flourished under the wise and just rule of King Marden, forever remembering the day they faced the wicked sorcerer Vivian and emerged victorious. The birthday celebrations continued to be a cherished tradition, serving as a reminder of the strength and courage that resided within the hearts of the people.