Fairy tales for young and old ~ English version

The wishing well

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village nestled among rolling green hills, there stood a majestic wishing well. This well was no ordinary well; it possessed a powerful magic that could make any good wish come true. The villagers would gather around the well, tossing coins and speaking their deepest desires, knowing that the well would grant their wishes with its mystical powers.

But little did they know, hidden amongst them, there lived an evil wizard named Delavo. For years, Delavo had concealed his true identity, disguising himself as a simple villager, fearful of the rejection and judgment that his powers would bring. Over time, that fear grew into hatred, and he began plotting to rid the village of the very source of its happiness - the wishing well.

Unbeknownst to Delavo, there was a young orphan girl named Grace who lived in the village. Grace had always yearned for the love and warmth of a family, her heart aching for parents who would cherish her. Delavo saw an opportunity in Grace, a chance to manipulate her innocence and trust to carry out his wicked plan.

Slowly, Delavo approached Grace, pretending to be a kind-hearted villager. He showered her with affection and attention, gaining her trust effortlessly. Grace, who had never known the love of a family, found solace in Delavo's presence. She saw him as a father figure, someone who could give her the love she longed for.

As he grew closer to the child, his heart began to soften, and a flicker of humanity ignited within him. He couldn't help but feel a deep affection for Grace, a connection he had never experienced before. The more time he spent with her, the more his true nature was challenged. He questioned the path he had chosen, torn between his desire for power and his newfound love for this innocent child.

However, Delavo was determined to fulfill his plan and destroy the well. Under the cover of darkness, he cast a powerful curse upon the water that flowed within the well. The cursed water transformed into a monstrous and dangerous beast, wreaking havoc upon the village. The villagers were terrified, fleeing in fear for their lives.

In the chaos, Grace found herself face to face with the terrifying beast. It lunged towards her, ready to strike. But in that moment, Delavo's heart shattered. He realized the depth of his attachment to this child, and without hesitation, he threw himself in harm's way, saving Grace's life.

As Delavo risked his own life to protect Grace, the beast's monstrous form shattered, revealing its true nature. It was not a beast at all, but a reflection of Delavo's own darkness. In that moment, Delavo understood the consequences of his actions. He had not only put the village in danger but also the one person who had come to mean the world to him.

Filled with remorse, Delavo used his powers to mend the well, reversing the curse and restoring peace to the village. The villagers, unaware of his true identity, praised Delavo as a wonderful enchanter, unaware of the darkness he harbored within. And Grace, grateful for his selfless act, embraced Delavo as her loving father.

In the days that followed, Delavo dedicated himself to protecting the village he once sought to harm. He used his powers for good, mending the wounds he had caused and helping the villagers rebuild their lives. 

With time, Delavo's bond with Grace grew stronger. She became his guiding light, teaching him the true meaning of love and forgiveness. Grace, too, flourished under the care of her newfound father. She blossomed into a strong-willed and compassionate young girl, always ready to defend her father against anyone who spoke ill of him.

As they lived happily ever after, the village thrived under Delavo's protection, and the wishing well continued to grant the wishes of those who sought its magic. Delavo, having learned the power of love and redemption, devoted his life to ensuring that the well would only bring joy and never harm.