Short stories_2017

Short stories jointly written by the students of READ in Europe Erasmus+
project

2017 May

Story 1
written by the Croatian team

A King falsely accused

Chapter 1

A long time ago in a far away land there was a town called Benos, surrounded by a gloomy
old forest. The forest looked drained and it was obviously dying. No one could understand
why. Benos was home to King Camillo VI who lived in a beautiful huge castle with his
daughter Sanytal. Everyone knew Sanytal for her extraordinary beauty and immeasurable
kindness. She was going to be the perfect queen one day, but now she was just too young.
Sanytal was concerned for her father´s health because he was very ill. His disease was so
rare that only a powerful witch could cure him. The King was not able to rule his kingdom
anymore so his good friend Ataulfo was of great help. Ataulfo was the connection between
the castle and the people of the kingdom. People were unhappy and unsatisfied with the
way they lived. They were poor, hungry and mad at the King. The taxes were too high and
their children were sick and weak. They felt sorry for their forest and accused the King for
everything that was happening to them. But in fact, none of it was Camillo´s fault. He trusted
Ataulfo, but he was not reporting to the King what was happening to the people of his
kingdom. Despite Camillo trusting Ataulfo blindly, Ataulfo was not a good man. All he
wanted was Camillo´s crown and he was ready to do everything to get it.

Chapter 2

There were legends about Benos being a magical place, where lovely and kind creatures with
magical powers lived and took care for the town, but no one really believed it. There were
stories about a very powerful witch named Syra, who lived in the forest near Benos. The
legend was almost forgotten. It was part of the distant past, written in dusty old books.
However, both Sanytal and her father knew those stories were true. She believed in magic
since she was just a child because her father was always retelling her the old stories about
Benos and Syra. Camillo did not seem to be much concerned about his sickness, which made
Sanytal suspicious. She didn´t want to question her father, so she decided to wait until her
father desired to talk about it.

She didn´t need to wait long because the next day her father called her and Ataulfo to talk
about something important. They came to his room and waited for him to begin. He started
with the legends about Syra, the powerful and magical witch who could solve everything,
especially Camillo´s disease. Sanytal immediately understood what her father wanted them
to do but Ataulfo burst out laughing. He said he didn´t believe in fairytales. Camillo
continued his story and Ataulfo became aware of the possibility that what he was hearing
might be the truth. Camillo wanted him to find and bring Syra, because she was the only one
who could cure him and he wanted to live.

Ataulfo wanted the crown so badly that he decided to find and kill the witch if she even
existed. He found a hint that could lead him to her house in one of the old books. He
followed the instructions to the forest. After three hours of pointless walking he saw a trace
of hope. Under an old willow full of life there was a lovely small cottage. It was the only
thing alive in the poor forest. When he entered the house, the witch was mixing something
in a pot. Ataulfo immediately took his knife and ripped her heart out. Seconds before she
took her last breath, Syra cursed the kingdom and the forest. It could only be saved if
someone kills Ataulfo.

Ataulfo returned to the castle and told the king that he couldn´t find the witch. The king
seemed unhappy and he became suspicious of Ataulfo´s intentions.

Chapter 3

The situation in the kingdom was worse than ever. Citizens of Benos were frustrated and
they did not trust the King. He was the main culprit in their eyes while Ataulfo was getting
their trust. People were fed up with everything so they wanted revenge. The King was an
easy target while lying in the bed, fragile and ill.

Sanytal sent her maid Ell to check the situation in the town because everything seemed to be
too quiet for those rough times, although Ataulfo claimed everything was perfectly fine. She
never trusted Ataulfo, especially now when their only hope, Syra, was lost. When Sanytal
saw Ell´s upset face, her suspicions were confirmed. Ell said that citizens came up with a
rebellion plan. Sanytal was very disturbed with the whole situation, so she decided to finally
do something on her own. She did not believe that Ataulfo didn´t find Syra, so she decided
to find her. It took a while to find the place described in the book, considering it wasn´t even
close to description. Now the cottage was rusty, abandoned and lifeless. Sanytal knew
something was wrong. She ran to the cottage as fast as she could. She almost slipped over
dark green smelly liquid on the doorstep. The floor was full of blood and then she noticed a
beating heart. It was clear what happened. She was furious at Ataulfo and she sweared to
get a revenge. The only question was ‘Was there anything else he had done to her
kingdom?’ Her emotions were like a hurricane, her heart filled with anger, and her eyes full
of tears. Then a tear accidentally dropped on the beating heart. Suddenly a strong wind blew
her hair up and she became breathless by the scene. The ghost of the beautiful Syra
brightened the whole room and Sanytal's heart. Syra told her everything about the curse she
put on the forest, and that Ataulfo must die in order to get the balance of the kingdom back.
A thousand thoughts were rumbling on her mind, but the most important one was to get to
her father as fast as she could.

Chapter 4

Sanytal tried to explain the truth, but her father was suspicious. No one, not even his
daughter, could change his opinion about his dear friend Ataulfo. Sanytal was desperate
because she knew the truth and couldn't prove it. Although she didn't have the strength to
kill Ataulfo, her desire to get revenge was strong. She wasn't sure how to do it, but she
hoped that Syra had a plan.

The cottage looked the same. Sanytal wanted to talk to Syra but she didn't know how to
summon her. She tried everything; calling her name, complaining to her, desperately
begging to save her father and the kingdom, but nothing worked. Finally, she yelled she'll
even kill Ataulfo and Syra’s ghost appeared out of nowhere. A freezing feeling ran through
every fibre of her body, and she immediately felt stronger. She looked around but she didn't
see the witch. Then another voice spoke from her body. Syra entered her soul and said that
now she had the power to kill Ataulfo. Cold tingles ran through her from the top of her
fingers to the deepest part of her heart. Sanytal got a new hope for her kingdom and for
justice. Finally, the truth would come out. Even though she wanted to see Ataulfo dead, she
wasn’t sure she would be able to do it. She needed another way to use Syra's power. While
she was standing in front of the cottage surrounded by destroyed forrest, few raindrops fell
on her cheeks. Suddenly, brilliant idea popped into her mind.

Chapter 5

The key of her plan was to enlighten the citizens and open their eyes to see who the main
culprit is. She hurried to the town to see what was happening there. The center of the town
was empty and abandoned. It seemed like there wasn't a living soul. A strange feeling
tightened her chest. Fear for her father was so strong that she lost control over her powers.
The rain was getting worse, making terrible noise. She wanted the rain to stop, and the
second she made the wish it came true. She had no idea Syra was that powerful; now she
was sure she was capable of anything.

There was no time to waste. The clock was ticking, and with every second her kingdom was
in greater danger. Her intention couldn't be realised without Syra's help, so she wanted to
feel her spirit. She imagined tingles running through her veins as before. Her blood was full
of magic, and Syra said she was ready to cast a spell on citizens. She closed her eyes trying to
concentrate, and from that moment Syra took control over her body and mind. A white,
almost transparent smoke filled every corner of the town and wider. With every breath
citizens took, they became more conscious of the ugly truth. Ataulfo was nothing but
corrupted traitor. Sanytal hoped the spell got to the rebels on time to change their mind
about the King. Impatiently running to the castle, every thought was with her father. When
she finally arrived to the castle, somebody was already killed. Tears filled her eyes and her
heart broke into million pieces. Did she make it on time to save her beloved father?

While crying her eyes out, she felt someone's hand on her shoulder. It was her maid Ell. The
look on her face didn't show any sign of sadness. The maid's words gave her heart a jump.
Within a second, she was standing in front of her father's room holding a cold doorknob.

Chapter 6

The first thing she saw when she entered his room was a weak smile on her father's face
while he was looking at her with eyes full of love. She hugged him tightly like she never did
before, thanking God he was alive.

He admitted he was wrong about Ataulfo and that he should have trusted her. Sanytal didn't
care about any of the past quarrels, the only important thing was that her father was alive.
She asked him if he had been aware of the citizens plans to execute him and he said that
they had changed their minds and killed Ataulfo instead. Aware of the whole mysterious
secret, she smiled to herself, happy that she had accomplished what she wanted and saved
the kingdom. She let her father rest and decided to finally thank Syra. While waiting for a
sign of Syra's spirit, she hoped that her father's illness will finally be cured. The moment that
thought crossed her mind, she felt a familiar cold feeling taking over her body. Syra's ghost
became visible to her and she realised Syra wasn't within her anymore. Although she was
sad because she couldn't do anything about her father's health, she wanted him to meet
Syra.

When he met the legendary witch and found out the whole truth, the King could finally die
peacefully. While Sanytal was holding her father's hand, his spirit left his body; his last words
convinced her that she is the true heir of the throne. The gift Syra gave Sanytal for her
dedication and courage was the ability to see and talk to her father's spirit anytime she
desired. Sanytal couldn't wish for a better gift.

The peace in the kingdom was established again. People were happy because no one was
hungry, angry or sad. Laughter was heard everywhere. The forest was alive and bright again.
Syra's magic was present in the whole kingdom and Sanytal was now ready to take the
throne.

Story 2
written by the Hungarian team

ADVENTURES ON A
DESERT ISLAND

Because „a
friend in need is
a friend indeed”

Part 1

There was a big project in 2015 at a high school in New York which gave the children the
possibility to go and see Europe. It was about Italian cuisine and ways of cooking. The children
had to make a video presenting their ideas of preparing an Italian dish.

A group of friends, Ema, Jack, Berta, Tom and April wanted to win the project, so they started
to work hard to finish it in time. They met every day to prepare different types of dishes but
they could not always agree and work together. Ema was the smartest of the group and she
was in love with Jack, the most popular guy of the school, who played baseball. They had been
going out together for half a year.
Berta, Tom and April were best friends and they always stayed together, which meant that
Ema and Jack were separated from them. This fact made it difficult for them to understand
each other in every question.

One day Ema started arguing with Berta and April about the sort of tomato to use.
She said: „This tomato is not so delicious and I don’t want to use it.”

Berta was hurt and replied: „This tomato is from my garden so it is the best because it is
organic and very healthy as it is bio.”

April agreed with Berta and fought with Ema: „I would like to try this tomato, it is red and
delicious and looks good.”

Jack and Tom took April’s side and because of this Ema decided not to show up in the next
few days. Her friends waited for her but later gave up.

Then after a week Ema appeared and asked them: „Why aren’t you doing your work, we have
a deadline to meet.” Nobody knew what had happened, why she changed her mind but they
were very happy and forgave her without asking.

From this time on they had to work quickly because they only had 3 more days to finish the
video. They realised that the tomato was really tasty and the Lasagne they had prepared
became awesome.

Finally the day of the result came. Everybody was really anxious and excited. Although it was
big work they managed to win the competition and this group of friends succeeded in going
to Italy in the summer. They won an exchange program there which made them really happy
but also scared because it was the very first time they could travel abroad by plane. Now they
needed to encourage each other so they stopped the constant fighting for the time being.

The day of the travel arrived and they got to the airport peacefully. Their parents said good
bye to them: „Take care, we will miss your very much!” They had no idea how their children’s
life would change in the following days and they will come home as mature adults.

After finding the check-in desk, they looked for their airplane and watched it for a long time
before boarding it. Finally they got on the plane and took their seats, ready for the flight of
their lifetime.

Part 2
All the friends thought this flight would be one of the best point in this whole journey to
Italy, as they had never flown before. They were extremely excited when they were about to
board the vehicle in a huge queue. As Ema, the dark brunette haired sylph, was the most
determined she was the first to get on the plane and take a seat next to the window. Her
beloved boyfriend, Jack, the green eyed, blonde boy, was not in love with Ema at all, but he
loved the fact that he owned the most beautiful girl in the school. He rather fell in love with
himself and the fame he earned by being the captain of the baseball team.

Berta, the shyest girl in the squad, who had short, black hair, sat down next to Ema. When
Berta captured Jack’s attention he nodded to her in order to let her know, that it was Jack’s
seat. Being annoyed Berta murmured something and stood up angrily.
- Come, Berta! Sit next to me, then!- said Tom behind Ema’s seat and pointed to the seat
next to him. Tom was a really charming boy with vivid blue eyes, nice brunette hair and

some freckles on his cheek. He was into extreme sports, and had had a secret crush on Berta
since the first year of high school.
Berta accepted the request and sat next to him.
They left April alone, the last person in the queue. They were all in a complicated situation,
because April, the dark blonde, funny animal-lover, had also a little crush on Tom. April was
quite disappointed when she noticed Berta sitting next to her love. Although Berta didn’t
care about Tom’s kindness, the childish Tom still liked her and had never noticed April’s
appreciation.
So April sat next to Berta and started to read a book gloomily.
-Maybe it wouldn’t be as good trip as I’ve expected… - thought April.

Two hours later the five friends were chatting with each other or listening to music when the
sky suddenly turned dark and became frightening. A violent storm reached the plane and the
lightning hit the engine out of the blue. Something went wrong and the pilot lost his control
over the plane. The vehicle started to fall down. During the fall the passengers were totally
shocked and started to scream.
Ema couldn’t say a single word but hugged Jack tightly, who was scared as hell. Behind them
April couldn’t even breathe or move. She slowly turned her head to Tom, who was trying to
calm the panicking Berta.
- Could it be the end? – thought Tom – Then… I should say what I’ve always wanted to Berta.
But… I can’t. I would startle her even more.
- If it’s the last minute I must tell Tom that I’ve always loved him… -April was wondering –
No… maybe I shouldn’t frighten him even more. Everything will be fine… or not.
Then, both April and Tom took a glimpse at each other and lost consciousness…

The airplane was jigging and finally crashed near a coast of a desert island.
Fortunately the friends did not die, but possibly they were the only ones. After some time
they woke up on the beach. Ema breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Jack coming towards
her. She started to cry because of the happiness that she had not lost her love. They hugged
each other and started to look for other people alive, especially for their friends.

Near them they found the exhausted Tom who had just swum out from the sea with Berta
on his back. When they reached the coast Ema and Jack pulled them out of the sea. They
were looking at each other and didn’t have the faintest idea where April could be. Then they
suddenly heard someone yelling from the woods. It was April’s voice, so they started to run
towards her. When they reached her Berta started to cry because of the sight of the bloody
April. Tom fell on his knees and hugged her. She immediately felt much better touching
Tom’s face and seeing his sparkling ocean blue eyes.
- What happened? Are you OK?- asked Tom desperately.
- I landed on a tree, then I fell down and I think I broke my leg.- April answered.
Tom observed her, as his dad was a doctor.
- Yeah, it’s broken…- sighed Tom sadly.
- Okay guys, it’s a problem, but not the biggest one right now. I suggest seeking for a shelter,
then we can do something with her leg. – claimed Jack.
Others nodded except for Tom, who got mad at Jack because of his rude statement.
After that, Tom carried April while they were looking for a cave or something else for shelter.

Part 3

They were walking around for a long time. They got so exhausted that they could hardly
keep on going. After some hours they found a cave near the beach. They were hesitant
about entering the cave, but Jack insisted to go into it.
-Hey, it’s too cold and…- said Ema.
-...and dark.- finished Berta.
-Yes. Boys please collect some wood and dry grass.- said Ema and she looked at them for
help.
-No!- shouted Jack- I don’t want to go. I’d like to stay and take a care of April!
-But, if you go with Tom, April won’t be cold and it will be much faster.- Ema tried to
convince him.
-I don’t care. I’m staying here so… please, Tom go alone or go with Berta.- said Jack.
-Ok…- Tom agreed calmly- I will go alone, you just take care of April.

After half an hour Tom still hadn’t arrived, and as Jack saw that April was sleeping, he
decided to go to the beach to get a tan. As Ema was such a hyperactive and mad girl, she
didn’t stay in one place for a long time. She decided to look around in search of some food to
everybody. Only Berta stayed with April. After some hours’ of sleep, April woke up.
-Berta, where is Jack, Ema and Tom? And...it’s a little bit cold here.- April said.
-Yes, I know. It’s cold but…
-Hey guys, I have arrived! Where is Jack?. – Tom asked.
-He went to the beach to get a tan. But please, tell him that April has woken u pin case he
asks.
-Ok, I’m going but I will be back in 20 minutes.- Tom answered.
-Thanks!- Berta said.
Just as Tom left, Ema arrived bringing some food. Keeping his promise, Tom returned with
Jack in 20 minutes. The 2 boys made a fire and they all sat around the fire and started
thinking about a way out. They came up with lots of ideas but they always came to the same
conclusion “how will they make it?”. Eventually they thought of an idea that everybody liked
with the exception of Jack. He started arguing with everybody. April got fed up with listening
to their argument so she tried to get up and walk to the beach, but Jack didn’t let her go.
-Hey April, where would you like to go?-Jack asked.
-I hate you guys fighting so I’m going to the beach which is calm and peaceful.- April
answered.
-Please stay here, your leg isn’t good enough to walk.- Ema said.
-Ok, I’m staying here, just please do not shout! Let’s try to speak calmly! We are good friends
and we always agree.- April said sitting down again.

Part 4

On the next day the friends managed to work together in the aim of surviving and leaving
the island as soon as they could. They found the perfect place between two palm trees to
settle down. It took them long to cover it with leaves in case of raining. They even found
drinkable water and some coconuts. The only person who didn’t take his part out of the
work was Jack, who rather spent his time laying around on the beach. All the others were
angry and wanted to confront the boy.

-Please, let me talk to him first. -asked Ema. Then she walked down the beach to Jack, who
was having a nap.
-Hey...Uhm... You know it's getting darker and we would need branches for the fire. Maybe
you could go with Tom to collect some. - said Ema.
- Well, as you can see I'm quite busy right now.- said Jack as if it was the end of the
conversation.
- Jack... We've been working all day except you. Maybe you should make yourself useful.
-April didn't have to work so why should I?
-Are you being serious? April can't even stand on her feet! But as I can see you are totally
fine except you're acting like a child! Everybody is doing their best to get out of this place. So
please, come and help.
-Why are we making any effort? It is impossible to get away from here. We are stuck on a
damn desert island. If you look to the right, it’s water. If you look to the left, it’s water. No
sign of ships, boats, people or anything! So everything we do is pointless! -said Jack loudly.
-You can’t just give up like that! There are people counting on you! I need you!
-Since when do I care about people like you? You are worth nothing in my eye! – yelled the
furious Jack now standing. The couple’s quarrel was so loud that Berta and Tom felt that it
was time for them to step in.
-Is everything alright? – asked Tom as he saw Ema trying to fight back her tears.
– You can’t turn your back on us! I know you, that’s not who you are!-said Ema after
regaining some confidence.
-Yes I can. And I will.-said Jack staring deadly in the eye of the others. Then he turned around
but couldn’t move because Tom grabbed his arm.
-Don’t be that stupid! You won’t last long alone!
-Get your hand off me!-whispered Jack threateningly. As the boy was released he headed to
the jungle and disappeared in the crowd of the trees. When the night came, the remaining
friends lit a fire, and told April about Jack’s leaving.
-How did I not see him fooling me this whole time?- said Ema with the combination of rage
and disappointment in her voice. The group couldn’t sleep well that night, everybody was
thinking about Jack and the way he betrayed them. After the long, sleepless night they were
woken up by the rising sun. After realising they had had no food left, Ema,Berta and Tom
went to collect fruits, berries or whatever they could find. An hour later they returned with

wide smiles on their faces, and with a big amount of coconuts, bananas, mangos and even
with some papayas. After the delicious breakfast they started thinking about how they could
get out of the island.
-What if we stay here and make a huge HELP sign that ships would see? – recommended
April.
-I can’t stay on this island another week not to mention the time we have to wait for a ship
to come around. -replied Berta- Maybe we should build a boat!
-Does any of you know how to do that? Because I don’t remember having a class about
building boats. – said Ema in a cynical way.
-Ema’s right. We don’t know how to make a boat...but we know where we may find one!-
said Tom hopefully. He was thinking about the plane, which might have an elastic boat for
emergency. They knew it wouldn’t be the best solution but that was their only option. After
a little argument with April they could convince her to stay to rest, and to look after the
food. They could see the crashed plane along the beach, it wasn’t really far away from them.
After the trio left, April felt very exhausted and fell asleep. The noise of someone’s steps
woke her up a little while later. She first thought that the others had come back, but to her
surprise it was Jack. He was rushing to pack away all their food. April got very frightened
when she saw the boy’s face. He looked like a mad person.
-Jack, please, don’t do this! We can help each other! Don’t do it, I’m begging you!-cried April.
But she didn’t get any response, just a furious look. She couldn’t move or do anything. Ten
minutes after Jack had left, Tom and the girls got back from the unsuccessful trip. They
arrived to see the crying April with no food.
-What happened here?-asked Berta as she ran to her friend.
-J-J-Jack...-said April between two sobs.
-We have to find him.-said Berta. While comforting the still shocked April she looked at Tom
and Ema. They were all furious. And they were all planning revenge.

Part 5

The friends couldn’t trust or forgive Jack after his unacceptable behaviour. They tied him up
and told him to lead them to the boat. The boat was there but needed to be repaired. They
all worked together to repair the boat. After they had been working hard for many hours on
end, they started to trust Jack again.
When they repaired the boat they celebrated and rested. During the night Jack got up and
tried to leave alone. A big storm hit and Jack’s boat was pushed back. They were so mad and
wanted to get rid of him.
- Ok then, what do we do with him? - asked Ema angrily. All the others were thinking on a
solution.
-Maybe we could tie him up and leave him somewhere far away from here - April said.
-Or we could hit him in the head with a big rock and it would solve this problem permanently
- Berta said.
-Everybody stop! - shouted Tom - All of these ideas are terrible. We won’t kill, or let anyone
die. We will tie him up, and there will always be somebody next to him who pays attention
to him, and can stop him if he tries to escape again.
-This is a great idea. I mean April is always here all day, she could do this task - Berta said.
-No, April isn’t capable of this task. She can’t even stand on her legs, so she can’t stop him
from stealing all of our stuff again - Tom said.
-What if somebody stays here for a day, and the next day someone else stays here, and so
on - April suggested.
-That’s a really good idea - Ema said.
-I agree with April - Berta said.
-Yeah, that seems to be a working solution - Tom said. They tied Jack up, and went sleep.

Part 6

They were waiting for a better day to leave, because the weather was very bad on that day.
April’s leg got well and she started to walk and collect food for their trip to the ocean. Jack
was still tied up as he deserved it. Every time somebody was next to him so that he couldn’t
do anything. He was angry because of this but there was nothing to do about it.
A week later they left the island with Jack, because of Ema. She didn’t want to leave him
there, because of the fact that she still loved him. April wanted to tell Tom that she liked him
more than a friend, but she didn’t have the courage to do it.
Tom had talked with Berta before they entered the boat about his feelings but the girl
refused to make a relationship between them. She knew how April felt about Tom and she
didn’t want to do anything which can hurt April.
Ema and Jack didn’t discuss their problem because Ema wanted the end of them. She
wanted to live her life without that opinionated boy. She talked with April about this and she
agreed with her.
They had been flouncing on the sea for a week when suddenly a ship appeared. They started
screaming and yelling and the ship rescued them from the boat. April was too happy to think
about what she was doing and kissed Tom. The boy was surprised but kissed her back.
When they finally arrived home they never wanted to travel by plane. Their families were
very glad to see them again. They had never spoken with Jack again.

Story 3: Written by the Italian team

CHAPTER 1
Once upon a time, in a very prosperous land, there was a huge castle with the highest towers
ever seen and a beautiful garden that was in bloom all year round. It was surrounded by an
immense forest with all kinds of trees: oaks, pines, maples and many others, which separated
the castle from the rest of the village that was ruled by King Arthur and Queen Victoria. The
king was an old but valorous man, he was only interested in the power and stability of his
reign; while the queen was a generous and lovely dame, which used to spend her time reading
books and playing the flute as she loved music. They both tried for a long time to have children
but never could, until, finally, an heir was born. He was named William, after his grandfather,
and was born with his father’s striking blue eyes and his mother’s golden, curly hair. To
celebrate his birth, the royal family organized a banquet with food from all over the land and
they invited all the nobles nearby. That night the queen’s personal maid heard someone
knocking on the door but when she opened it the only thing she could find was a small basket
covered by a blanket and when she unfolded it, she saw a tiny baby with porcelain skin, big
leaf green eyes, dark brown hair and soft, red lips. Next to the baby was a note that carried
the only information about her, her name, which was Sarah. The woman immediately showed
her to the queen to ask her if she could keep her. Queen Victoria, known for her kindness,
accepted without hesitation and told her that the baby could be raised in the castle.
As the years passed by, William and Sarah grew up together and became at first very close
friends and then they fell in love. Every afternoon they either played in the garden, read books
together or had fun telling each other scary stories. Their favorite place to meet was under
the biggest oak of the forest, where they used to lay down and look at the different shapes of
the clouds.
One day, William was late for their appointment and when he arrived he apologized by saying:

“I’m sorry for being late, but my parents wanted to speak to me.”
Sarah replied: “What happened, Will?”
He hesitated, afraid she might get upset and when he finally found the courage to speak he
said:
“They want me to get married.”
The sentence was followed by a moment of deep silence when they just looked at each other.
“You are not free to decide who to marry...”
William understood Sarah’s intentions and proposed her to run away together.
“You can’t give up your reign, your land, think about your people! I will not let you sacrifice
everything for me!”
“But I love you!”
“I love you too, that’s why I can’t let you do this.”
While saying this, she ran away crying, back to the castle.

In the following days, William went back to the places of their appointments several times but
she was nowhere to be found. After a week he visited the maid who had found Sarah on the
first day, to ask her if she had any news of Sarah, trying to hide their forbidden love.
“My mother is looking for Sarah, she seems to have disappeared, have you seen her by any
chance?”
“I thought you knew... She left to go on a journey to find her father who abandoned her here
when she was born.”
He tried to hold back the tears in front of the maid who didn’t know about their love affair,
but as soon as he arrived in his room he was devastated and couldn’t stop crying.

CHAPTER 2

Meanwhile Sarah was wondering through the Dark Oak forest, wearing the silver medallion
she had been wearing around her neck since the day she was found, the only object that could
have helped her trace back her origins. It was round shaped and it carried the emblem of a
phoenix.
She had been walking barefoot for days now and she was tired and worn out but determined
to find her father. The maid had told her that a man had been seen running away after
dropping the basket with baby Sarah inside and she had always imagined that that man could
be her father.
The forest was menacing and terrifying. Sarah was very tired, she stopped to drink at a pond
and while she was drinking she saw in the water the reflection of a huge bear right behind her,
she started running as fast as she could and she didn’t realize that her precious medallion had
got stuck on a tree branch. Only hours later did she understand that she had lost it. She was
devastated.
“I won’t be able to find my family now that I have lost my medallion, I won’t know who I am.”
At the same time, a group of knights on their horses, led by King Robert were hunting in the
same forest. While chasing a wild boar, King Robert’s attention was attracted by something
glittering among the leaves. He stopped at once, he picked the medallion which carried his
own royal emblem, and immediately recognized it as the one that he had given orders to put
around the neck of his little daughter before she was abandoned in a basket, 17 years before.
King Robert was shocked but relieved that his little girl might be still live. He immediately
summoned his most loyal knight, Sir Edward, the man who had travelled to the neighboring
reign of King Arthur and left the basket outside the maid’s door.
“Sir Edward, come here at once!” he shouted.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Look what I have just found, isn’t it incredible?”
“Where did you find it?” Sir Edward recognized the medallion immediately and was just as
shocked.
“It was hanging from a branch. You know how much I have looked for her in all these years.”
“My lord, someone could have stolen the medallion”, Sir Edward pointed out.
“She must be close, she was here, I can feel it! Please, I need your help to find her.”

All the knights were ordered to go in different directions to look for the king’s long lost
daughter.

CHAPTER 3

In the meantime, in King Arthur’s castle, William was meeting one of the many princesses his
father wanted him to choose among to find his bride. Her name was Elizabeth and she was his
parents’ favorite because she was very beautiful and smart. She had long blond hair and brown
eyes, skin as pale as milk and soft as wool; she was also cheerful and wide-cultured, so it was
a pleasure to spend time with her. Despite this, he felt nothing for her because he was still in
love with Sarah and could not stop thinking about her. That very evening the king and the
queen entered William’s room and asked him
“What do you think about Elizabeth? Isn’t she the most charming girl you have ever seen?”
“She is truly perfect under every aspect but my heart belongs to another woman.” He finally
found the courage to confess.
“Who is the lucky girl you chose to marry?” the queen asked.
“None of those who you introduced to me”, replied the prince.
“Then tell us, who is she? Where have you met her?” the king pressed him.
“Someone who surely wouldn’t meet your approval”, was William’s bitter remark.
“Just tell us”, both his parents insisted.
“The girl I fell in love with is Sarah, the maid’s adoptive daughter.”
King Arthur couldn’t hold his disappointment at his son’s foolishness and got very angry.
“You’re a prince, she is just a maid, you can’t marry her. You must marry Elizabeth!”
When the prince heard these words he decided to leave the room slamming the door behind
him.
“But I love her!” he shouted.

CHAPTER 4

Sarah had lost hope to get out of the forest, when she saw a man on his horse approaching
her. He got closer and finally asked her:
“Excuse me, my lady. I’m looking for a girl. She lost this medallion here in the forest, have you
seen her?”
“My name is Sarah, where did you find my medallion?”
“You need to come with me”.
Sarah was very suspicious; she didn’t know the man so she wasn’t sure if she should follow
him.
“Who are you? Why do I need to come with you?”
The man then explained himself.
“My name is Sir Edward, I’m King Robert’s closest friend and most loyal knight, we are
searching for a girl lost many years ago, we have reasons to believe she is in this forest right
now.”
“But what do I have to do with all of this?” Sarah was confused.
“Lady Sarah, you are the girl we are looking for”, explained Sir Edward.
Finally, since she was starving and she didn’t want to remain alone in the forest any longer,
she convinced herself to follow Sir Edward. He helped to get on the horse and together they
rode to the meeting point. There, Sir Edward blew in a horn to call the other knights and in a
few minutes everyone arrived.

CHAPTER 5

As soon as the King arrived he asked Sir Edward why he had called them back so quickly while
they were still searching. When she heard that voice, Sarah immediately got off the horse and
when she saw King Robert for the first time she instantly recognized him. She knew who that
man was; something inside her heart was telling her she was looking at her father. When their
eyes met, her filled with tears that started to fall on the ground so the king hugged her and
dried her face. She could hear her father’s heart beating wildly and his knees shaking. They
looked at each other and when King Robert finally found the courage to speak, he said:
“My darling, is it really you? I can’t believe I’m actually holding my daughter in my arms again
after all these years!”
“Yes father, it’s me, I’ve dreamt about this all my life, but please tell me, why did you abandon
me?”
The king burst into tears as he heard his daughter’s question.
“20 years ago I fell in love with one of my wife’s maids, she was as beautiful as you are, she
had your green eyes and your gorgeous smile. I didn’t love my wife, but I had to marry her for
political reasons, but my heart had always belonged to your mother. She got pregnant with
you and we couldn’t hide our love anymore, so she had to run away from my wife who wanted
to kill her. Shortly after you were born, my wife hired two killers to get rid of her. I asked Sir
Edward to find out if you were still alive, so he found you and took you to the nearest castle,
hoping that you would have a happy life. Now my evil wife is dead, so we can finally be
reunited without you risking your life.”
Sarah remained in silence for a couple of minutes as she was thinking, then she said
“I love you, I always have and I always will, but I need some time to think about what you just
told me and some time to forgive you”.
After this, Sir Edward interrupted them by saying:
“My Lord, the sun is setting; we need to get back to the castle before it’s too late. You know
this forest is dangerous at night”.
“You’re right, we better get back”, the king agreed.
Having said that, they got back on their horses and returned to the castle.

CHAPTER 6

A few months later…

King Arthur couldn’t stand any longer the fact that William didn’t want to get married, so he
summoned all the princesses of the neighboring kingdoms and forced him to choose one of
them. Sarah, that had become a princess, attended the meeting. When William looked at all
the girls taking part in the ball, he recognized her immediately. Sarah was wearing an emerald
green dress with a heart-shaped neckline, tight on the waist and with a very wide skirt, she
was also wearing the medallion that she had had since she was little. William had to dance
with all his guests and when it was Sarah’s turn they started to talk.
“Are you real?! Are you a ghost?!” he asked.
“Yes it’s me, William, you are not dreaming!”
“You broke my heart!”
“I’ve done this for you!”
“How could you think running away would have helped me?”
Sarah explained her reasons and told the truth regarding what had happen to her during the
time they had been apart.
“So that is why you are dressed like that? You look so beautiful in this dress”.
She looked down and blushed not knowing what to say. Since nobody else had recognized her
except for William, he was able to choose her as his bride to be. William told his parents that
he had finally made his decision, so the king was happy at last.
A few months later they got married and lived happily ever after.

THE END

Story 4: Written by the Lithuanian team

PART 1

Twenty years ago a Turkish family came to Italy for holidays but they loved all the buildings,
nature and scenery so they decided to stay in Italy for the rest of their lives. Tuana and Ata
got married in a beautiful church which is the most popular church in Rome. After some time
their first child was born. It was a beautiful girl and they named her Ayse. She was the most
precious thing in their life. Years have passed and she kept surprising everyone with her
talents. She was a skilled piano player and a very good painter. When she turned 19 Ayse
started studying in an art university in Rome. She was different compared to others. Ayse had
long blond hair and big blue eyes. She was shy but when it came to art she was the bravest
person ever.
One sunny morning in summer Ayse turned 20. She woke up with good emotions and got up
from her bed and went to the window, she looked through it and got some new ideas for her
painting, which she was painting at the moment. Suddenly someone knocked at the door,
when Ayse opened it and saw her parents standing there. Her father was holding the
birthday cake with twenty candles on it and her mother was smiling. Her parents started to
sing :
‘Happy birthday to youuuu
Happy birthday to youuuuu
Happy birthday dear Ayse
Happy birthday sweetheart. ‘
Ayse was very happy and she said to her parents:
‘Thank you very much, I'm so lucky to have you.’
‘Since its your birthday and since you have learned so well, we are giving you tickets to Hagia
Sofia's museum in Istanbul.’
‘I can't even say how happy I am, I have always dreamed going there.’
‘You can start packing your things because tomorrow morning we are leaving.’
Ayse hugged her parents and when they left her room, she started packing her suitcase
without even remembering her new painting. Ayse didn't even notice how the morning
came. At six in the morning they put their suitcases in the car and drove to the airport. It was
a long journey to the airport. They got to Istanbul without any problems, safe and sound.
Ayse's grandparents lived in Istanbul so they were staying at their house. Ayse and her

parents were very tired so just as they arrived they went to sleep.
Early in the morning Ayse woke up, she didn't want to wake her parents up. So she took her
backpack, put her sketch book in it and went out to watch the nature of Istanbul. The nature
was amazingly beautiful, she saw a lot of new flowers. Ayse sat under a big oak and started
sketching. While she was drawing a huge building on her right got her attention and she
realized that that building is the Hagia Sofia's museum. She decided to go to the museum.
When she was in the museum she felt amazing, her heart was beating so fast because of
excitement. She was spending such a good time in there until she realized that it’s time to go
home. On her way back she saw a suspicious looking man that was looking for something.
She was so curious, so she couldn’t resist asking the man what is he looking for and who he
is. The man said that he is a lawyer called Mr. Ali and he is investigating a murder. Ayse was
shocked and she wanted to ask some more questions but suddenly her phone rang and she
had to go home.

PART 2

That night Ayse couldn’t get any sleep, because she was thinking about that lawyer and his
investigation. She decided to come back to the same place where she met Mr. Ali.
The morning came and she started her morning routine. As always she had a warm shower,
she brushed her teeth and hair. After that she put some clothes on and she was heading out
but her grandparents stopped her just before she touched the handle.
‘What’s wrong grandma?’ Ayse said.
‘Won’t you have any breakfast?’the grandma asked.
‘Oh yeah I forgot to tell you, I don’t eat breakfast.’
‘That’s a pity. At least take some tea and sandwiches with you.’
‘Okay.’ The grandma gave her a bag with food.
‘Thank you.’
‘Be careful. Bye.’
‘Bye.’
While she was going to the museum Ayse was all happy and excited. When she came she saw
a lot of people standing around the museum entrance. When she came closer she saw a
dead body laying near entrance. After a few seconds she understood that the man laying on

the ground was Mr.Ali. She was so shocked that she couldn’t move. She stood there
speechless for quite a long time when suddenly a stranger bumped into her.
‘Oh... sorry.’ Said the stranger.
‘No it’s nothing.’
‘Why are you standing here? Did you know the man?’
‘Yes, I met him yesterday and he was investigating a murderer and now he is dead…’ Ayse
told these words with a shaking voice.
‘I am a detective and I was a good friend of Mr.Ali. He died during the investigation and I’m
here to find out how.’
When Asye heard these words she started shaking, she put her hand on her lips and she was
walking backwards. While she was walking backwards she stepped on something. Ayse
looked down and saw that it was a bracelet. It was made of gold with a diamond in the
middle. She took it and showed it to the detective.
‘Um sorry, but I found a bracelet.’ Said Ayse.
‘Oh really, show it to me.’
The detective took the bracelet and he instantly realized that the bracelet belonged to Mr.
Ali’s girlfriend.
‘I think you just found a clue!’
‘Really?!’
‘Yes, and I think it belonged to Mr. Ali’s wife.’
‘Whaaaaat’.

PART 3

Mr. Nadim started to think how to put blame on Ayse so she could be the suspect, because
she was at both crime scenes. Because of this he started to make a plan on how to blame
Ayse so everyone would think that she is the murderer and an idea came to his head “Maybe
I could make her my assistant, so she could be close to me”.
‘Could you tell me your name?’ The detective asked.
‘I’m Ayse.’
‘I need some help to find out who is the murderer and I can’t do this by myself. Would you
like to be my assistant?’
Ayse was really surprised by this offer.

‘You know this was really unexpected,’ Ayse said,’ I need some time to think.’
‘Yes, I understand,’ Mr. Nadim took out his business card and gave it to Ayse, ‘Here’s my
number, call me when you will have the answer.’
Ayse took the card and put it in her bag.
‘See you soon.’
‘Bye.’
The detective walked away…
A few days passed and Ayse still wasn’t sure what to do. While Ayse was still thinking
Mr.Nadim was getting more and more suspicious about her. After a week while Ayse was
painting her painting she decided “I should take this opportunity, it could be my chance to
find myself”. She quickly started to look for the business card and when she found it she
called Mr.Nadim.
‘Hello, is this Mr.Nadim?’ Ayse asked.
‘Yes, is this Ayse calling?’ he answered.
‘Yes and I finally decided that I would like to help you.’
‘Great!’
‘When can we start?’
‘Right now, come to the museum entrance.’
‘Okay!’
Ayse quickly grabbed her bag and ran through the door. While she was running she started to
feel strange feelings for him, it was love.

PART 4

Ayse was running very fast and she couldn‘t stop thinking about him. „I think I‘m gone mad,
he will never be into me“,Ayse thought. She was near the museum entrance when she saw
the detective standing there all alone and her heart started beating like crazy.
’What’s wrong?’ the detective asked.
‘Oh nothing, just thinking how my life is going to change if this case goes well.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Well if this goes well I think I’m going to try to become a detective.’
‘Really! That’s great! Maybe we could be a team.’

When Ayse heard these words she almost started jumping out of happiness but she didn’t
want to show him that she is into him. She calmed down an said:
‘Yes, that’s a great idea.’
‘Okay, we didn’t meet here to talk about our future.’
‘Right.’
‘Today in the morning I’ve got a call from the lawyers wife.’
‘And what did she say?’
‘She said that she had lost her bracelet 2 days ago and now she was asking me for help,
because that bracelet was from her husband and she would like to get it back.’
‘So she doesn’t know that she lost it near the crime scene?’
‘I don’t think so.’
The detective took out a paper out of his suitcase and gave it to Ayse.
‘What is this?’ Ayse asked.
‘It’s an address, it leads to the lawyers wife’s apartment. Go there and ask some questions.’
‘Okay, but aren’t you coming with me?’
‘No, I have to do some stuff. I believe in you, you can do this all by yourself!’
After these words Ayse fell more in love with him.
The detective left. ”Okay Ayse don’t mess this up”, Ayse thought.
‘I should go by taxi, because it’s quite far away,’ Ayse talked to herself.
Ayse stopped a taxi and while she was getting in the car she dropped the paper with the
address. The taxi left “where to go”, the driver asked, Ayse wanted to give him the paper
with the address but she couldn’t find it anywhere.
‘ Stop for a little bit, please. I think I lost my paper,’ Ayse said.
She was looking everywhere for it.
‘No no no…not now…’. Ayse took the detective’s business card and wanted to call him but
her phone was dead. She saw his address on the other side so she decided to go to his
house.
Ayse gave it to the taxi driver.
Here please,’ Ayse said.
‘Okay!’
After half an hour she was there. Ayse paid the taxi driver and went to detective’s door. She
knocked but no one opened. She knocked again but still no answer. She tried to open his

door and the door wasn’t locked. When she opened the door she came in and she was
shocked, she couldn’t believe what she saw, there was a woman tied up.

PART 5

Ayse stood there for a minute and didn’t know what to do. The woman started to make some
noises to get Ayse’s attention. Ayse quickly snapped out and went to look for something
sharp to cut the ropes. Finnaly, she found a knife. Ayse came to the woman and cut the rope
and took of the tape off her lips.
‘Thank you!’ the woman said.
‘Wh…wh…who are you? And what are you doing here?’ Ayse asked.
‘I was captured by a strange man, he put me to sleep and when I woke up I was tied up here.’
‘When did this happen and how did the man look like?’
This happened about a week ago and the man was tall, he had dark short hair and he always
had a suitcase with him.
“No way, no way, it can’t be…but why…”, Ayse thought.
‘Is everything alright?’ the woman asked.
‘Yes, yes but I think you should leave now before he come back.’
‘And what about you?’
‘I’ll wait here for him.’
‘Be careful! Thanks again.’
The woman was walking out and Ayse said:
‘Wait! Ayse took out the bracelet off her pocket,’ Could this be yours?’
‘Yes! The man took it from me!’
‘Here, have it. Ayse gave the woman her bracelet.’
‘Thank you!’
‘No problem, now go.’
The woman left.
Ayse sat down and waited for Mr.Nadim.
A few hours passed and Mr.Nadim came.
‘What are you doing here? Why aren’t you at the apartment I’ve showed you?’ Mr.Nadim
asked.
‘Would you mind explaining everything? Why you were keeping a woman here all tied up?’

‘Okay, I will explain everything. It was actually me who killed the lawyer.’
‘Why?’
‘Because his wife was the love of my life. All three of us knew each other since school days,
we were best friends. Ali and me wanted to become detectives all our lives. I loved his wife
all my life and one day they got married…my heart was torn to pieces. Since then I started
planning how to kill him so his wife would be with me.’
‘You're a monster! So why you needed my help to find out who’s the murderer?’
‘In that apartment ,which address I gave you, I was waiting for you with the police, because I
wanted to put all the blame on you that you killed the lawyer, that the bracelet is yours and
so on.’
‘And why the girl was tied up here?’
‘Because she saw how I killed the lawyer.’
‘And to think I was in love with...’
‘Now that you know too much I’ll kill you!’
Mr.Nadim quickly grabbed a knife and started coming closer to Ayse, but while he was
getting closer the police came inside.
‘Put the weapon down and put your hand up!’
‘Lucky you,’ Mr,Nadim said.
The police arrested Mr.Nadim and took him to jail.

PART 6

An ambulance came and took Ayse to hospital to check if there weren’t any bruises or
wounds. Ayse’s parents and grandparents quickly came as possible when they found out that
Ayse is in the hospital.
‘Oh my God…Ayse are you okay!’ Ayses mom hugged her and started crying.
‘It’s okay, don’t worry,’ Ayse answered.
‘Is she okay?’Ayses dad asked the nurse.
‘Everything is fine, she doesn’t have any bruises or wounds, she can go home.’
‘Great.’
Everyone packed their think and went home.
Two weeks passed but Ayse still couldn’t get this situation out of her head so she decided to
the court to find out Mr.Nadim’s judgement.

‘I’ll come back on the evening.’
‘Okay.’ said Ayses mom.
When Ayse rushed out the house she got a taxi, because the court was far away. While they
were driving they got in the huge traffic jam, but from there the court wasn't far away so
Ayse paid a taxi driver and started walking to her destination. She got there on time. In the
room there were just a few people: lawyers wife, detective their lawyers, the judge and some
strangers. The girl sat in the back of the room, because she didn’t want to be seen by Mr.
Nadim. Finally, the trial started. It was really intense because Mr. Nadim didn't want to admit
his fault . But when the girl whom Ayse saved, testified that the detective was the killer,
there were no more questions about who is guilty. The judge made a decision that Mr. Nadim
is guilty for killing the man. His verdict was to put the detective in jail until his death. When
Ayse heard the verdict she was so happy that finally this man got his justice. A few weeks
later after the court Ayse decided to make a step and start studying law so that she could
become a detective. But before that she wanted to make one more thing - talk with Mr.
Nadim. After she got ready she called her friend to drive her to the prison. Ayse knew that
that day were visiting hours. When the car stopped she immediately got out and rushed to
the prison entrance. The security guard asked why she was here and who she was. When she
told him why she was here and who she was the jail guard led her to the visiting room. She
sat on one of the chairs and waited. When she saw Mr.Nadim she hardly recognised him.
Ayse didnt say hello or anything polite she said:
‘I'm happy you're here’.
‘ If you came here to judge me or something get out ,you stupid girl!,’ he answered.
‘No need to be this harsh. I just came to say that I’m going to become a detective because I
want to save people from bastards like you! I hope you root in hell.’
After these words the man tried to attack Ayse but the security guards took Nadim just
before he could do anything. Ayse got out from there as quickly as she could. She didn't think
that the situation would be that bad. But she didn't feel scared, she felt a relief that ,finally,
she said to him what she had wanted.

THE END

Pirates in Venice

Written by the
Spanish team

CHAPTER 1

EXPOSITION

Venice, oh Venice! That wonderful city in the middle of Italy, where everybody wants someone
to stay with.

There was a little boat in the middle of the sea where a poor, tall and nice fisherman lived in
the Middle Ages. He was catching the reed one morning, when he lifted up his head, he could
see at the horizon a large wave of big terrifying pirate´s boats that were been carried near
him. Suddenly he took all his things and he went inside the boat to escape of them. There was
been a horrible season of pirates’ attack and he had to advise the king.

On the way, he found a knight who was sitting in the floor shouting:

 `Where is my horse? You stole it!´ - said the knight.
 `Leave me alone, thief!´ - shouted the knight.
 `What are you talking about?´
 `I saw you! Where is my horse? ´- the knight caught him from the nick.
 `I didn´t steal you anything, but I will help you to find your horse´. - said the fisherman

calming him down.

So they started to look for the horse and one hour later, the horse was found by them. When
the fisherman was going to give him the horse, he could see that the knight had gone, so he
decided to take the horse and continue his way to the castle.

Two hours later, he arrived to the castle, he knocked the door and the king´s servants open it:

 `Good afternoon majesty.´ - said doing a bow.
 `Who are you and what do you want?´ - said seriously the king.
 `My name is Enrico, majesty and I am a fisherman. I have come here to advert you that

we are been attack by pirates.´
 `Well, my knights will protect Venice from the pirate´s attacks.´
 `What do you have there?´ - said the king.
 `Oh! I forgot it! This is a present for you.` - said the fisherman giving him the fresh fish.

Suddenly, the princess Aurora went downstairs calling her father and when the fisherman saw
her, he fell in love. The king rapidly could see the love in the fisherman´s eyes.

 `Do you remember me?´ - said the king.
 ´Sorry Sir, what are you talking about?´
 `Every afternoon, I dress up like a knight to prove the honesty of the men to come to

the castle to marry with my daughter. You have passed the prove, but you are a poor
man, so you can't stay with her.´

 `But... I want to meet her. It is true love at first sight.´
 `It's an impossible love, you aren’t a prince, you're just a poor man that have nothing.´

So the servants kicked out the fisherman, meanwhile the princess was sitting and crying in her
lonely tower.

*******************

Next day, the King and Aurora were talking about the previous afternoon. She would like to
know who was that man and why he came there. The King explained to her that he was a
fisherman that had come to the castle to advert them that there were been some pirate’s
attacks in the kingdom and he asked to her why she was so interested in that matter . Aurora
said to him that she had fallen in love with the fisherman the very moment she looked at
Enrico.

- `No, that is impossible! You can’t fall in love with someone that you don’t know-´
shouted the King

- `You don’t understand me; you don’t know anything about love´- said the princess
- `But he is just a poor man, Aurora. You need a prince.´ - answer the King.

Then Aurora ran away from her father to meet the fisherman, the King tried to stop her, but
she was faster than him and she escaped to the outside of the castle to meet the fisherman
at the beach, but when she arrived, she got a big surprise, the beach was full of pirates, and
they had seen her. She tried to return to the castle, but there were a lot of pirates and finally,
the princess was kidnapped and carried to the boat of the captain by them.

Meanwhile, the King was talking to one of his knights, the King was explaining to him what
happened to his daughter. He was very worry, because Aurora escaped and nobody knew
nothing about her, so the King decided that the knight had to go to take her back. The knight
didn’t find anything around the kingdom, so finally, he went to the beach. When he arrived,
there was nothing, only a few boats in the horizon, so he decided to return to the castle to
communicate the King.

 `Sorry Sir, I didn’t find anything around the kingdom´- said the knight
 `Oh! No! It can’t be, you have to do it better´- shout the King
 `Don’t be worry, I will try it again.`
 `No! You won’t. I will resolve it.´
So, an advice was putting the middle of Venice by the King:

“Aurora disappeared,

the person who finds her alive

will be recompensed with

whatever he wants.

Sincerely: The King."

On the other hand, Enrico was fishing like every afternoon, when his bait finished. He had to
save all his thing and anchor his boat to go to the middle of the city. There was a lot of people
buying things on the market in the middle of Venice. When he was buying the bait, he found
an old friend that told to him what happened with the princess. Enrico was really surprised
when he turns his head and saw the king’s advice.

- `That’s my opportunity to demonstrate to the King what a poor fisherman can do- said to
himself the fisherman.´

CHAPTER 2

The fisherman didn’t want to lose more time as soon as he saw the advertisement, he
immediately decided to go to find her, but when he was walking towards the beach, he
realized that he didn’t have a boat useful enough to sail so long in the sea and he really needs
one, quickly.

Enrico decided to come back to the city to ask to his sailor friend if he could leave him for a
few days the boat that he had, but the sailor refused to do it without any money in return.
The fisherman, who was really worry about the princess life, couldn’t allow to waste more
time and see another rich man saving his beautiful princess and taking the reward, that could
be marry to her, so the fisherman, sure of himself sold all his possessions and the boat was
finally bought by him.

A few moments later, Enrico is in the beach preparing all to start the adventure. He catches
the little food he has left, to keep it in the boat's storeroom, and the poor and brave fisherman
begins to sail towards the pirate island from the port of Venice.

Enrico had been in the sea for a long time and he began to be hungry, he didn’t know how
long he would continue sailing, but he still hadn’t seen land, therefore he didn´t want to spend
the little food he had left. A few moments later, he couldn’t endure hunger for more time and
Enrico went down to the storeroom. When he arrived, he found a horrible surprise, the few
meals, that the poor fisherman had, were being eaten by a lot of rats, the scene was
catastrophic and he started crying, he would die and he would never find her love. Then,
Enrico kept calm, the fisherman was still hungry, so he ate the last food that it hadn´t been

eaten by the rats, an orange. After that, he decided to go to sleep, because it was getting dark
and he didn’t have the strength enough to continue.

When the fisherman was sleeping, a monstrous storm began, this caused the boat to crash
several times. The water began to enter the boat, Enrico who had been unconscious due to
the blows, couldn’t control the situation, but a miracle was occurred that night, Enrico's
unconscious body, along with some pieces of broken boat, arrived on a desert island, he was
healthy and safe.

Then, a very curious thing happened, when Enrico woke up, he was crying because he was
lost, and the wind spirit that heard him crying, decided to help him.

- ´I will never find the princess, now I'm lost´- said the fisherman crying
- ´You aren't lost, I will help you to find your princess´- said the wind
- Who are you?
- ´It doesn't matter. Can you see those woods there?´ - said the wind
- ´Yes...´- said Enrico confused
- ´Catch them and build a raft, I will guide you´- explained the wind.

So, the fisherman did what the wind told to him, he built a raft and the wind spirit lead him to
his love Aurora.

******************

In the island, Enrico was surrounded by the pirates. They were too angry, and the fisherman,
flickering and with a crouched voice, asked to the pirates:

- `Where is the princess?´
- `The princess stay in a safe place where you can’t find her, so you have to go out. ´
- ´Please do not hurt her. - cried the fisherman´
- ´Attack him!! - shouted the pirates´

The pirates started to attack, but he does not have a sword and anything
to battle them. The fisherman was forced to catch a sword from one of the pirates.
Then, Enrico was losing the battle. He has some scratches, but he promised himself win this
fight in the name of the love. At the fight ends, pirates ran away. The location of his beautiful
and beloved princess was unknown.
The island was very big, so during a few hours, he tries to find Aurora.
After a long time, Enrico saw a big cave in the middle of the jungle. He
was very tired and he decided enter and rest there. He was about falling asleep when he
heard a sweet voice calling him, she was the princess!
Rapidly, the fisherman goes at the background of the cave looking for the princess.
A few moments later, the princess was found by the fisherman and finally, the lovers could
meet each other.

 ´Oh, my brave fisherman, my hero - said emotionally Aurora´
 ´Oh, my lovely princess, finally I'm with you- said crying Enrico´
 ´I don't know your name yet, dear gentleman´
 ´My name is Enrico, your future husband- said sure of himself the fisherman´

 ´Oh, I love you, but my dad...´
 ´Your dad promised that the one who finds you will have whatever he wants, and all I

want, is you.´
 ´Thank you for everything, I will be your princess, I know it. Now, we have to return to

Venice.´

And then, they built a resistant raft and they together came back to the castle.

CHAPTER 3

The day after they escaped to the island, that wonderful day, that appreciated moment where
pirates don’t exist in their minds. No worries hovering over their bodies. Aurora was anxious
to come back to Venice, and so, she cold see once again her father. They didn’t believe in the
return of her, but in their hearts, they felt a strange feeling. This premotion was the force with
which they met.

Aurora was resting in a small cache, because she was too exhausted, meanwhile Enrico went
to the palace to make a real inform of the actual situation to the king. When he entered there,
the king, very nervous and excited, came out to receive the fisherman. The king couldn’t stop
interrupting him, so they didn’t establish oral communication. In that very moment, Aurora
appeared in the horizon. Then, many kisses were given to Aurora on the cheek by her father.
Both, father and daughter started to cry, because the emotion was the highest:

- `Aurora, my precious!´
- `Oh daddy, I didn’t expect to see you again! ´– explained the princess.
- `Are you OK? What do you need? I have been very worried all these days. When I

thought I will never see you again… I was afraid and I…´
- `Calm down! Now, I stay here. Enrico saved me.` – She said looking at his beloved

fisherman.
- `Mm… I am pleasantly surprised! I never thought anyone that was not a prince would

get it. Congratulations! Nevertheless, you are not a prince. I will never allow the
wedding between you.` – exclaimed the king.
- `What did I just hear? Oh no! I understand that you are angry, but this time, the
decision is in my hands. You shouldn’t order me! This time no!´– shouted the
affectionate princess.
- `But he is a simple fisherman! You can be in love with a handsome prince. I am sure he
would have much more money, and you…´
- `Stop, I say! He is not a simple fisherman. I know his wealth, and it is small. But, on the
other hand, he is likeable. Enrico is the only person on the world able to make me
smile. When I stay with him, I am happy, and it is the only valid version that I need! ´

The king had to allow the wedding; he couldn´t lose her again, it would be a serious mistake.
In that moment, her little princess was the most important person for him, and he only wanted
her happiness.

At the beginning, this idea was not appreciated by the king, but the, he could look the true
love that exist between them. And he was very proud of him for his bravery, after all, he was
not a bad man.

*******************

Everything was like a dream. The sun shined more than ever, birds sang and sang, the flowers
beamed love, all the hopes of the lovers were fulfilled, by distance, the wedding's bells are
heard by all people of Venice.

Everyone in the country had come to the city to congratulate the new couple and celebrate
the marriage in a marvellous and big ceremony. Everyone in the country have come the city
to congratulate the new couple and celebrate the marriage in a marvellous and big ceremony.
The love was in the air. The girlfriend was wearing a nice white dress, she seemed an angel
full of spiritually fallen from the sky to be with the young fisherman, who, thanks to the king’s
help, can be splendid in the ceremony’s day. Nobody will say that he was a fisherman, now,
that is forgotten, he would be a prince and no more. The ceremony was seeing by all the
country, everyone would appreciate them.

At the moment of the “Yes, I do”, the princess and the fisherman were so nervous, but all their
words that came from their mouths were produced by the heart. When it finished and the
lovers kissed each other, everybody clapped their hands with all their forces.

In the banquet, there were a lot of delicious food, sweets, meat, and of course, fish. When all
Venice's people finished to eat, it had been prepared a round of dance. First, the newlyweds
danced the typical music of the time. After this, people danced also, the king included.

A few years later, the fisherman became a great leader, with Aurora, his beloved wife. Now,
the kingdom was very safe, and nobody was afraid, because they felt protected by two great
people. Three beautiful sons; Emmanuel, Emilia and Elena, were conceived by the love of the
couple and they lived happily ever after.

Story 6: Written by the Turkish team

THE PHANTOM OF THE THEATER
There was a boy called Sebastian.He likes cold and some creppy palaces,like theaters. He
have Brown medium hair so he looks like kind of a anti-winter person but like i said he likes
cold. Anyway. Today, he’s going to play a role in the theater of run’s. That palace is really
dark but the atmosphere is perfect. And well, İf he wants to play his role outhere, he have to
be quick cause he’s still at home!
He get up from his bed, take care of his Daily bath routine and get ready after nearly 1 hour.
When his eyes saw the clock, he smiled and just before leaving the house,he looked to
mirror. His inner voice whisphers, ’’I’m incredible like always.’’ He agreed and without
distraction he left the house.

While he’s waiting fort he taxi that to take him to the theatre, he saw Sophie. He says ‘’Oh
my God’’ and immmediately he fixed his chathes. He looked her beaitifull green eyes. She
says’ ’Hello’’ to him and they make some little chat. He learnt that she was in the play too
when the taxi came,they ride it together and continue to them conversation. Ah! and before
that, he realized that this girl has changing him. He was a boy who really arrogant but with
her? Compelitely no. He was actins like he is generous.

His inner voice whisphere’s to him asain. ’’This is really wierd seb huh?” Along the road she
told him stories about Run’s Theatre. Some people are think that theatre have ghost in the.
Especially the juliet’s ghost. She died in the theatre while acting. Sebastian laughed to this
openion. But when sophie gets angry to him, he apologized. Then she started to talk about
herself. He listened her carefully. She had a friend called damon. He throttle his eyes.
Sophie’s countinins to tell but sebastian can’t listen

Damon… Is he his antoganist? From the selection fort he role? What a world! Finally they
arrive to the theatre and alight from the taxi.Sophie was a really good girl. Little short but
her eyes and blonde curly hair’s perfect. As they entered to the theatre,sebastian tried to
held her hand with his temperament but she smiled and left his hand. ’’oopss.maybe too
soon sebastian.’’

After 30 mins before they came to here the rehearsal of them play has start. All flickers was
there. When the courtain for sophie ans sebastian,they entred to scence.And just that
momment, he saw his ex antoganist. His blue eyes were following them from down
stairs.Maybe not them. His eyes following the girl.

Sebastian got closer to sophie by mocking with damon’s captivity of his eyes.The he saw
it.The flame of inside Damon. ’’He was loving this girl, huh?’’ Maybe them war wasn’t only in
acting.

And maybe,he’s really kind of crazy.who believed that his ex-grilfriend was a ghost?
Sebastian excited that momment.This play is going really mad!

When break time comes, Damon stepped outside. He took deep breaths to calm down. He
is trying to calm down because he decided to tell Sophie that he is in love with her. He took
deep breath again. ‘’ It’s the first time, Damon, It’s the time.’’

He walked fastly, his heart beats so fast. Damon was so excited, until that he saw Sebastian
and Sophie in the changing room. He felt sick, he felt tired and angry. ‘’How?’’ he whispered.
They are kissing in the changing room. He felt so bad, his heart was broken. Because its was
the first time that he fell in love. Do you know why he is in love with her? Because she
reminds him to his ex girlfriend, that he killed.

After a few minutes, Damon leaves the changing room’s door. Sophia and Sebastian keeps
kissing. When Damon leaved the place, she heard his footsteps and opened her eyes. Slowly

she push Sebastian with slient steps, she walked to the door. ‘’ I think someone is in the
front of the door.’’ She whispered so slowly. Sebastian took very slient breath. ‘’You think
someona saw us?’’ She shook her head. “I don’t know.” She opened the door and look out of
the hallway. She turned into the right side of hallway and scream. “Oh my God, what is
that?! Sebastian, did you see it too?!” She almost had a heart attack. Because she sa a ghost!

“What are you talking about, baby?” Sebatian pulled Sophia in the changing room again and
closed the door. “what did you say? Why you screamed?”

“I- i just saw a ghost! Believe me, baby! When i turned my head to other side, i saw a ghost
siluete, she walked away and dissapear! I swear!”

“Baby, i think you are overacting now. Your brain crectes this because you talked about this
ghost thing in the morning.” Sebastian hugged Sophia. “Don’t be scared, honey.” Sophia
feels more relax now, she took deep breath. “If you say.” Hugged his boyfriend back.

--

“In the rehearsol, he was acting weird.” Sebastian thinks. He was kicking the rock while he
was walking. “Maybe he saw us.” It was so late, rehearsol ended so late hour because of
Damon, Sebastian was walking in creepy streets. It was his home way. Suddenly, he felt so
cold in his stomach. Someone whispered his ear. “Like a ghost.” He can’t take breath. He
tried to scream but it didn’t worked. Suddenly everywhere was dark.

While this things happening, Sophie was in theathre. She stayed little bit for her fear and
exploring the theathre. She entered the decor room. She walked into dark side of the room
and shefard little bit old, Romeo and Juliet book. She set on the old, dusty chair, and opened
the book. Suddenly she look up, and when she saw ghost’s face she scream. Throwed the
book and ron away. She was crying, insenely. She wants to go home, she screams like crazy.
When she look back, she saw ghost was following her! She screamed again. “Please, leave
me alone!”

She ran away like for 15 mins and she gave up. She sit and the stairs and started crying so
badly. She close her eyes with her hand and keeps crying. She can feel ghost. And slowly
ghost sits on the beside her. And tried to calm her down. For a long time after, slowly Sphie
opened her eyes. She is feeling better, this was insane thing, but this good part is ghost has
warm hearth. “I’m sorry, i don’t want to scare you but i think its not quite possible.” Ghost
talked.

“It’s okay. It- it’s just so different and wierd.” Sophia whispered. “I follewed you because i
want to tell you very important thing.”

“O-okay.” Sophia thinks that she blown her mind. “I’m Damon’s ex-girlfriend. And he killed
me.” Sophia screams. “What?!”

“Shh. Just please, listen to me quickly.” Ghost took deep breath “Damon is so bad person. He
is crazy and dangerous! He is a killer!”

“Oh my God that means me and Sebastian in danger?” Sophia was looking her hands. “Yes
you are right. That means you to have to yield up him.”

“Y-yes. That’s true.”

“But you have to be quick ‘cause he’s coming here.”

‘’But, why should I believe you? Damon was a good person, you can’t blame him’’

Ghost slowly look up, and started crying. Sophie was sad, because she feel the pain of the
ghost.

‘’I-ım sorry, but---‘’ ‘’Okay, I understand you. But you have to believe me, please Sophie.’’

‘’How? Damon seems like a good person. How he didin’t go into prison?’’

‘’He is such an actor, you understand? He killed me, after that he played the ‘’ım-so-sad-my-
girlfriend-was-dead’’ role.’’

Ghost keeps talking.

‘’He killed me with a knife, he stabbed me, from my stomache, for like 6 times.’’

Sophia gasps.

‘’Im sorry’’

Ghost slowly smiles.

‘’ It doesn’t matter. You have to save yourself now.’’

‘’Okay, I can handle it.’’

Sophie was walking in front of the theatre, and suddenly she heared footsteps, When she
turned her head, She saw Damon. Sophie try to smile against him. He said ‘’Hey’’ one step
closer.

‘’I want to talk with you, Can we t—‘’

‘’I Know what you know, baby, please don’t listen this freaking ghost.’’

‘’Damon… Is she right? Did you murdered her?’’

‘’No, I swear I didn’t! It was an accident!’’

Sophia screamed.

‘’No!! You are the killer! I saw the knife, In the backstage! You did this, and you wanted to kill
her! Why?’’

‘’You can’t kill me like her. I’m not going to let this happen!’’

Sophia started running.

‘’No, Sophia!’’

Damon started running too.

‘’You think you can live your life happily!? I killed Sebastian too, just for you! And if you are
not going to get well with me, I swear I kill you too.’’

Damon screams behind her, but Sophie didn’t listen. She run like crazy, until she arrive at the
poliçe station. When she stops running, she tell everything to the Police officer.

After a few hour, Police officers caught Damon. She was so confused and exhausted. She
took a deep breath.

‘’This is my beginning in the Theatre.’’

After a few months, Damon was in the jail. She lived happily after him because she feel that
she is in safe. Sebastian’s and Damon’s Ex-Girlfriend’s ghost often visits her.