The festival with a shadow

He strode down the hallway with large, quick steps, the sound of his footsteps echoing through the marble corridor. As he neared the castle’s exit, his worries began to fade, replaced by a growing excitement. This was the festival he had always dreamed of, and now it was finally here. Though it came at a time when his dreams weighed heavily on him, he decided to push those thoughts aside and focus on the festival, on joy.

As the prince stepped through the gates, the sunlight momentarily blinded him. He raised his hand to shield his almond-shaped eyes, allowing them to adjust to the bright, cheerful light. The warm orange rays filtered through his slender fingers, illuminating his pale face. He let his hand drop to his side and took in the sight of the kingdom, awash in vibrant colors. Scarde himself was dressed in lively hues, though he had attempted to blend in like a common city boy. Yet, despite his efforts, his royal lineage was unmistakable.

His clothes radiated indifference. A woven ribbon crown glowed red in his curly black hair, while his faded yellow silk tunic rivaled the color of the sun, its embroidered sleeves fluttering, and his loose green linen pants beautifully accentuating his slightly darker skin tone. Red and green silk ribbons streamed from his tunic, swaying in the wind with each step he took.

He walked confidently toward the crowd, his eyes carefully scanning his surroundings, anxious about what might await him. As he drew closer, the lively music and singing reached his ears, and his heart gradually shifted from fear to curiosity.

It was a warm summer afternoon in a small, bustling village nestled among rolling hills. The air was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and wildflowers, and the sound of lively folk music echoed through the narrow streets. People of all ages had gathered in the village square, which was decorated with colorful streamers and paper lanterns hanging from the trees and wooden stalls.

Children ran around laughing, their faces smeared with sticky jam from the pastries they had eagerly devoured. Old men sat at wooden tables, sipping golden beer from large mugs, reminiscing about festivals long gone while playing cards. The women, dressed in bright, embroidered skirts and blouses, twirled in circles, their feet tapping to the rhythm of the fiddles and accordions. Even the elders couldn't resist swaying gently to the music.

Near the center of the square, a small stage had been set up, and a group of musicians played their instruments with infectious energy. The sound of the violin soared through the air, its notes twirling with the joyful shouts of dancers and clapping hands. The festival had no official program; people joined in the music and dancing as they pleased, swept up by the carefree atmosphere.

Underneath a large oak tree, vendors sold handmade crafts—woven baskets, wooden toys, and delicate jewelry, all crafted with love and care. Nearby, the smell of roasting meat filled the air as a spit slowly turned over an open fire, tended by a man with a big grin on his face. Long lines formed at the food stalls, where steaming bowls of stew and freshly baked bread were handed out, the laughter of families mingling with the clinking of cups.

The prince began to enjoy his day. Every minute of it delighted him, whether watching the lively scenes or mingling with the townspeople.

As the day turned into evening, the warm glow of the setting sun bathed the village in golden light. Children lit small candles inside paper lanterns, setting them afloat on a nearby river, where they drifted lazily, reflecting the hues of pink and orange from the sky. The music never stopped, but slowed to a softer, more mellow tune as the stars began to twinkle above. People sat on blankets spread out on the grass, gazing up at the sky, content and full from the day’s festivities.

It felt as though time had slowed down, as if the village had slipped into a peaceful dream where the only things that mattered were laughter, music, and the joy of being together.

Scarde started to grow tired after the long day, which had been filled with dancing, eating, and conversation. He played with the younger children and even helped some of the elders.

Walking along a quieter street, he cleared his head of the cheerful music and endless smiles. For this day, he had completely forgotten his fears, but as soon as he was alone again, the thoughts returned. Almost instinctively, he gripped the crystal pocket watch nestled in his pocket. Worry flashed across his face, and suddenly, he realized he couldn’t hear the lively music anymore, even though the square was just a street away.

The music had stopped, and everything was drowned in silence. Scarde wasn’t sure what this meant—he thought maybe his ears had become blocked, so he gently fiddled with them. But he was wrong. What was this? Suddenly, a voice echoed in his head, and he saw a shadow cast on one of the houses. The voice, as if speaking directly to the prince, said: "A winter vision on a summer’s eve, ominous blue eyes await the sinner between two white wings."

A chill ran down the prince's spine as he heard the voice. Yet somehow, the mystery intrigued him, and he was drawn to find out what it could mean. So, he began to follow the shadow, having no idea what awaited him...

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***