Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Autumn/Fall (08/27/09)
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TITLE: Achadha Coraidh | Previous Challenge Entry
By evan daley
09/02/09 -
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In the months of summer the castle had become home to Henry and Susan. They lived there with their uncle Garamond. He was a fascinating man and he lived in an even more mysterious home. This castle was known as Achadha Coraidh and it was full of great pieces of art, and colorful carpets and furnishings. The armor of knights stood frozen in the halls, endlessly poised to strike. Huge chandeliers made of diamond and gold hung from the ceiling. There were endless hallways and closets for exploring, and this is where Henry and Susan spent their summer. But there was one place that the children had never explored. It was the tower on the north side of the castle. They had stumbled onto it once but were far too scared to venture up the dark dusty steps. It was a huge spiral staircase and hadn’t been used for years. It was the greatest mystery of all – so frightening – but so captivating.
Now summer was drawing to an end. Soon the children would have to go back to the city and live at the school. On their last full day of summer the children found themselves standing in front of the old mahogany door of the north tower.
“I have the candle.” Susan said.
“I have my sword.” Henry said, wielding a stick he had found outside. They were thrilled but nervous. What could be hiding in the darkness?
They both stood and looked at the door.
“Do you want to open it or should I?” Susan asked.
“You have the candle.” Henry pointed out.
“I thought you were supposed to be chivalrous.” Susan said.
Henry sighed in submission and nervously pulled the door open. It creaked and groaned and finally, left the children staring up into the vast dark stairway. Henry took the first step. The darkness seemed to absorb him.
“Are you coming?”
“Yeah.”
They walked up a few steps and nothing happened. They continued step by step up the spiral and soon they couldn’t see the door anymore. The flickering candle only served to illuminate a few steps in front of them and behind. It’s ghostly glow made shadows dance across the walls. Henry was determined not to turn back though. He knew something important was at the top of the stairs.
Both children were gaining courage as they went. Soon they were at the top of the stairs and another door blocked their path. Henry opened it without a word. Both children gasped at what they saw. The room was completely dark except for one ray of light that poured in from the ceiling and illuminated a podium in the center of the room.
“How strange!” Susan said.
As they ventured toward the podium they saw that there were two books on it. On each book the words, “The Holy Bible,” were engraved. On the inside cover of the books each of the children’s names were written.
“Is this the book mom used to read to us?” Susan asked.
“I think so…” Peter said, his vision clouding with tears.
Before they left the castle the children showed the books to their uncle.
“I knew you would find them before summer ended,” Garamond said, “This is God’s word to you. It will never lead you wrong. Take it to school with. Do what it says.”
“Uncle?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
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