I turn my back to the wall to face two paths, in front or to the right. With a piece of paper I start drawing my way out. A right turn, another one, in front and… wall. Left turn, a right one and… wall. I take my sweet time down here, trying every single possibility.

As I’m finally sure witch path to take, a strong wind blows from nowhere, the candle leaves my hand crashing to the ground.

Here I am, completely lost on a dark and dirty castle basement with all this noises entering my ears. I hear steps; something is coming closer and closer with a heavy sound, much like an armor.

BOOM

A heavy old armor falls in front of me, I scream my soul out as I run for my life. Tripping all over the stuff on the floor when I freeze to what I see. A massive smell of something rotten. I feel around to find some light. I grab a lantern and turn it on. IMPOSSIBLE!

With the crown still in his head, the emperor is laid down on the floor, dead! By his side are thousands and thousands of presents. On a table, the most important were placed. I can still smell gunpowder. An explosive gift took the emperor’s life, leaving only behind the coat of arms of the North lands.

Another thing catches my attention. On the table, a list of the people who entered Fortellia for the festival with one specially underlined. “Eliane, the cold sea witch”

“Wasn’t she dead? Did she curse everybody? Or were the north lords, seeking revenge?”

The lantern runs out of batteries. I leave the emperor with my respects and continue towards the door.

“I wonder what really happened here but one thing is for certain, the next door is where all the truth is hidden.”

As I open the door, a sunrise light blasts through the window illuminating the stairs all the way to the depths. I slowly walk upstairs, rethinking what could possibly have happened. I notice something reflecting the light. A book!

A leather book with a blue sapphire, it has a lock! I can’t open it but never mind, I know exactly what that book is. As for why is it here… I’m pretty sure I know too.

The stairs connect to a closet, a very wide space with all kinds of clothes and jewelry. Another book is left on the floor. I open a pink paged book beginning with “Dear Diary…” confirming my suspicions. And so it reveals…

“By the light of the beautiful sun I wake up. I open my window and I’m once again blessed with the colors and music of my city.

When the big festival begins later today, I will present my challenge for the artists of the world and make Fortellia the apogee of culture and creativity. A city where people enjoy living! Where artists from around the world gather to elevate their craft flowing filling the big fountain with love and creativity. I will make Fortellia a paradise on Earth!”

End of entry, 9 AM

“Dear diary. Several hours had passed. As of now, I am the only person alive in this city! My sadness and sorrow are consuming my very soul and I can’t stand it anymore. For anybody reading this. Here is the true story of how Fortellia ended.”

“The big festival begun with a big lunch party, people from all over attended, enjoying themselves with good music and food. After lunch, I went up to the stage and so I said.

People from around the world. A completion is to be held now. In order to make this festival unforgettable, artists, you shall present the craft of your life. Drink the music and eat the spirit of the city, make something that no one will ever forget for the winner shall be made official artist of the empire.

The people roared de enthusiasm, rushing to get their materials. Fortellia became an atelier that make even the most rebel child feel the urge to create.

This was until I opened that book, that one the men found on the cold sea witch house, a spell to boost the spirit and creativity, to bless the hands they were using to create was all I wanted.

And so I said in ancient Fortellian: Good luck fellow artists. Let the wind and the sea of Fortellia guide you to your immortality.”

As I said that, a cold gust of wind swept Fortellia. With their materials in hand, people marched into the sea. I couldn’t stop them alone! I saw the North lords, the cold sea witch, all the people of Fortellia, my loved friends all rhythmically marching to their death.

I begged the imperial gods for help, I searched all over for the king but all in vain. Crying in my room, I tossed the cursed book to the depths of the castle, to forever be locked away.

That, is how our story ended! In search for the best … I destroyed paradise and so I will be selfishly going with it. Forever the Queen of Fortellia! Goodbye.”

I close the diary and clean a tear before entering her room. Exactly what one can expect from a lover of art Queen, there she was, on her bed, gone with the city with the spirit of everybody flying around in perfect harmony.

I open the window stepping out of the balcony to once again breathe the beautiful scenery of Fortellia, the city of culture and creativity.