The Cauld Lad of Hylton
The Cauld Lad of Hylton — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In a realm where dreams intertwined with the waking world via shimmering railway lines, lived the impish Cauld Lad of Hylton, a spirit bound to the castle by an ancient curse. He haunted the halls, mischievous and misunderstood. Only the kindness of a pure heart could break the enchantment and release him from his spectral prison. But the castle held secrets, and the path to freedom was paved with forgotten truths.
Page 2
"I've heard tales of this place," Elara said, adjusting her spectacles as the train hissed to a halt. Thomas, the old groundskeeper, touched his worn cap. "Tales are but shadows, miss. The reality is...older." He helped her down, her worn leather satchel brushing against her cloak. "Keep your wits about you, miss. And your heart open."
Page 3
Elara explored the castle's echoing halls, sunlight filtering weakly through stained-glass windows. "Who's there?" she whispered, hearing a faint giggle. A cold breeze swept through the corridor, carrying a faint scent of smoke. She caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure darting around a corner. Was it the Cauld Lad? Or something more sinister?
Page 4
In the abandoned west wing, Elara found a shattered mirror, its silvered surface fragmented and dull. Thomas had warned her, "Mirrors show more than faces, miss. They reveal the soul, or what's left of it." As she reached to touch a shard, a voice echoed, "Leave it! It holds my pain."
Page 5
"Who are you?" Elara asked, her voice trembling. The shadowy figure materialized, revealing a boy with sad eyes and a chilling aura. "I am the Cauld Lad," he whispered. "Trapped here by a cruel master. My greed for gold led to my demise!"
Page 6
"Gold?" Elara questioned, remembering the rumors. "But why are you still here?" The Cauld Lad's image flickered. "My master cursed me. Only an act of selfless kindness can break the chains. But who would help a greedy soul like mine?"
Page 7
"I will help you," Elara stated, surprising even herself. "'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart,' Helen Keller said. Your heart, Cauld Lad, deserves a second chance." She reached out, her hand passing through his spectral form, yet he felt the warmth of her promise.
Page 8
Following an old text, Elara prepared a ritual, not of power, but of selfless giving. She collected wildflowers, symbols of simple beauty, placing them before the shattered mirror. She lit candles, their gentle light pushing back the shadows. She whispered words of forgiveness and acceptance. "Forgiveness will set you free!"
Page 9
As Elara finished, a blinding light filled the room. The Cauld Lad solidified, no longer spectral, but a real boy. He ran to Elara, tears in his eyes. "Thank you," he choked out. "You freed me from my gilded prison, and from myself."
Page 10
The Cauld Lad, now simply known as Thomas's nephew, helped Elara tend the castle gardens. The dream-railway continued to connect worlds, but Hylton was no longer haunted, but a place of redemption. Elara smiled. For she had given more than she knew, and in doing so, had found her own path. The gold he chased became the love he gave.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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