The Enchanted Doe
The Enchanted Doe — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In a labyrinth woven of mirrors, where reflections whispered of infinite possibilities, lived Elara, a princess burdened by a haunting prophecy. The mirrors held not just images, but glimpses of choices yet made, destinies yet claimed. Her father, the king, sought only to protect her from what lay ahead, but it was from him that the greatest threat would come. The forest of glass held the key: a silver doe, its antlers shimmering with an elusive magic, a path through the looking glass to a different fate.
Page 2
Elara traced the patterns of frost on her window, her gaze lost in the swirling reflections. "The mirrors show so many paths," she murmured. "How can I know which is true?" Her handmaiden, Lyra, a young woman with kind eyes, entered softly. "Your Highness, your father wishes to speak with you. He seems...troubled."
Page 3
The king paced before the largest mirror in the throne room. "The prophecy...it speaks of a darkness coming, a betrayal from within our own blood." He turned to Elara, his face etched with worry. "I must protect you, even if it means...arranging a marriage. With the neighboring kingdom of Veridia."
Page 4
"Marriage? But I barely know Prince Cassian!" Elara exclaimed, stepping back from the mirror. "I cannot marry someone I do not love!" The king sighed, his shoulders slumping. "Love is a luxury, Elara. Protection is a necessity. Veridia's army will keep us safe from the shadow the mirrors show me coming."
Page 5
Lyra found Elara by the reflecting pool in the gardens. "There's a way out, Your Highness," she whispered, her voice hushed. "The Silver Doe. It is said to appear to those who seek true freedom, it can lead you through the forest of glass." Elara looked up, hope flickering in her eyes. "But the forest is treacherous. No one has ever returned."
Page 6
Elara, guided by Lyra, ventured into the labyrinth. Mirrors towered on every side, each reflecting a different version of her, a different future. "Which way?" Elara asked, her voice barely a whisper. "They all look the same!" Lyra pointed. "Trust your heart, Your Highness. Look for the light, not the reflection."
Page 7
As they walked, the forest changed, the path becoming difficult to see, "As Charles Darwin said, 'It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is most adaptable to change,'" Lyra declared. "It can be the only way for you to move forward in the end."
Page 8
Suddenly, a figure emerged from the reflections – the king, but with eyes that glowed with cold malice. "You cannot escape your destiny, Elara!" he roared, stepping out of the looking glass. "Marry Cassian, or I will use the mirrors to control the realm!" Lyra gasped. "He...he embraced the darkness he feared!"
Page 9
Elara, her heart pounding, remembered Lyra's words. She closed her eyes, focusing on the light within. Then, she spoke, "I choose neither darkness nor Veridia!" Opening her eyes, she saw the Silver Doe, its antlers glowing, standing before her. It nudged its head towards a reflection, and Elara stepped through.
Page 10
Elara found herself in a world where mirrors reflected kindness and truth. She did not know what fate awaited her, but she knew she had chosen her own path, breaking the cycle of fear and control. The forest of mirrors remained, but now, each reflection held a promise of hope, a chance to build bridges of understanding, not walls of fear.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
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