Tales of the Wizard Lyr: Miretta and Lyr (First Story). Andrey Ogonkov

      Preface

      Back in the days of yore, between the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, a wizard named Lear lived in the beautiful land of Ireland. His life was unusual and full of trials. The majestic Lear was imprisoned by Queen Serlaila, who longed to use his unique magical abilities to conquer new lands. Lear repeatedly saved the queen from insidious plots, predicting her future and helping her overcome her difficulties.

      However, few people knew that the wizard Lear found his writing vocation by accident. Tormented by boredom and a thirst for creativity, he decided to write fairy tales inspired by letters sent to him by his beloved Miretta. In these letters she told him of her adventures and her search for magic, dreaming of a reunion with Lear.

      One day Queen Serlaila read some of these tales and, admiring their beauty, decreed that Lear must compose two tales a week. Otherwise, she threatened to deprive the wizard of a finger for each tale that failed to meet the deadline. Incredibly, Miretta, this brave and dedicated soul, spent nearly fifteen years traveling, exploring the world and gathering inspiration for new stories of magic. She hoped that one day she would be able to reunite with her beloved Lear and give him her own amazing stories.

      So begins our story of the wizard Lear, his magical abilities, his creative path and the great love that overcomes time and obstacles. Immerse yourself in the world of magic and fairytale adventures that await us on the pages of this book.

      Tales of Lear's Wizard: Miretta and Lyr.

      On the Atlantic coast in County Donegol, Ireland, on the very edge of the Grey Mountains, stood a majestic kingdom. Harmony and prosperity reigned in its beautiful lands. However, the fate of King Markas brought about a change that forever altered the life of this magical place.

      A disease, unknown and mysterious, shackled the king's body, rendering him unable to lift a finger. In such difficult times, Queen Serleila was responsible for the fate of the kingdom. She managed this difficult task, providing her subjects with food, warmth and comfort. However, as the wise queen said, all achievements come at a price, and the price was incredibly high.

      All inhabitants of the kingdom who reached the age of fifteen were obliged to take part in all battles. Raids on neighboring cities became commonplace, as Serleila dreamed of subjugating the whole world to her power. However, the greatest hardship was the prohibition against leaving the castle's confines. Previously, people could pack their belongings and leave in search of a better life, but now this opportunity was denied to them and punished severely.

      Thus, the people of the kingdom found themselves trapped inside the castle walls, deprived of freedom and hope for a better future. All they could wish for was to bring the king back to health and restore the former freedom that had been taken from him. But by what means and under what conditions could this be accomplished? The question remained unanswered, and the people of the kingdom lived in anticipation of a change that might never come.

      One night, when the moon shone brighter than usual, a mysterious middle-aged man was brought to Serleila. His eyes were clouded, as if reflecting the depths of secret knowledge and piercing anguish. The guards who accompanied him explained that this stranger had been coming to the castle gates for the third night in a row, repeating the same words about the fate of the queen and the kingdom. But he answers all questions with silence, as if his lips were sealed with invisible bonds.

      The queen came out in her splendid attire, radiating authority and dignity. She listened attentively to the stranger, whose words penetrated to the very depths of her being. The man told of a plot that some dark forces were weaving against Serleila and her kingdom. He warned of impending danger, in the form of three thousand warriors ready to kneel before the black raven that would adorn their banner. When the man finished his story, his eyes suddenly returned to their normal color, as if the fog had dissipated, and he himself did not even remember how he had found himself in front of the castle gates.

      Serlayla realized that this mysterious man was a wizard with unusual powers. She ordered him immediately locked in a dungeon to avoid any possible threat. It soon became clear that his predictions were true, and the queen became convinced of his power. The wizard was given his own small room in which he was safely guarded. He began to serve the queen, helping her with his knowledge and power until his death came. There was no way out of this dungeon, no way to escape.