The Castle in the Attic

It’s a beautiful, warm summer morning as William and Sir Simon walk along a road through woodlands. William wonders where his home’s attic went. Sir Simon seems to know where they are, though. He says they’re a day’s journey from his land. His armor is heavy and William volunteers to carry his helmet. Sir Simon regrets not having a horse. He recalls his favorite, Moonlight, a silver-coated stallion with whom he won many tournaments and earned him the nickname the Silver Knight.

The road narrows and the forest gloom deepens. Sir Simon retrieves his helmet and warns the boy against forest noises that may frighten or distract him. Cries, growls, and snarls sound around them; bushes sting his face and arms. A light appears, and William wants to head for it, but Sir Simon says it’s a ruse, and shortly it disappears.

Hours pass, and William grows thirsty. A stream courses next to the path, and William bends down to drink from it, but Sir Simon pulls him away sharply and orders him to close his eyes. When he opens them, the stream is gone. Later, Sir Simon cries out, “Moonlight,” and hurries off the path, but William can’t see the horse and stays where he is.