The Castle of Monde Imaginaire

The Castle of Monde Imaginaire was protected by a stone wall which reached into the sky. But it had not always been this way. Fear, fear of the worst kind, had long ago crept inside. And so the people demanded defenses against what might lurk beneath the sea, within the trees, beyond the mountains. Tragedy had beset them but once. Many, many years ago a boy grew into a man and made up his mind to brave the snowy passes west of the kingdom. Not a single soul had ever left the confines of the castle, and his decision was met with anger and confusion, an uprising. The people feared for his life, and for the horrors he was sure to encounter. Yet despite the graven faces of his brothers, sisters, neighbors, and teachers, the man set off. And he did not return. The people of Monde Imaginaire, fearing whatever evil had consumed their own, unanimously agreed to the construction of a wall to surround the grounds. It would be the height of two men, head to foot. Thus the wall was built and peace again came over the people. Until one day an old man noticed one of the peasants walking next to the wall. Surely enough, this man could see clean over the top! A great uproar echoed throughout the streets. Orders were given. The wall was doubled in size. Again peace. But it was not to last. One evening, as silence blanketed the kingdom and a full moon hung above the sea, a large cloud passed into the sky. As a compromise, the moon cast a large shadow upon the castle. When the people sensed the darkness fall over them, not one eye turned toward the sea. All were afraid of what lurked in the moonlight. That night, not one man, woman, or child slept even one wink. As soon as day arrived, cries rang out and voices shouted this way and that. Orders were given. The wall was doubled in size. Year after year, the wall continued to grow, until the top could no longer be seen. Then the wall began to sway, ever so slightly. The people felt safe, and looked upon the wall with gratitude. But they did not realize that walls not only keep out, but also keep in. And so one bright, sunny day, a wind peeled off the sea and travelled through grassy plains toward the kingdom. It came in a whisper, but soon began to harass the castle like a wolf at the door. The wall was old, tired, and unstable. With one last groan, it began to fall, and fall greatly. Men and women looked upwards, but, having never ventured beyond the wall, they were too afraid to do so now. And so that day the people of Monde Imaginaire were forgotten, and with them the proof of their very existence.