The Castle Telescope

In a tall castle on a green hill, Princess Elin lives with her mother, Queen Mara. Each morning she climbs the spiral stairs to the top room, where a long brass telescope points out of a wide window. With her fluffy orange cat Pip beside her, she watches the village market, the river and the distant hills, taking pleasure in how large the world is.

On a grey, stormy day, Elin looks through the telescope and sees a far village beyond the hills, its roofs broken and its trees fallen, with people standing sadly in the mud. She brings the matter to her mother, and the royal council considers it; Councilor Bram, doubtful at first, looks through the telescope himself and agrees to send food and blankets. Elin helps pack loaves, apples and warm wool blankets, then watches the wagon's journey from the tower. Written by Yavuz DEMİRKIRAN, this gentle tale can be read on Online Masal.