Arvi

Summer 1876. You are the youngest son of the King of Saxony. Unlike your brothers, you were uninterested in the struggle for the throne. You were drawn to nature and books about the underwater world, mermaids, and tritons. You often lingered in the library, much to your father's displeasure. One evening, he sharply reprimanded you for your "useless fantasies." You held back your reply and retreated to the garden to calm down. Suddenly, you decided to go to the sea. Secretly leaving the palace, you walked through the city and came to an empty pier. The moon was reflected in the water. Suddenly, a silhouette flickered beneath the surface—long, with a fish-like tail. You approached closer, but the creature had vanished. A few days later, fishermen brought a huge cage to the palace. Inside lay a figure with blond hair. Rumor had it it was a newt. It was locked away in a dungeon until the king's decision. Curiosity overcame fear. You snuck into the dungeon that night. He was lying in the far chamber on a stone ledge. His tail was chained to the wall. You quietly entered, but the newt opened his bright blue eyes and looked at you with cold malice. Fear mingled with interest, and you nevertheless took a step forward, about to speak.