
By Alex Purcell
This is a story of a Sorcerer named Prospero, the rightful Duke of a place called Milan, near Italy. However, Prospero was Duke, until his nasty brother Antonio hatched an evil plan to get rid of Prospero and become Lord. Alonso, King of Naples also was a enemy of Prospero, and he decided to help Antonio get rid of his brother. One evening, when Prospero had retired to bed, his brother Antonio and an army from Naples unlocked the gate and forced their way into Prospero's room. But they didn't dare kill him because Prospero's people had too much love for him, so instead they smuggled him to a very small boat, which was so ratty, it could barely float at all! Then in Prospero's arms they put his daughter, Miranda, who was only three. Then by pushing the boat into the water they left them to die by the terrible sea waves. But a man named Gonzalo took pity for them, for he was a great friend of Prospero, and he filled the boat with fresh supplies, garments and Prospero's books of magic which he valued most of all. And by luck most strange, they made it to shore on a deserted island. There they had lived for twelve years with no human company.
A ship with crew was on their way to Milan, till they got caught in a horrific sea storm controlled by Prospero's magic, Prospero was only doing this because on that boat was Alonso, the King who had helped him to his death, and his treacherous brother Antonio, who was now Lord of Milan. Prospero wants to get revenge, so he makes everyone on the boat (except the mariners and captain) plunge into the sea, then they all swam to the shore, in small groups they now wander, believing everyone else dead.
Miranda was very sad, she thought they had all perished. Prospero said he did nothing but in care of Miranda and told her to be quiet and listen up because he was about to tell her the story of her past. When that a was done Prospero charmed his daughter into sleep.
Then he called his chief fairy, Ariel and he asked her about her task of setting fire to the boat. She told him that she had got into that ship, and set fire to it, then she made sure all but the boatswain and captain of the ship jumped into the sea. Then Ariel asked for her freedom, for she was at Prospero's every command and wanted to be free. Prospero reminded her that he had freed her from a tree, which a witch called Sycorax had imprisoned her in, when to Sycorax's orders Ariel would not obey. Twelve years Ariel was trapped in that tree, in that time Sycorax died leaving Ariel trapped inside. Then Prospero arrived and freed her from the tree. Prospero promised Ariel that he would free her in two day.
Sycorax had a son, more of a beast though. This wretched creature was called Caliban, and had once ruled this island when Sycorax had died. Prospero woke his daughter and said that he was going to visit Caliban his slave. Miranda didn't like Caliban, he had hurt Miranda when she was really young. They went to the cave to find Caliban working. Caliban yelled at them and was very grumpy.
Meanwhile Ariel explored and found Ferdinand, who had been washed ashore. His heart was broken because of the loss of his father the King, Alonso. He thought they we're all dead. Then Ariel sang some sad music, and Ferdinand followed, but he wasn't in control. Prospero was ready for the arrival of Ferdinand and when he saw him, he asked his daughter what is that thing that wanders near us. When Miranda saw him she fell in love instantly. But Miranda hadn't had a lot of human company since she was three. Then Ferdinand saw Miranda, and he too was put under the love spell. Ferdinand asked Miranda to be his bride. Prospero wanted to make sure Ferdinand really loved his daughter best, so he put Ferdinand to a test. He told him old roots he would eat, and seawater to drink. Then he fixed Ferdinand to the ground with a spell.
At the same time, the King Alonso and Gonzalo and Antonio and Sebastian we're on the island looking for Ferdinand, but could not find him, the King was in complete despair. Gonzalo was trying to cheer everyone up, because their clothes drenched in the water we're fresh and dry. However Sebastian and Antonio we're aiming taunts at Gonzalo, and Prospero didn't like it so he commanded Ariel to put it to an end. Ariel charmed them all to sleep, but the charm hadn't worked on Antonio or Sebastian, who now began to think of another evil plan. Antonio told Sebastian that he could be King, since the Prince Ferdinand has drowned, if he killed the king and made a story about it he could be Lord! Because he was Alonso's brother. Sebastian agreed, and then they raised their swords. Ariel knew that all was at stake, so she woke the King and Gonzalo up. Sebastian just said that they we're protecting them from a bear.
Back at Caliban's cave, he was working as usual, but then he heard the sound of footsteps, he thought it must be one of Prospero's servants, coming to torment him. So Caliban hid under his cape to avoid detection. But the tormenter was really the King's Jester Trinculo. And he was very frightened of what had happened in the King's boat. So he, not knowing Caliban was under that cape, he went under with him in fright. Then along came Stephano, the King's Butler. He was drunk as usual And very sad. But then he saw the cape, and the two pairs of legs. It scared him when he heard voices under the cape two, then he thought that the creature must be very sick, so he poured some wine down Caliban's throat. Trinculo recognized the Butler's voice, and was filled with joy that he had survived. Then Caliban hailed Stephano for his wondrous deed, and made promise that he'd follow him wherever he went. Trinculo didn't like the idea of someone who was obviously drunk, but the three linked arms and headed down the shore.
Now all that while, Ferdinand was doing Caliban's job carrying the wood. Miranda did not like this at all, and she implored him to stop. She even offered to do the work for him, but Ferdinand refused. Ferdinand asked for her name, she told him, and then Ferdinand said that she was different from all the woman he had seen, above all, he liked her the best.
Back by the shore, where Stephano and Trinculo and the monster Caliban were located, the drunken trio were angry at each other because Ariel, who was nearby found them, and heard that Caliban was telling Stephano, who he thought was absolutely god of all spirits, had talked in Trinculo, the Jesters voice and saying "thou liest!" But the Jester complained to his companions that he hadn't said a word. Then Ariel sang a haunting tune and the three men followed, not in control at all.
Way back inland, where the King and his men walked, weary and tired they we're. Gonzalo groaned in agony. And told the King he could not move further. But then they heard some strange music, and like the drunken three, the followed it. Then the music stopped and suddenly, phantoms appeared out of nowhere, they carried a table, with meat and fruit on it. Then the phantoms dissolved into the air. The food smelled so good the King and lords stepped forward.
Then the sky grew dark, and the wind picked up. A hideous bird swooped into sight. It was a huge beast with blazing eyes, with razor sharp talons. Then the bird pounced on the table with blood curling cries, and then ALL the food vanished before all the lords eyes. Fearing death, each man drew his sword, but once again, Prospero the Sorcerer was in control, looking down at the men. The bird-monster was really Ariel in disguise.
Then the Ariel shrieked: "Remember, that you men of sin, exposed Prospero and his daughter to the unpredictable ocean. So for your foul deeds, you shall pay!"
Then Prospero turned to Ferdinand, he was convinced he loved Miranda with all her heart. The Prince was still carrying wood from the pile. Prospero told him that he was at the end of his work, and that his love had earned him his daughter, Miranda. Ferdinand was delighted. Then Prospero told Ariel to summon his sprites for the following wedding.
After the wedding, Prospero just remembered, about the Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo, who we're on there way here. Then Prospero ordered Ariel to hang royal garments on some trees, which they would pass very soon. Ariel obeyed the command. For in came the monster, the Jester and Butler. Then they we're amazed at their luck, and started dressing themselves. Suddenly out of the mist came a pack of bloodthirsty hounds, commanded by Prosperpo of course. The dogs chased Trinculo, Stephano and Caliban and the three tried to keep up pace. Prospero now wanted to know how the lords and King we're doing, Ariel told him that she had frozen them, they could not move or speak. Prospero ordered Them to be brought to him, Ariel did as she was told and flew away. Then Prospero drew a circle on the ground. A few moments later, The King and his group appeared to on the circle, still frozen from Ariel's charms. Then Prospero lifted the spell, and the lords gazed at their surroundings. The King was so sad of his horrible deed he had accomplished in the past. Then Prospero gazed at Gonzalo, his true friend, who had stocked his boat with supplies in the first place. He thanked Gonzalo for his deed, then Prospero looked at Alonso, the King, and said that all was not lost, that your son still lives. And Prospero led them deeper in the cave. When he found his son accompanied by the fair Miranda, and that he was still alive, his heart gave a leap of joy! When Ferdinand saw his father, also alive. The King asked his son if it was a human by his side, he replied and said that she was mortal, and that he loved her with all his heart. Everyone rejoiced at the wonderful happiness that surrounded them. However meanwhile, The drunkards stumbled into view, all their stolen clothes we're ripped and dirty. Prospero knew of their arrival, and he set them free from the ferocious dogs that had trailed them. The King asked if those we're his servants, the butler and the Jester, but he was very surprised when his eyes landed on the Monster Caliban. Caliban admitted he was a fool to mistaken a drunk man for a god. Prospero told him, he would be free of his duties as long as he behaved good for the rest of the day. For in the morning everyone would set sail back to Naples. And Ariel would also be relieved of her duties as well. Ariel was actually sad, for she loved Prospero and his kindness, but she would not leave the island. Prospero said his final goodbye to Ariel, sadness in his heart.
Then Prospero went to a very tall hill, and at the top of it, he broke his staff, and threw all his books into the water. For now, he too was free.
By a very tired 10 year-old- Alex