THE TWELVE CASTLES

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This story takes place in the western part of Emilia Romagna, in lands that were once part of the duchy of Parma e Piacenza. If you came here, you would find twelve castles and each one of them has their own name and story. You may think they are merely ancient buildings, however, they all hold a secret that is known by all but spoke by none. My name is Bema, I am a fairy and I have been trapped inside the walls of the castle of Montechiarugolo for more than three centuries. I first arrived at the castle in 1593 and I was never able to leave.

At that time, many ‘special’ creatures roamed these lands, so I felt free to be open about my true nature: “I am a fairy, a clairvoyant, and I am here to use my magic to perform in beautiful shows for the people of Montechiarugolo.”     I wanted to have fun, all while making some money. Everything had been going well for a few years until I met two men who completely changed my life: one of them made it better; the other one destroyed it.

In the year 1600, I met a boy with a pure soul. We immediately fell in love and everybody envied our beautiful relationship. His name was Pio Torelli and he was the preceptor’s son. One day another man arrived at the castle, the fourth duke of Parma, Ranuccio Farnese. He was cruel and intimidating; however, he presented himself as a supporter of my magic. We became good friends but when I realized he wanted something more I told him about my relationship with Pio. He was enraged, threw me in the dungeons and sent Pio to the gallows, accusing my poor love of conspiring against him.

Pio was executed during what was since then called the Great Justice of Ranuccio I. I was able to escape from prison and go stay with the people of Montechiarugolo. Those people protected me and they keep doing so today, centuries later, even though my body is now buried and my soul lives in the castle, paying a visit to every woman who lives close to it and who is about to get married, to teach them about their new life, the one I did not have.