The Lantern Keeper : 

A tale about guiding lost souls 

By: Dea A. (Your Story Weaver) 

The Village of Lights

Far away, hidden in the mist, there was a small village. The streets were quiet, and the houses were empty. But there was something special about this village: lanterns hung on every corner, glowing softly in the dark. The light from the lanterns made the village feel alive, even though no one was there.

Shimmer, a black cat with glowing wings, flew into the village. She saw the lanterns and felt curious. She landed gently and saw a person standing near one of the lanterns. The person was tall and wore a dark robe. In their hands, they held a glowing staff.

“Who are you?” Shimmer asked, her voice soft and kind.

“I am the Lantern Keeper,” the person replied. “I take care of these lanterns. They hold the light of lost souls. Without light, the souls can’t find their way.”

The Fading Light

Shimmer looked around and saw one lantern that was not glowing as bright as the others. “What’s wrong with that one?” she asked.

“The soul inside that lantern is fading,” said the Lantern Keeper. “When a soul feels forgotten, its light dims. I can’t let that happen. I need to find a way to keep the light strong.”

Shimmer wanted to help. “How can I help?” she asked.

The Keeper handed her a small lantern. “Take this lantern. Go to the flame beyond the hills. Bring back its light, and this soul will be saved.”

The Journey

Shimmer took the lantern and flew high into the sky. She flew past tall trees and dark forests. The wind whispered, but Shimmer did not stop. She kept flying toward the light.

At the top of a mountain, she found the eternal flame, glowing bright and warm. But as she stepped closer, dark shadows rose from the ground. The shadows spoke, “You can’t do it. You’re too small. The flame will go out.”

But Shimmer did not listen to the shadows. She remembered what the Lantern Keeper said: 

Even the smallest light can chase away the darkness.

With a deep breath, Shimmer flew forward. Her wings shone brightly, and the shadows scattered away. She carefully took the eternal flame and placed it in the lantern.

The Return

Shimmer flew back to the village. When she arrived, she gave the lantern to the Keeper. The Keeper gently placed the flame into the fading lantern. The lantern’s light grew brighter and brighter, until it was glowing stronger than before.

A soft light floated out of the lantern and soared into the sky. The soul had found its way home.

The Keeper’s Words

“You did it,” said the Lantern Keeper, smiling gently. “You’ve helped bring light back to the lost soul.”

Shimmer smiled too. “I learned that even the smallest light can make a big difference.”

The Keeper nodded. “Yes, never forget—hope is the light that will always guide us home.”

The End

Whispered Note

• Even the smallest light can chase away the darkness.

• Hope, no matter how faint, can guide us back to where we belong.