Quick Plots

This is a submission meant for the Quick Plots codex which has a 250 word limit. For brevity, some of the underlying concepts behind this submission are not explained within the submission itself but rather included in a separate stub linked to the submission. It may be better to read the stub first before this submission to avoid confusion over the seemingly lack of resolution to the plot. 

A haunted castle

Construction of the castle for the Lord has just finished. However, upon moving in, it was discovered that the castle is haunted. In particular,ethereal scenes of battle are seen throughout the castle at nightfall. In the background, a lone piano can be heard. If anyone is bold enough to follow the sound of the piano, he/she will quick discover the...

Source of the haunting

Upon entering the festival hall, a lone pianist outlined in an otherworldly glow is seen at one corner of the room playing a soul-wrenching tune of melancholy. Slowly before the eyes of the 'adventurers' unfolds the tragic story of a pair of star-crossed lovers:

How cursed I am,to be only one step away from a holy union with Srita and now forevermore separated? Where are you, my sweet love?  If only I know that, I will die content.

Behind the scenes

The current castle is built on land where another castle stood barely ten years ago, that fell to a surprise attack during which the pianist died. The pianist is now one of the Bound Ones. His burning desire to know what happened to his beloved resulted in his current state. Being an accomplished pianist in life, playing continuously provides a medium for him to express his sorrow over his fate. Unbeknownst to him, the sound of his piano also draws out the memories of the Restless Horde who were killed during this past battle.

Note: The inspiration for this piece comes from the following lyrics of a Chinese song: “The castle where time and the sound of piano intertwines”