M.R. Cullen

Earlier this week, my writing alter ego – MM Romance novelist Mike Cullen – realised Turn & Peep, a queer fairytale retelling of the Brothers Grimm classic Cinderella. I was at a loss as to what to do this weekend. I wasn’t ready to dive into my next novel yet, but I wanted to do something that created a fun story. When I was toying with the idea of writing a short story, I stumbled across a Youtube video on how to use ChatGPT to write a short story. I admit I was intrigued by the idea, so I followed the instructions, and about five minutes later, I had a 3000+ word short story.

I took the words and dropped them into Grammarly to make sure it was grammatically correct and that was it. On reading it I thought the premise definitely had potential. To me, it reads like a short story written by an emerging writer in their early days of writing. There’s no real depth to it and it cuts out areas that could easily be expanded on.

All in all though, it’s not bad and it could easily be converted into a novel or novella depending on the time I’d be willing to put to it. Given it was written by AI based on a series of short prompts I’m impressed. A little scared, but mostly impressed. Anyway, here is it.

Until next we meet among the poisoned ivy…

The Lost Kingdom of Aranthia

Chapter One

Alaric’s fingers trembled with anticipation as he carefully turned the pages of the ancient manuscript. The parchment was yellowed with age, the ink fading in places, but the text was still legible. He had found it in the dusty archives of the city’s library, buried beneath stacks of forgotten tomes and crumbling scrolls. It was a miracle that it had survived for so long.

Alaric read the words repeatedly, hardly daring to believe what he saw. The manuscript described the lost kingdom of Aranthia, a place of wonder and magic destroyed by a great cataclysm long ago. It was said that the kingdom had held the universe’s secrets, the keys to unlocking the mysteries of life and death. And now, after all these years, Alaric had found a clue to its location.

He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to steady his racing heart. He knew he had to act quickly before anyone else discovered the manuscript. He packed a bag with food, water, and supplies and embarked on his journey.

The road was long and arduous, but Alaric was determined. He passed through towns and villages, over mountains and rivers, always searching for the next clue. He talked to local people, studied old maps, and pieced together fragments of lore. He knew that he was getting closer to his goal.

One day, as he was resting by a stream, he saw a glimmer of light in the water. He waded in and discovered a small, shining crystal. He picked it up and examined it closely, marvelling at its beauty. It was then that he realized that the crystal was a key to unlocking the secrets of Aranthia.

Excitement coursed through his veins as he continued his journey, the crystal safely tucked away in his bag. He knew he was on the brink of a great discovery that could change the course of history.

As the sun began to set, Alaric finally arrived at his destination. It was a crumbling ruin, a once-great city that had fallen to ruin. He explored the ruins, marvelling at the ancient architecture and mysterious artefacts. He felt a sense of wonder and awe, knowing that he was standing in the very place that had held the secrets of Aranthia.

And then he saw a hidden chamber that had been sealed for centuries. He approached it cautiously, his heart pounding in his chest. He inserted the crystal into the lock, which turned with a satisfying click. The door creaked open, revealing a room filled with treasures beyond imagination.

Alaric stepped inside; his eyes wide with wonder. He knew that he had found what he had been searching for all along, the key to unlocking the secrets of Aranthia. And he knew that his journey had only just begun.

Chapter Two

Alaric was so engrossed in his discovery that he barely noticed the other scholars until they were almost upon him. He thought he was alone in ruins, but now he saw he had been mistaken.

The other scholars were a group of rival researchers who had been trailing Alaric for some time. They had heard rumours of his quest and had followed him to the lost city. Alaric recognized them as scholars from rival universities, and he knew they would stop at nothing to get their hands on the secrets of Aranthia.

The group leader, a tall, thin man with a hawk-like face, approached Alaric with a sneer. “Well, well, well,” he said. “Look what we have here. It seems that we have a fellow seeker of knowledge. What brings you to this forsaken place?”

Alaric stood up; his eyes narrowed. He could feel the tension in the air and knew he was in danger. “I am here to study the ruins,” he said. “What business is it of yours?”

The leader of the scholars laughed. “Oh, come now,” he said. “We know why you’re really here. You’re after the secrets of Aranthia, just like we are. And we won’t let you get them before we do.”

Alaric felt a surge of anger and frustration. He had come so far, and now these interlopers threatened to ruin everything. He knew that he had to be careful and outsmart his rivals if he was going to succeed.

He pretended to be friendly, conversing with the other scholars and asking them about their research. He listened closely, gathering information and trying to discern their motives. He discovered that they had a lead on a rare manuscript that might hold the key to unlocking the secrets of Aranthia.

Alaric thanked them for their information and bid them farewell, pretending to be headed in another direction. But as soon as he was out of sight, he doubled back and began to search for the manuscript.

He found it in a small village, hidden in a dusty library. It was a rare and valuable text, written in an ancient language that only a few scholars could decipher. Alaric knew that he had to have it and was willing to do whatever it took to get it.

He used his wits and his charm to convince the librarian to let him see the manuscript. He studied it closely, using his knowledge of ancient languages to translate the text. He discovered that it contained a clue to the location of the lost city of Aranthia. This map showed the way through the mountains and across the desert.

Alaric knew that he had to act quickly. He packed his bags and set out on the long journey across the desert, using the map to guide him. He knew that his rivals would be hot on his heels and that he had to be faster and smarter if he was going to succeed.

As he crossed the endless sands, he thought about the secrets of Aranthia and the dangers ahead. He knew he was on the brink of a great discovery that could change the world forever. And he was determined to be the one to uncover it.

Chapter Three

Alaric trudged through the haunted forest, his eyes darting nervously from side to side. He had heard many stories about this place, about the spirits of the dead who haunted its twisted paths and the creatures that lurked in the shadows. He could feel their presence all around him, a cold, creeping sensation that made his skin prickle with fear.

But he had come too far to turn back now. He pressed on, his boots crunching on the fallen leaves and twigs. He knew that he had to be careful, that one false step could mean the end of his quest.

The forest was dark and foreboding, the trees looming overhead like giant sentinels. Alaric had to use a torch to light his way, casting flickering shadows on the trees and the underbrush. He could hear the rustling of leaves and the whisper of voices as if the forest was alive.

He pushed on, driven by his thirst for knowledge and his desire to unlock the secrets of Aranthia. He knew that he was getting closer, that he was on the right path. He saw signs of ancient ruins and abandoned temples, proving he was on the right track.

But the forest was treacherous. He had to be constantly alert for hidden traps and obstacles. He had to dodge poison ivy and avoid the quicksand. And he had to fend off the creatures that lurked in the shadows, from giant spiders to venomous snakes.

As he walked, he thought about the legends of Aranthia, the magic and the wonder that had been lost so long ago. He wondered if he was really prepared to face the truth, to discover the secrets that had been hidden for centuries.

But then he saw it, shimmering light in the distance. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew he was close and had finally reached his destination.

As he emerged from the forest, he saw a great mountain rising above him, its peak shrouded in clouds. He knew that this was the place, the gateway to Aranthia. He felt a surge of excitement and fear, knowing that he was about to embark on the final leg of his journey.

He took a deep breath and began to climb the mountain, his eyes fixed on the summit. He knew that he had to be strong and determined, that he had to overcome any obstacles that lay in his path. He had come too far to fail now.

As he climbed, he thought about the legends of Aranthia, about the great kingdom that had been lost to time. He wondered what secrets lay buried in its ruins, what magic and knowledge had been lost to the ages. And he knew that he was the only one who could uncover the truth, the only one who could unlock the secrets of Aranthia.

Chapter Four

Alaric reached the mountain’s summit, panting and sweating from the exertion. He looked out over the landscape, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of Aranthia. He saw nothing but barren desert and rugged terrain stretching as far as the eye could see.

He was about to descend the mountain when he heard the sound of hooves pounding on the ground. He turned to see a group of shadowy warriors approaching, their armour glinting in the sunlight. They were led by a fierce-looking woman with jet-black hair and piercing green eyes.

She approached Alaric, her sword drawn. “Who are you?” she demanded.

Alaric took a step back, his hand on his own sword. “I am Alaric, a scholar and a seeker of knowledge. I mean no harm.”

The woman laughed. “A scholar, you say? And what is it that you seek, Alaric?”

“I seek the lost kingdom of Aranthia,” Alaric replied. “I believe that it is hidden somewhere in these mountains.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed. “Aranthia? That is a dangerous quest, Alaric. The secrets of that kingdom are not meant for mortal men.”

Alaric felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard rumours of a shadow army that guarded the secrets of Aranthia, a fierce group of warriors who would stop at nothing to protect their ancient knowledge.

“I mean no harm,” Alaric said again. “I only seek the truth.”

The woman considered him for a moment, then sheathed her sword.

“Very well,” she said. “But be warned Alaric. The road to Aranthia is long and perilous. Only the bravest and the most determined can hope to survive it.”

She and her warriors rode off into the distance, leaving Alaric alone on the mountaintop.

Alaric set out once again, his eyes fixed on the horizon. He knew that he had to be careful, that he was now in the heart of the shadow army’s territory. He had to avoid their patrols, traps, and deadly weapons.

He climbed down the mountain and navigated the rugged terrain, using his survival knowledge to stay alive. He ate roots and berries, drank from streams, and slept in hidden caves.

And then he saw it, shimmering light in the distance. He quickened his pace, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he was close, that he had finally reached Aranthia.

As he approached the ruins, he saw that they were guarded by the shadow army. They were armed with swords and spears, and their eyes glinted with malice.

Alaric knew that he had to be smart if he was going to get past them. He used his knowledge of ancient languages to decipher their secret codes and passwords and his knowledge of history to anticipate their tactics.

He snuck past their sentries, using the cover of darkness to stay hidden. He avoided their traps, their alarms, and their weapons.

And finally, he arrived at the entrance to the lost city of Aranthia. He stood before the great gates, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he had come too far to turn back now.

Chapter Five

Alaric pushed open the great gates of Aranthia, his heart racing with anticipation. He stepped inside the city, his eyes scanning the ruins for any sign of the secrets he sought.

The city was a shadow of its former glory, its walls crumbling and its buildings in ruins. But there was still magic in the air, a feeling of power and wonder that Alaric could sense deep in his bones.

He explored the ruins, marvelling at the intricate carvings and the mysterious symbols. He saw ancient artefacts and strange devices which he had never seen before. He knew that he was standing in the very heart of Aranthia, a place of magic and knowledge beyond his wildest dreams.

But as he delved deeper into the city, he saw signs of danger. He saw traps and hidden passages, evidence that the shadow army was still guarding the secrets of Aranthia. He knew that he had to be careful and use all of his wits and skills to avoid their deadly traps.

As he explored the city, he saw visions of the past. He saw the great kings and queens of Aranthia, the warriors and the scholars, the sorcerers and the seers. He saw the kingdom’s magic and wonder, and he knew that he had come too far to turn back now.

He searched every corner of the ruins, studying every text and examining every artefact. And finally, he found it. He found the book that contained the secrets of Aranthia, the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe.

He opened the book, his heart pounding in his chest. He saw strange symbols and arcane diagrams, ancient spells and forgotten knowledge. He saw the universe’s secrets laid bare before him and knew that he had made the greatest discovery in the history of scholarship.

But as he read the book, he felt a sense of unease. He saw the dangers of the knowledge he had gained, the power it held, and the destruction it could cause. He wondered if he had done the right thing and if he had gone too far in his quest for knowledge.

He closed the book and turned to leave the city, his mind full of questions and doubts. But as he walked, he felt a sense of purpose, that he had unlocked the universe’s secrets for a reason. He knew that he was responsible for using his knowledge wisely to help humanity in its quest for progress and understanding.

And as he emerged from the ruins of Aranthia, he felt a sense of peace and fulfilment, knowing that he had made a difference in the world. He had unlocked the secrets of the past and opened the door to the future.

Chapter Six

Alaric returned from Aranthia a changed man. He had seen the mysteries of the universe and uncovered the secrets of the lost kingdom. But he had also seen the dangers of knowledge, its power, and the destruction it could cause.

He knew that he was responsible for using his knowledge wisely to help humanity in its quest for progress and understanding. And so he set out to share his findings with the world, to use his knowledge for the betterment of all.

He gave lectures and wrote books, sharing his insights and discoveries with scholars and laymen. He taught classes and mentored students, passing on his knowledge to the next generation of thinkers and scholars.

But he also knew that knowledge was not enough. He knew that he had to use his knowledge to make a real difference in the world, help people, and solve problems.

He worked with scientists and engineers, using his knowledge to develop new technologies and new medicines. He worked with governments and NGOs, using his influence to fight poverty and injustice.

And he always remembered the lessons he had learned in Aranthia. He knew that knowledge was a double-edged sword that could be used for good or evil. He knew that he had to be vigilant, watch for signs of danger, and to use his knowledge to prevent the worst from happening.

And so he spent his life serving humanity, using his knowledge and wisdom to make the world a better place. And as he approached the end of his life, he knew that he had made a difference, had left his mark on the world, and had fulfilled his purpose as a seeker of knowledge.

Chapter Seven

As Alaric grew older, he began reflecting on his life and accomplishments. He had achieved so much in his quest for knowledge but knew there was still so much more to learn and discover.

He thought back to his journey to Aranthia and wondered what other mysteries and wonders lay hidden in the world. He knew that he could not embark on another quest himself. Still, he decided to share his knowledge and wisdom with a new generation of seekers.

He established a school of knowledge, a place where young scholars could come to learn and grow. He recruited the brightest minds worldwide, allowing them to study and research science, philosophy, history, and more.

He taught them the importance of seeking knowledge, questioning everything, and never accepting the status quo. He encouraged them to explore the world and discover its secrets, to never give up in the face of adversity, and to always be true to themselves.

The school of knowledge became famous worldwide, attracting students and scholars from around the globe. They came to learn from Alaric, to study in the halls of the school, and to contribute to the world’s body of knowledge.

And as the years passed, the school of knowledge grew and flourished, becoming a beacon of learning and progress in the world. Alaric knew that he had achieved his greatest legacy, that he had inspired a new generation of seekers of knowledge, and that his quest had not been in vain.

He felt a sense of peace and fulfilment as he lay on his deathbed, surrounded by his students and colleagues. He knew that his work would continue long after he was gone and that the school of knowledge would continue to inspire and educate for generations.

And as he closed his eyes for the last time, he knew that he had fulfilled his destiny, made a difference in the world, and left a lasting legacy of knowledge and wisdom.

Chapter Eight

After Alaric’s passing, the school of knowledge continued to thrive and grow. His students had become leaders in their respective fields, spreading their knowledge and wisdom worldwide.

The school had become a hub of innovation and discovery, attracting the brightest minds from every corner of the globe. They came to study and research, explore new frontiers of knowledge and push the boundaries of human understanding.

The school had become more than just a place of learning; it had become a community, a family of scholars and thinkers who shared a common goal. They worked together, learned together, and inspired each other to new heights of achievement.

And as the years passed, the school of knowledge became a force for change in the world. Its graduates became leaders in science, philosophy, politics, and more, using their knowledge and skills to make the world a better place.

They solved problems that had once seemed insurmountable and cured diseases that had once been incurable. They discovered new frontiers of knowledge that had once been beyond imagination.

And all of it was thanks to Alaric, the seeker of knowledge who had set them on this path. His legacy has lived on, inspiring a new generation of seekers to push the boundaries of human understanding and make a difference in the world.

And as the school of knowledge continued to thrive and grow, the world became better, filled with progress and understanding. The legacy of Alaric lived on, a testament to the power of knowledge and the human spirit.