Fiend in the Fire

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages Episode Summary: "Fiend in the Fire" Release Date: January 17, 2025
Host/Author: Amanda Weldon / Daniel Hines
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Fiend in the Fire," the Stories Podcast delivers an original tale inspired by English folklore. Written by Daniel Hines and masterfully performed by Amanda Weldon, this episode immerses listeners into the mystical world of AD Merlin, a magical school hidden deep within a bubbling swamp. Designed for children of all ages, the story blends adventure, magic, and valuable lessons, making it an engaging listen for both kids and their parents.

Setting the Scene: AD Merlin's Enchanted Library

The story unfolds within AD Merlin, a venerable school for magic established by the legendary wizard Merlin. Nestled in a swamp that smells of ancient earth and bubbles like a witch's cauldron, the castle's only accessible pathway is through a flickering will-o'-the-wisp, ensuring only those with a touch of magic can find it.

Amanda Weldon introduces the setting:

"Once upon a time, in the misty ages of old, there was a school for magic... The school was called AD Merlin after its founder, the legendary wizard Merlin."
[00:03:21]

The heart of the story takes place late one night in the castle's sprawling library—a labyrinth of books, scrolls, and magical tomes spread across three floors, resembling an overgrown wild forest teeming with knowledge.

Introducing the Characters

Two central characters reside in this enchanted library:

1. Romy: A spirited student who feels confined by traditional studies and yearns for more exciting magical pursuits.
2. Mitchell: Romy's diligent friend, tasked by the headmaster to help Romy improve her reading skills.

Dialogue Highlights:

• Romy expresses her frustration:

  "Remind me why I'm wasting my Friday night in the library?"
  [00:03:21]

• Mitchell responds with obligation:

  "First of all, I'm not pretending to read. I'm actually reading."
  [00:04:45]

The Forbidden Book and the Awakening of Ciri

As Romy and Mitchell navigate the maze-like library, their discontent leads Romy to a locked section guarded by magical wards. Ignoring warnings, Romy succumbs to her curiosity and interacts with a particularly enchanting book bound in scaly red leather, adorned with a curling horn.

Romy's Temptation:

"Think of it, Mitchell... Just one."
[00:08:32]

Unbeknownst to them, this act breaks the enchantments, unleashing Ciri, a demon confined within the book. Ciri manifests as a fearsome flame creature, shaking the very foundation of the library with her presence.

Ciri's First Declaration:

"Freedom."
[00:10:17]

The Challenge: Three Tasks to Free Ciri

Ciri confronts Romy and Mitchell, presenting them with a dire ultimatum:

"You must set me three tasks. If I can complete them all before the sun rises, I am free from this prison, free to return to my underworld, and free to bring you two with me."
[00:10:55]

Task 1: Counting Every Grain of Rice

Ciri's first task seems insurmountable as Mitchell is instructed to count all the grains of rice in the storerooms beneath the school.

Mitchell's Dilemma:

"Count the rice? Romy asked. What? How? Why?"
[00:12:01]

Mitchell, though overwhelmed, accepts the challenge, knowing that failure could mean dire consequences.

Task 2: Mowing the Entire Lawn with Fingers

Romy devises a plan to tackle the second task by suggesting they mow the school's expansive lawns using only their fingers—a task that Ciri finds amusingly simple.

Romy's Creative Solution:

"You have to mow the entire lawn of the school," Romy declared with determination.
[00:16:33]

Ciri, underestimating the duo, effortlessly completes this task in an instant by snapping two fingers, showcasing her formidable power.

Ciri's Mockery:

"That was even faster than counting the rice. What hope did they have?"
[00:17:04]

The Turning Point: Intervention by the Librarian

As the final hour looms, and Ciri's threat of dragging them to the underworld intensifies, an unexpected savior emerges. The head librarian, a wise and powerful witch with a long nose, warty brow, and glowing eyes, confronts Ciri.

Librarian's Challenge:

"We have a temple on the fifth floor with holy books from religions across the world. Why don't you go and just read one of those real quick?"
[00:19:00]

With calm authority, the librarian re-seals Ciri back into the book, restoring peace to the library.

Ciri's Defeat:

"That's why we keep your book locked up. You're such an annoyance."
[00:18:25]

Resolution: Lessons Learned and Returning to Studies

The librarian advises Romy and Mitchell to continue their studies, emphasizing the importance of responsibility and caution when dealing with powerful magic.

Romy's Admission:

"It was my fault. I was bored reading and I wanted something a little more exciting."
[00:19:41]

Librarian's Counsel:

"Were not in trouble? Well, you've learned your lesson, I think."
[00:19:57]

The students reflect on their adventurous night, realizing the value of their education and the perils of unchecked curiosity.

Themes and Insights

"Fiend in the Fire" weaves several compelling themes suitable for young listeners:

1. Curiosity vs. Responsibility: Romy's desire for excitement leads her to break rules, highlighting the balance between exploration and adhering to guidelines.
2. Friendship and Support: Mitchell's role underscores the importance of helping friends, even when faced with daunting challenges.
3. Courage and Resourcefulness: The intervention by the librarian showcases bravery and the ability to confront powerful adversaries.
4. Consequences of Actions: The story emphasizes that actions, especially those taken without consideration, can have significant repercussions.

Notable Quotes

• Romy's Frustration:

  "Remind me why I'm wasting my Friday night in the library?"
  [00:03:21]

• Ciri's Threat:

  "You must set me three tasks..."
  [00:10:55]

• Librarian's Wisdom:

  "Why don't you go and just read one of those real quick?"
  [00:19:00]

• Romy's Realization:

  "I was bored reading and I wanted something a little more exciting."
  [00:19:41]

Conclusion

"Fiend in the Fire" delivers a captivating narrative that not only entertains but also imparts valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, and the consequences of one's actions. Through the enchanting setting of AD Merlin and the engaging characters of Romy and Mitchell, young listeners are encouraged to embrace their curiosity while understanding the importance of caution and support.

Amanda Weldon's narration brings the story to life, making it a perfect bedtime tale for imaginative families seeking quality, screen-free entertainment.

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Support and Further Engagement To support the Stories Podcast and access more enchanting stories, listeners are encouraged to leave a five-star review on iTunes, explore merchandise at storiespodcast.com Shop, and follow the podcast on Instagram at storiespodcast. Additionally, fans can commission personalized video messages via Cameo and explore other shows like Stories RPG for more interactive adventures.

Transcript

[Amanda Weldon]

Hello.

[Daniel Hines]

Welcome to Stories Podcast.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Fiend in the Fire, an original story inspired by English folklore written for you by Daniel Hines.

[Daniel Hines]

We have Stories Podcast merch, [e-mail] shop.

[Amanda Weldon]

We're also on Cameo for all of.

[Daniel Hines]

Your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram oriespodcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors do you want to set your kids up for success in the new year? Is your child struggling with a specific subject and in need of extra help?

[Amanda Weldon]

Or are they maybe way ahead and.

[Daniel Hines]

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[Amanda Weldon]

Whether you're just launching a new venture.

[Daniel Hines]

Or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it easy to create a beautiful website, engage with your audience, and sell anything from products to content to time, all in one place, all on your terms. Squarespace makes it easy to build a beautiful website with Design Intelligence, a cutting edge AI technology to unlock your strongest creative potential. Design Intelligence empowers anyone to build a beautiful, more personalized website tailored to your unique needs so your site can really reflect your brand and create a specific digital signature to use throughout your entire online presence. Plus, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're Ready to launch www.squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks. Enjoy the Episode Fiend in the Fire Once upon a time, in the misty ages of old, there was a school for magic. It was a gnarled old castle tucked away deep in a swamp that bubbled like a witch's cauldron and smelled like ancient earth. The only way to find the school was to follow a will o'the wisp bobbing through the darkened trees, and even then, only if you had a touch of magic about you already. The school was called AD Merlin after its founder, the legendary wizard Merlin. This story takes place late one night in the heart of the school. Two students were in the library, an endless maze of books and scrolls and tablets that wound like a labyrinth through three floors of the castle. It was practically a wild forest overgrown with knowledge. To the pair of students, it just seemed like a lot of work. Remind me why I'm wasting my Friday night in the library? Asked Romy. She was in her robes, but her pointed hat was on the table in front of her, blocking out the books she was supposed to read. Jace and Garak are outside finding frogs and newts for potions. We should be out doing that instead of in here pretending to read. Next to her, her friend Mitchell was staring at his own little tabletop, littered with open books and quills and bits of parchment. First of all, I'm not pretending to read. I'm actually reading. Second of all, the headmaster told me to help you read because, and I quote, while her wand work is incredible, her grasp of the reading is does she know how to read? I know how to read, romi said. She held up a piece of parchment. The most common use for nude eyes is potions, but salads are another excellent way to use the ingredient. She crumpled up the note and tossed it into the fire burning in the little fireplace behind them. The magical flames, burning without wood or coal, scorched it to a puff of smoke. I know you can read, said Mitchell with a little laugh, but the headmaster wanted me to help you catch up, so here we are. He pulled a book off his stack and put it in front of Romy. Here. This is a book of spells to Predict the weather. It's one of the headmaster's favorites, and it's on the reading list. Romy looked it over to see if a day will be cloudy or merely overcast. You just have to. She trailed off in a pretend snore. Very funny. Now read. We're alone in Merlyn's own library, romy said. There has to be something more interesting than the weather. I want to learn how to throw fire or talk to animals or summon a dragon. We all want that, said Mitchell. But you gotta start small. Besides, those books are locked up. You can't just take any old book you want. Wait, said Romi.

[Daniel Hines]

Those books are actually here.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yeah, but they're locked up. Like I said, in the librarian's office. And where is the librarian's office? It's on the top floor. But wait, you can't. But Romy was already up and moving. She clambered through the library to one of the winding wooden staircases and flew up the steps, robes streaming behind her. Mitchell also came streaming behind her, saying things like, Wait, Stop, and please, for the love of Merlin, listen to me for a second. A few minutes later, they were in the head librarian's office. She was a sweet old woman named Ciri and was most assuredly asleep in the teacher's quarters somewhere else in the castle. Her office was empty, but a cheerful magic fire sprang up in the hearth when they opened the door. Wow. So cool, said Romy. She was looking to the far end of the sprawling office, where a collection of books sat on the shelf. Books was not quite right, though. These were magic tomes, each one a little different. One was glowing, another seemed to hover in place. A third rippled like it was in an invisible breeze. On and on they went, each one stranger than the last, each one promising Romy some new and magical secret. We really shouldn't be in here, mitchell said, looking out the door. Come on, Romy. You saw them. Now let's get back to work. Romy saw one book in particular that caught her eye. It was bound in scaly red leather, and it had a curled horn along the side. Like all the books, it was chained to the wall behind it.

[Daniel Hines]

I just want to read a little.

[Amanda Weldon]

Come on, said Mitchell. You know we aren't supposed to forget getting in trouble with the librarian or the headmaster. This is some serious magic here that we probably can't control. Just one, said Romy with a grin. Think of it, Mitchell.

[Daniel Hines]

A restricted book. Think of how cool it would be to read.

[Amanda Weldon]

Think of the magic you could learn. Just a Few pages, and then I swear we can go back to studying. You never even started anything. Well, I will when we get back. Mitchell looked at the books. He didn't like breaking the rules, but he loved books. It was the reason the headmaster had sent him to help out his friend Romy in the first place. And now, staring at the books he'd always secretly dreamed of reading, he found he didn't have the will to argue with Romy. Truth was, he desperately wanted to see what was in the books, even though it went against his better judgment. Fine, but just one and quick. He looked at the chains, assuredly enchanted and warded, and all the rest. If we can even get one off the shelf. Don't worry about that, said Romy. Look, this one wants us to read it. Mitchell looked and was shocked to see Romy holding the strange red book with the horn growing from it.

[Daniel Hines]

It just kind of wriggled the chain off itself.

[Amanda Weldon]

She spun and set the book down on the desk. Even as Mitchell looked at it, he could see the leathery cover wrinkle and scrunch like it was alive. Uh, I think I changed my mind. The book started to wriggle, the horn bursting into molten flame like the heart of a volcano. I think I'm changing mine, too, said Romy, but it was too late. The book flipped itself open, and the pages hummed back and forth, flames licking from their edges. The room was suddenly full of a hideous laughter, and the fire in the fireplace roared and seemed to crawl out of the hearth, its face all coals and smiling flames.

[Ciri]

Freedom.

[Amanda Weldon]

The voice roared, and the fire took the shape of a great demon, missing one horn alive with fire.

[Ciri]

Freedom at last.

[Amanda Weldon]

Romy and Mitchell shrank back from the demon, frozen in fear.

[Ciri]

You two have touched the book.

[Amanda Weldon]

The monster bellowed.

[Ciri]

Do you know the rules of my book?

[Amanda Weldon]

Mitchell stood frozen, but Romy managed to shake her head no. The demon laughed again and leaned down, so close they could feel the furnace wind of his breath.

[Ciri]

You must set me three tasks. If I can complete them all before the sun rises, I am free from this prison, free to return to my underworld, and free to bring you two with me.

[Amanda Weldon]

No. Mitchell shouted, finding his voice. You can't take us. We are wizards here at Admerlan.

[Ciri]

Wizards.

[Amanda Weldon]

The demon roared, and his flames leapt higher. Rhomi realized they must be magic, otherwise they would have set fire to the room by now.

[Ciri]

I hate wizards. It's wizards who trapped me here and stopped me from doing my job.

[Amanda Weldon]

And what's your job exactly? Romy asked.

[Ciri]

Eating wizards.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, I can see why that wouldn't be popular, said Romy. Mitchell glared at her, hoping she would stop antagonizing the fire demon.

[Ciri]

So, young wizards, it growled. What is my first task?

[Amanda Weldon]

In the storerooms beneath the school, there are giant lockers of food, mitchell said at once. Count every grain of rice and give us the number. The demon snorted and disappeared in a twist of fire. Count the rice? Romi asked. What? How? Why? Mitchell slumped into the librarian's chair, hands shaky. I read it in a book. It was about vampires, but it should work for demons, too. By the time he counts every grain of rice, it'll already be morning and he'll be banished back to the book. Wow, that's genius, romy said. Maybe. I think it's time to get the headmaster to help us, though. But you've already handled it and we'll get in trouble. We're already in trouble, said Mitchell, and in that instant the room flashed with fire and and the demon reappeared.

[Daniel Hines]

Now for a quick ad break. We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and Other Favorite Kid Podcasts Ad Free subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts have you got kids who can't break away from their screens at bedtime? This is for you. Koala Moon is a podcast of original bedtime stories and sleep meditations for kids hosted by Abbey Ofer. All content is delivered in friendly soft tones, getting slower as the episode goes on to encourage sleep. There are over 450 stories and meditations to choose from, with three episodes added every single week. Koala Moon has helped improve over 25 million bedtimes since its launch in late 2021 and now welcomes over 1 million listeners a month. It even won a British podcast award in 2024. Find out what the fuss is about. Subscribe to Koala Moon wherever you listen to podcasts and start listening for free tonight. Just search Koala Moon on your favorite podcast app. This episode of Stories podcast is brought to you by Squarespace. Squarespace is the all in one website platform for entrepreneurs to stand out and succeed online. Whether you're just launching a new venture or managing a successful business, Squarespace makes it easy to create a beautiful website, engage with your audience, and sell anything from products to content to time. All in one place.

[Amanda Weldon]

All on your terms.

[Daniel Hines]

Squarespace makes it easy to build a beautiful website with Design Intelligence, a cutting edge AI technology to unlock your strongest creative potential. Design Intelligence empowers anyone to build a beautiful, more personalized website tailored to your unique needs so your site can really reflect your brand and create a specific digital signature to use throughout your entire online presence. Plus, Squarespace has integrated SEO tools. Every Squarespace website is optimized so you show up more often to more people in global search engine results. Head to squarespace.com for a free trial and when you're Ready to launch www.squarespace.com dragon to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain. That's squarespace.com dragon for 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks.

[Daniel Hines]

And now back to the story.

[Amanda Weldon]

Task finished, it bellowed.

[Ciri]

There are 3,425,006 grains of rice.

[Amanda Weldon]

It leaned in and smiled a terrible smile in Mitchell's face.

[Ciri]

Demons count much, much faster than vampires. Now, what is my next task?

[Amanda Weldon]

Uh, mitchell said, looking frantically at Romi. Romy licked her lips and thought fast. Counting wasn't going to do it, so what would take longer? She went over every chore she'd ever been made to do, every piece of housework and groundskeeping, and finally lit on an idea. You have to mow the entire lawn of the school, she said, thinking of the sprawling lawns. They kept to one side of the castle for gardening, sports, and just a break from the swamp. But you can only use your fingers. Nice one, whispered Mitchell. That'll take a bit, for sure.

[Ciri]

The entire lawn?

[Amanda Weldon]

The demon asked. That's right, said Romy.

[Ciri]

With just my fingers.

[Amanda Weldon]

What's the matter? Can't do it? The demon looked sad for a moment, hanging his head, it sounded like. Was he crying? Romi leaned closer and shivered. No, he was laughing.

[Ciri]

Ha ha ha ha ha.

[Amanda Weldon]

He laughed, getting louder, looking up with a devilish grin.

[Ciri]

Two fingers. How about this?

[Amanda Weldon]

He held up his leathery red claw and snapped two fingers. From outside they saw a roar of flame as fire rolled across the lawns. In an instant they were gone and the grass was perfectly trimmed. Romy and Mitchell stood, mouths agape. That was even faster than counting the rice. What hope did they have? They looked at each other, waiting for one of them to have an idea. Neither one did. One task left, the demon said, almost jolly now.

[Ciri]

And if I can get it done before the sun rises in.

[Amanda Weldon]

He peeked out the window.

[Ciri]

An hour, then you two little wizardlings are coming to the underworld with me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, I don't think that will be happening today, said a voice. They all turned and saw the head librarian.

[Daniel Hines]

She was a tall old witch with.

[Amanda Weldon]

A long nose, a warty brow, and brilliant eyes that seemed to glow like swamp fire.

[Ciri]

Oh, a little librarian.

[Amanda Weldon]

The demon laughed.

[Ciri]

Do you have a task for me? I'd love to take you back to the underworld with us.

[Amanda Weldon]

The librarian calmly sat at her desk and shook her head. Demons, this is why we keep your book locked up. You're such an annoyance.

[Ciri]

An annoyance?

[Amanda Weldon]

The demon snarled. His fire grew brighter. His mouth oozed with spit.

[Ciri]

I'm more than that. Just try me.

[Amanda Weldon]

The librarian sighed. All right, all right, she said, stifling a yawn. We have a temple on the fifth floor with holy books from religions across the world.

[Daniel Hines]

Why don't you go and just read.

[Amanda Weldon]

One of those real quick?

[Ciri]

No.

[Amanda Weldon]

Roared the demon. Well, then, I guess it's time for you to go home. She picked up the demon's book and held it up. The demon roared, but with a whirlwind of flame and a clap of thunder, he disappeared, the book slamming itself shut. The librarian calmly picked up the smoking book and stuck it back on her shelf, attaching the chain with a few words of a spell. Then she turned to Romy and Mitchell. So, looking for some advanced reading? I'm sorry, mitchell started to say, but Romy jumped in first.

[Daniel Hines]

It was my fault. I was bored reading and I wanted.

[Amanda Weldon]

Something a little more exciting. The librarian looked at them with a small smile. And was the demon exciting enough? Oh yeah, said Romy. Definitely, breathed Mitchell. Well then, I suggest you go back to your studies. Were not in trouble? Asked Romy. Well, you've learned your lesson, I think, said the librarian, tidying her desk. Now go back to work.

[Daniel Hines]

And by the way, there's a lovely.

[Amanda Weldon]

Book on demon lore on the second floor. No sneaking required. Thank you, they said and headed back to the library to get their things and then head to bed. It had been a very long, strange night after all. Try again tomorrow night? Mitchell asked when they got to their dorms. Wouldn't miss it, said Romy. Who knew the library could be so much fun. The End Today's story, Fiend in the Fire, was an original story based on English folklore written for you by Daniel Hines, edited and produced for you by Andrew Martin, and performed for your by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Daniel Hines]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on Cameo. Follow us on Instagram storiespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. In case you missed it, Dan and I have a new show on Stories rpg. We play games just like Starsworn with all your Max Goodname friends and Gigacity Guardians featuring the Brilliant Firefly. Click the link in the episode description or go to patreon.com storiesrpg to get ad free episodes play along games and coloring books. We've already got a bunch of episodes over there, so check them out now.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks for listening.