Eric had been walking in the mysterious forest for a long time, and night was gradually falling. A strange fog filled the air, making him a bit disoriented.
Just as Eric was feeling confused, he heard a melodious flute sound. The sound seemed to come from a distant place, yet it clearly echoed in his ears. Eric followed the direction of the sound, passed through a patch of thorns, and an ancient castle appeared in front of him.
The castle gate was closed tightly, but the flute sound seemed to come from inside. Eric summoned up his courage and gently knocked on the gate. The door slowly opened, and an old man in a black robe appeared in front of him.
The old man had deep eyes. Looking at Eric, he said, "Young man, this is not a place for you." Eric sincerely pleaded, "I got lost in this forest and hope to stay here for one night." The old man hesitated for a moment, but finally let Eric into the castle.
There was a musty smell pervading the castle, and mysterious portraits were hung on the walls. Eric followed the old man to a room, in which there was an ancient bed. Just as Eric was about to rest, he found a shiny box under the bed.