The Wizard's Missing Beard

The Wizard's Missing Beard Yavuz DEMİRKIRAN

In a cozy cottage at the edge of the village lived Wizard Bartholomew. He had a long silver beard that he believed held all his magic. Every morning, he brushed it carefully and whispered a thank-you to it. His starry blue robe sparkled as he moved, and his pointed hat wobbled when he chuckled. Everyone in the village knew and loved the kind old wizard. 1

Bartholomew's apprentice, Pip, was a clever child with curly black hair and a cheerful grin. Pip wore a mustard yellow tunic and a red neckerchief that always fluttered when they ran. Together, they mixed potions and practiced simple spells. Pip loved to ask questions, and Bartholomew loved to answer them. The cottage was always filled with laughter and a little bit of magic. 2

One special day, the village was preparing for the Great Harvest Ceremony. Mayor Elspeth, in her emerald green coat with gold trim, had asked Bartholomew to lead the magic show. He was proud and a little nervous. 'My beard must look its best,' he said, twirling the end of it. 'It holds all my magic, you know.' Pip nodded, but wondered if that was really true. 3

That night, Bartholomew went to bed early to rest for the big day. He placed his beard carefully on the pillow beside him. But when he woke up, the beard was gone! His chin was bare and smooth. He gasped and searched everywhere—under the bed, in the closet, even in the teapot. But the long silver beard was nowhere to be found. 4

Bartholomew panicked. 'My magic is gone!' he cried, wringing his hands. His bright blue eyes filled with worry behind his small round glasses. He ran to the mirror and stared at his beardless face. 'I can't do the ceremony without my beard,' he moaned. 'I must cancel everything!' And he hurried to send messages to the whole village. 5

Pip found Bartholomew sitting on a stool, looking very sad. 'What's wrong, Wizard?' asked Pip. Bartholomew explained that his beard was missing and so was his magic. 'I've canceled the lessons and the ceremony,' he said. Pip frowned. 'But Wizard, maybe your magic isn't in your beard. Maybe it's in you!' Bartholomew shook his head. 'No, no, it was definitely the beard.' 6

Pip had an idea. 'Let's try a simple spell,' said Pip gently. 'Just to see.' Bartholomew hesitated. 'What if it doesn't work?' he whispered. 'Then we'll know,' said Pip. 'But what if it does?' Bartholomew took a deep breath. He picked up his wooden staff with the glowing crystal. 'Alright,' he said. 'Let's try.' 7

Bartholomew pointed his staff at a wilted plant in the corner. 'Grow,' he said softly. Nothing happened. He tried again, a little louder. 'Grow!' Suddenly, the plant stood up straight and bloomed with bright flowers. Bartholomew's eyes widened. 'It worked!' he gasped. 'But my beard is gone!' Pip clapped their hands. 'Your magic is still there!' 8

Next, Bartholomew tried to light a candle with a flick of his fingers. A tiny flame appeared and danced on the wick. Then he made a teacup float in the air. It wobbled at first, but soon it circled the room. Each spell worked perfectly. Bartholomew began to smile. 'I did that,' he said, surprised. 'Yes, you did!' cheered Pip. 9

Bartholomew realized that his knowledge and experience made the magic, not his beard. He had studied for years and practiced every day. The beard was just a beard. 'I've been silly,' he said, chuckling. 'My confidence was in my chin, not in my heart.' Pip hugged him. 'You're the same wizard with or without a beard,' said Pip. 'Now let's tell Mayor Elspeth the good news.' 10

Bartholomew sent a message to Mayor Elspeth that the ceremony was back on. She was delighted and hurried to the cottage. When she saw Bartholomew without his beard, she smiled warmly. 'You look wonderful,' she said. 'And I'm so glad you'll lead the ceremony.' Bartholomew blushed. 'I'm ready,' he said. 'My magic is still here.' Mayor Elspeth nodded and handed him the scroll with the ceremony plans. 11

The day of the Great Harvest Ceremony arrived. Bartholomew stood tall in his starry robe and pointed hat. His bare chin was held high with new confidence. He performed spell after spell —floating lanterns, sparkling rainbows, and a shower of flower petals. The villagers cheered and clapped. Bartholomew smiled at his silly worry. He felt proud and happy. 12

After the ceremony, Mayor Elspeth thanked Bartholomew. 'You were magnificent,' she said. 'The children loved every moment.' Pip ran up, grinning. 'I told you your magic was inside you!' Bartholomew laughed. 'You were right, Pip. Thank you for believing in me.' He looked at the happy crowd and felt a warm glow in his heart. He didn't need a beard to be a great wizard. 13

Back at the cottage, Bartholomew and Pip celebrated with a cup of tea. 'I learned something important today,' said Bartholomew. 'Confidence comes from what you know and who you are, not from how you look.' Pip nodded wisely. 'And courage helps too,' said Pip. 'You were brave to try those spells.' Bartholomew smiled. 'So were you, for suggesting it.' 14

The next morning, Bartholomew found his beard tucked behind a cushion. He had searched there before, but it must have been hidden deeper. He held it up and laughed. 'My old friend,' he said. 'I missed you, but I don't need you for magic.' He decided to keep it, but he never worried about it again. His magic came from his heart, and that was always with him.