Sea of Voices

A Strange Visitor by Fara Ling, 8 years old

2009-09-12T09:11:00.001-07:00

(A retelling of Wendy Lawton's "Ransom's Mark")

One fine sunny morning, Olive Oatman heard a shadowy figure appear on the horizon. When the shadow came nearer, Olive recognized it as one of the dreaded Yavapai. Gathering her fears together, she watched her father invite the man to eat.

AS the man neared the tablecloth, Olive noticed that his head had only a war tuft and his eyes were lifeless. he finished eating then raised a club,. Swinging it, he killed Olive's family. Only her and Mary Ann, her younger sister were spared. Olive's thoughts raced wildly, " Where will we go now?" she wondered. Mary Ann gasped, "Has he left?" When Olive shook her head, May Ann only hung hers. The man urged Olive and May Ann onward.Mary Ann suddenly stopped and plopped down in the tracks after two hours of walking.

"Yakoa!"the man angrily raised his club, meaning to beat Mary Ann. Olive got in the way, and the man stopped. Soon, he brought Olive and Mary Ann to the Yavapai village. They were treated unkindly there, until one day, a Mohave chief's daughter came and bought them. AT first, all went well until starvation came and Mary Ann's cough worsened. Even the refreshing tenatas tree fruit did not help the hunger.
"Olive Ann Oatman," whispered May Ann, "I am going to die soon, and you know it. I do not wish to leave you, but I must."
"Mary Ann, don't talk like that."
Even so, Mary Ann died.

Olive yelled, "Why did May Ann die? She served You, didn't she? Now I wishes I could die too Lord, if you'd let me."
She flung pebbles in the annoying brook as far as she could. Only did she stop when her friend, Topeka, the chief's daughter (who was by now her friend) comforted her.

After having Mary Ann's burial, Olive felt more and more forlorn. Even though being with Topeka didn't help. This continued until she heard that her older brother was still alive.

So, accompanied by Topeka, Olive traveled to the fort where their brother was.
"Goodbye Top," called Olive.
"Goodbye,"replied Topeka.

A Strange Visitor by Joyce Phung, 11years old

2009-09-12T08:57:00.000-07:00

On a fine spring day, I heard someone knocking softly on the door. When I opened it, I saw a sight I've never seen in my life.

A young maiden, with a tiara on her head, dressed in silk looked at me, frightned as a little field mouse. She said softly, "I'm, a princess from far, far away. Please, my kingdom is in trouble. I...I need your help." I felt surprised and wondered if I was dreaming,. I said, "Come in. I think I can help you." She looked relieved and came into my house, walking gracefully.

Luckily, I was home alone. "I have some old spell books that my granny left me, " I told her. She said, "Please hurry. I have only 5 days left before Siphon takes over my kingdom!" I asked her, "Who's Siphon?"

She answered, "He's an assassin trained to fulfill his mission to the very end."
"And his mission is?" I asked , dreading that the answer would be her murder.
" Me and my parents. You must help me, there's no one else I could trust.My father said so."
I groaned.
'I should have practised magic more before. Quick! I'll pack some things for the battle and journey."
her eyes sparkled with delight and said," Please, stranger, what is your name? I'm Dewdrop."
I took several breaths and said," you can call me Luna."

After we packed, I grew us some wings and we took off immediately in the air.
"Luna, this is wonderful, flying in the air. Let's enter the portal to my kingdon."

Dewdrop and I flew through something that looked like a rainbow fountain and a beautiful sight met my eyes. Green meadows and shimmering waterfalls filled my mind with wonder. Colorful flowers of every kind poured around the fields. Dewdrop saw me gazing at the scenery and rushed to me.
"Please Luna, we have to be quick! It won't be so beautiful when Siphon destroys it."
Suddenly Dewdrop was grabbed from behind. I glanced behind in horror and there was Siphon, drawing his dagger to her neck. She screamed,"Luna!Use the spell book!"
I didn't wait to be told twice. I grabbed the spell book and flipped open a powerful spell.
"Lightning bolt and tornado up above, destroy all darkness that lurks!"
A magic light suddenly flew towards Siphon and made him vanish in a puff.

I was so relieved and hugged Dewdrop. After that, we went to free her parents and subjects.

The king was pleased and grateful to me and rewarded me with a magical bracelet.
"With this bracelet, Dewdrop will always be able to find you."
I stared at my bracelet in delight. Dewdrop finally said, "Luna, you have been a great friend. May our friendship last forever." With that,she sent a magic breeze to carry me back home. I waved a final goodbye to her. But there was a strong connection I felt between us that would never break.

A Strange Visitor by Wei Lynn, 10 years old

2009-09-12T08:47:00.000-07:00

One windy morning, the door shook as if someone was thumping it. I opened the door cautiously and peeked outside. I saw a strange figure standing on the doorstep looking very impatient. He was tapping his foot on the store floor.

I realized the big figure was a foreigner from a faraway country. He pushed the door wide open and shook and rubbed my hands, shivering and shaking. I froze like ice although I thought he had no manner at all. The foreigner settled down in a big armchair and commanded me to get him something to eat and drink. Before I went, I took a quick look at him. he had a lock of messy black hair. he wore animal skins, a leopard fur hat and leather boots. He wore a frown on his face and looked fierce. he made a growling noise. I disappeared into the kitchen to get something for this strange visitor and came back with a tray of food and drinks.

"Here sir," I managed to mutter. He snatched the tray and helped himself greedily, without a word of thanks but rude snorts.

After he finished, he stood up and whistled piercingly. A troop of men marched in smartly through the open door and the rude man began to blabber a string of nonsense to them. then, he turned around and asked me whether I had a brother or sister. I answered him that I had both sleeping in the room upstairs,. The men began to hunt dfor them and shouts and screams could be heard upstairs soon.

I rushed upstairs to find war between my relatives and these foreign men. I began to fight too. I fought for my family, for my brother and sister. But, alas, they won and took my brother and sister and tied them up with chains and dropped them into a big bag.

"At last I got some new slaves!" shouted the man gleefully. My mother wept. "Don't take my children!" she wailed. I felt so guilty of telling so many things to these men.

Luckily, the shouting and yelling was heard around the neighbourhood and the neighbours called the police to investigate. Soon, the police cars were parked outside and the sound of police sirens rang throughout the house. The men were caught, thanks to the help of the policemen and neighbours, and everyone was safe and sound.

WE thanked everyone and the police reminded me not to tell too much to any stranger. In the evening, the house was as calm and quiet as night. Everything was cleared up. I would always remember not to talk to strangers anymore.

A Strange Visitor by Charis, 8 years old

2009-09-12T08:43:00.000-07:00

When I was having supper, there was a knock on my door. An angry man came and said, "I want you to wash my hair. " I wanted to throw him into the sewage and get him ground up. I hoped he didn't know how to swim. I shooed him away from my house. He ran.

His eyes were sharp like a fat water bottle. "I am not going to wash your hair!" I said. He tried to hide and hit me with a club. I escaped.

I said, "Go away!"

He said, " I want you to wash my hair!"

I said, " I don't care!I am not going to wash your hair!"

The man was trying to make me wash his hair . The argument raged between him and me.
I shooed him away then yelled, "Bye! bye!"

He walked away like a chicken and I went to bed since it was 11:30 pm.I'm glad he left.

A Strange Visitor by Jewel, 10 years old

2009-09-12T08:38:00.000-07:00

One fine sunny afternoon, when I was eating some cakes, I heard the doorbell ring. I went to open the door.

There was a long-nosed, beady-eyes and sharp-teethed man. He was wearing an old dusty coat. I was shocked and I gasped. I stepped back. I opened the door and said, "Why are you here?"

"I am starving now and I have no food for me and my family..." cried the man.

After that, I realized his name was Chester. Chester begged me for food, so I let him to come inside my house. Suddenly, Chester took a knife out from one of his pockets and whistled. Many men came in,. I was so scared.

The tied me up and stole my food and money. I kept shouting. Chester locked the door and shut the window. he took a knife to stop me from shouting.

Suddenly, A hunter broke in and shot Chester's leg. Then, the hunter reporter to the police. Chester and his gang were arrested.

I thanked the hunter very much and gave the hunter some money.but he refused. I lernt a lesson and will not believe strangers anymore.

A Strange Visitor by Daniel Kam, 8 years old

2009-09-12T08:37:00.000-07:00

“Knock!” I opened the door. The man asked if he could come in. He had a roundish nose and was skinny, sad and dressed in rags and dirty. He doesn’t like to talk a lot. He looked poor, hungry and cold. I invited him in.

“Hello. Welcome in” I said. He said he will return the good favour.

He came so he can have a better life. When he came in two theievs entered. They had pointy noses and big feet.

The thieves told me to raise my hands or they’ll shoot and told me not to call the police or they’ll also shoot. Then they robbed me.

Quickly the stranger jumped on the thieves and killed them.

Later I asked the stranger’s name he said “Mafaca.”

Lisa, 8 years old

2009-06-15T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.

I was surprised. It was beautiful.

I could smell the smell of dogs and feel slimy sand. I could even see beautiful leaves. The leaves were really dark like dark blue. They were shaking and welcoming me.

At the door , we saw a dragon's face with a ring in his mouth. It was a statue. It was cool!

I saw beautiful trees and the bushes were trembling. I was wondering, "What was that?" It was a samll rat! Phew! I thought it was a big cobra snake . It frightened me. The rat ran away.

There I saw my old barbie doll's head sitting on a tombstone. It had curly hair but it was almost bald. The smile wasn't just a smile. It's paint had come off and it was dirty. I tried to put it in my pocket.

But I did not take it. It was a booby trap! It was an alarm! It rang as I ran away. People came and chased me. They almost caught me but I ran as fast as I could.

On my way, I saw more people but I had a great idea. Maybe it wasn't too good but I had an idea to run the other way and I escaped. I felt exultant because I was safe.

Lisa, 8 years old

2009-06-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

What is a rainbow?

A colorful ribbon hanging
in the sky.

A pot of gold at the
end of it.

God' promise.

Jewel, 10 years old

2009-06-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

What is rain ?

It is tears dropping from the sky,

A giant pouring water,

Little pearls dropping from
the sky,

A giant's sweat dropping.

Jewel, 10 years old

2009-06-14T20:47:00.000-07:00

I did not finish my homework because an anaconda ate the homework up. Next, I tussled with tigers that kept roaring at me. When I stepped out, a blizzard made me so cold that I jumped into a toaster. That is why I did not finish my homework.

Lisa, 8 years old

2009-06-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

I did not finish my homework because my bedroom table was a mess. my mom asked me to clean it up. An anaconda snake sneaked in my house and my brothers tussled with me. My pet tigers ate one book and a blizzard knocked me out. Then, my mum toasted me. So, that's why!

Fara 8 years old

2009-06-12T18:44:00.001-07:00

What are Sunbeams?

Sunbeams are just some rainbows,
yet they are so breathtaking and pretty.

Sunbeams are clouds,
pearls that are hidden
in the sky so high.

Sunbeams are heavenly performers,
gorgeous ballet
dancers; so pretty

Sunbeams are
wonder workers,
excellent dots high
up in the sky.

Wei Lyn, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:37:00.001-07:00

What is rain ?

It is tears dripping from
heaven,

it is a giant waterfall
falling down in torrents,

It is drops of water
dripping from a dog's fur,

It is water leaking from
a drain,

That's
what
rain
is

Lik Han , 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:31:00.001-07:00

What is Rain?

Thousands of seeds
falling from the sky,

Making the world greeny
and nice.

The tears from a giant's
eyes in heaven.

A huge rock dropping into
the sea,
making the water
splash everywhere.

A huge dog in heaven
spreading lice everywhere.

Han Liong, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:22:00.004-07:00

What is rain ?

Drips of water
falling from a blue pipe,

A blue baby
crying on earth,

A dancer's feet which is full
of water
prancing on the land,

A blue fan

sprinkling water everywhere.

Wei Lyn, 10years old

2009-06-12T18:22:00.003-07:00

I did not finish my homework because I saw two anacondas on my bedroom table when I woke up this morning. They tussled with each other. When I went down for breakfast, I saw two tigers in the cupboard. They pounced on me and tried to toast me in the toaster. When I was doing my homework, I opened my window and a blizzard filled my room and I could not see my homework. That’s why I did not finish my homework.

Jia Wen, 10 years olf

2009-06-12T18:22:00.001-07:00

I did not finish my homework because before I got to bed, I washed and brushed my teeth. I ambled to the bedroom table where I wanted to do my homework. Before I got to the bedroom table, I saw an anaconda. I tussled with the anaconda but it won and it almost toasted me. Luckily, I pretended to be dead and the anaconda threw me out of the window where there was a great blizzard. Tigers came to attack me. Luckily, I saved myself so I can’t finish my homework.

Han Liong, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:21:00.004-07:00

I did not finish my homework because last night when I was going to finish my work, I saw an anaconda on my bedroom table. It tussled with me like many tigers trying to eat me. It sent me into a blizzard and used a toaster to toast me.

Lik Han , 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:21:00.003-07:00

I did not finish my homework because yesterday, when I did my homework at the bedroom table, a huge army of animals attacked me. First of all, I saw thousands of anacondas coming out under my bed. I had no choice but to tussle with them. Then , out came some huge tigers. When I saw them, they looked like they wanted to send me into a blizzard. They took me into the kitchen and toasted me in the oven.

Fara 8 years old

2009-06-12T18:21:00.001-07:00

1 I did not finish my homework today because my bedroom table was borrowed by my little brother.
2. I did not finish my homework today because an anaconda ate it up.
3. I did not finish my homework today because I tussled with my brother and it got messed up.
4. I did not finish my homework because some tigers tore it apart.
5. I did not finish my homework because a blizzard blew it away.
6. I did not finish my homework because my crazy mum toasted me and my homework.

Wei Lyn, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:20:00.001-07:00

It was the brightest day in August. The sun was a golden orb that was about to set and the late evening breeze swept me along the forest path. My map, compass, laptop and food supplies were tucked tightly in my bag. They weighed like twenty rocks but my heart was light. I was sure I was going to find the fake coins today.
Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.
Soon, it became dark as I entered the forest doors. I tried to make my way through the trees that seemed to be blocking my way. I needed to find the lost relic.
The forest was dark and deep and I could hear animals and the leaves of the trees swishing in the breeze. I couldn’t even see my compass. I felt as lost and scared as a mouse being chased by a cat. Still, I reminded myself of the lost pen. So, I continued to stumble through the Deep Forest.
When I found the cave, I discovered that the entrance of the cave was shaped like a lion’s mouth. It also reeked of mud and was moldy and musty. On the cave walls were carved pictures of animals.
In the cave, I saw some animals such as mice, snakes and insects. The mice scampered away. I retreated from the snakes as they were interested in me. I accidentally ran into a group of cockroaches and one climbed up my leg. I heard a tiger roar and shivered with fear. I slipped on some moss and felt as if the cave was shaking too.
There in the cave shone a mysterious light, shining and glimmering under it, on a purple cushion on a wooden pedestal, sat an ancient pen. It was decorated with green emeralds and red diamonds. The smooth silver finish was still covering the pen well. It was soundless as the night, reeked of dirt and was very solid and smooth. I could see that it was treasured well by the people who used it.
When I reached out to lift it, the earth shook, the cave tumbled and a mysterious light shone in the whole cave. The animals were chasing me. The irritating snakes coiled around me, the tigers roared at me and made me jump. I ran as fast as the wind. Finally, I was outside the cave and the animals were trapped inside.
Even though I had escaped the cave and animals, I did not stop running. At last I was far away from the Deep Forest. Then only did I stop and make my way back home. I was filled with triumph and delight. The people were so stunned that they were speechless. I gave it to the museum and it became the most precious treasure in the whole museum.

Lik Han, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:19:00.003-07:00

It was the brightest day in August. The sun was a golden orb that was about to set and the late evening breeze swept me along the forest path. My map, compass, laptop and food supplies were tucked tightly in my bag. They weighed like twenty rocks but my heart was light. I was sure I was going to find the fake coins today.
Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.
I was riding a horse, entering the Deep Forest, wondering whether I would be attacked. Trees surrounded me, shadows roamed everywhere and branches whistled when the wind blew. The leaves danced everywhere.
The smell of the forest reminded me of the smell of another relic I had found in 1954. The darkness of the forest reminded me of when my mother locked me up in my room. The sight of the trees made me remember the last time when I was an army commander. The forest was silently quiet and what I heard was only my breathing, insects shrieking and wild animals roaring.
When I emerged from the Deep Forest, there lying in my sight was the world famous cave- Tarantula Cave.
Inside the cave I went, finding for the world’s most valuable relic. I looked around me and I saw ants and spiders running everywhere. Fortunately, I brought my everlasting torch. For now, I could see everything as clearly as day. The smell of the cave made my nose twitch and my feelings in there made me sick.
There between the big rock shining were glimmers of light. I ran there as fast as I could. There sitting on the wooden pedestal shining in the mysterious beam of light, sat an amazing ancient scroll. It stank and reeked and I could see that it was very old because it had specks everywhere. It was also musty and moldy. I took a few steps forwards and touched the paper. To my surprise, the paper crumbled and I tried to paste it back onto the book. The paper was so old that it felt like a butter cracker. Perhaps long ago, it belonged to the Pharaoh himself. I put it into my backpack and continued my journey.
Unfortunately I forgot the way back. Panic seized me and my heart thumped. Luckily, I found a secret passage to leave the cave but a huge army of bats attacked me. Finally, I had no choice but to take my sword and fright with them.
After battling for hours and hours, I finally destroyed the irritating bats. I was as tired as a lump of jelly. And when I returned to my country, I became the most famous explorer in the world. I was proud of my success.

Jia Wen, 10 years olf

2009-06-12T18:19:00.001-07:00

It was the brightest day in August. The sun was a golden orb that was about to set and the late evening breeze swept me along the forest path. My map, compass, laptop and food supplies were tucked tightly in my bag. They weighed like twenty rocks but my heart was light. I was sure I was going to find the fake coins today.
Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.
As I entered the Deep Forest, the sun faded away. I felt that danger was growing closer and closer. AS I ate my piece of bread I felt exhausted and I slept.
The next morning when I woke up, crickets were chirping. It was still gloomy even though the sun was shining. I felt for leaves but there were none. The grass was long and tall, tickling my feet. I was thinking of where my relic could be. Could it be in the desert or near the scary tombs or …? The noise in the forest disturbed me. I began my journey again.
A stone was guarding the entrance of the cave. I felt rather scared but courage filled my heart. The ground was rocky.
In the cave, the bats were all around. The cave was dark, gloomy and scary. I wanted to run out but I forced myself to go back. As I went deep in, I saw a lot of ancient drawings. I was sure that the relic must be somewhere around. I went deeper into the cave and there were bats all around.
Suddenly, I fell as I looked. At last, I found my relic. There was a hole with a beam of light shining through and my relic was a bowl of diamonds shining brightly.
Suddenly, a group of men came towards me and the walls of the cave began to crumble and bits of stone hit me. All at once, the men who were coming towards me were crushed by the big stone. I got to escape from the falling walls. I put my relic in my bag and carried it out of the cave. Fortunately, I escaped and ran out the cave.
I ran and there was a horse waiting for me. I went on the horse and rode as fast as I could and rode out of the Deep Forest. I gave a great sigh of relief and my relic was still in my bag. I rode back to my hotel happily.

Jewel, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:18:00.000-07:00

It was the brightest day in August. The sun was a golden orb that was about to set and the late evening breeze swept me along the forest path. My map, compass, laptop and food supplies were tucked tightly in my bag. They weighed like twenty rocks but my heart was light. I was sure I was going to find the fake coins today.
Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.
I entered the forest and the sunshine grew dimmer and dimmer. But I still needed to find the lost golden dog statue.
When I walked through the Deep Forest, it was very dark. It made me as cold as ice. There was so much dung…so smelly! Many wolves were howling and made me feel so panicky. But I still reminded myself to find the golden dog statue, so I continued my journey.
As I explored the Deep Forest, I saw a cave. The door of the cave had a stone lion on it. But I managed to go in and find the golden dog statue.
When I entered the cave, I saw many historical words on the stones. I walked deeper and deeper into the cave. There were many rats. It was very smelly inside. The rats were smooth and cute, but I didn’t want to eat them!
When I went deeper, I saw a rat with golden fur. It was so special! He kept walking in front of me and I felt like it was leading me to the lost relic. When I saw something shining, the rat just ran away. I walked forward. It was the golden statue dog! I was so excited! I gave my bread to the rats to thank them. I grabbed the relic and ran!
When I was walking out, two tigers appeared, they wanted to eat me. I was panicking and shivering. Luckily the rats took all their weapons and tried to help me. There were almosttwo thousand rats there! They fought and fought. There were three hundred rats killed but the two tigers were also killed! I think the rats had the greatest dinner that night.
I was so happy that I was safe. I gave my whole piece of bread and water to the rats and I thanked the king of the rats. I brought the lost relic and galloped as fast as I could to the castle. I returned the golden dog statue to the queen and I galloped back to my house. This was the most adventurous trip in my whole life!

Han Liong, 10 years old

2009-06-12T18:17:00.000-07:00

Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.

When I entered, I saw deadwood trying to hunt me. Their hands smashed my head. Then, I saw dwarves living in the hollow of an oak tree. The road was slimy and there were Titanulas all over.

The dwarves led me into the tree. Then came the chief dwarf. I asked the chief about the Skull of Redwood. He said that it was in a Myari Cave of Actua. The chief also gave me an army of dwarves to help me in my journey. And when UI came out, my troubles had just begun!

When I was approaching the cave, there came hundreds of wolves guarding the cave. We tried to enter the cave without letting the wolves notice us and we succeeded!

When I was in the cave, I saw stalagmites and stalactites piercing my body. IO touched it and it was cold and wet. We continued our journey. I saw big spiders. There were as big as Shelob in The Lord of the Rings. Then I saw paintings on the wall. Suddenly I heard cracking noises. When I looked down, I couldn’t believe it! I was walking on skeletons! The smell of the cave reeked of urine. This was a soundless cave.

Finally, I reached the last passage. There sitting on a tomb, shining in the mysterious beam of light….It was sh8iny but reeked of slimy bulgier. I could see that it was very ancient and old because it was dusty and there were specks all over the skull. It was musty and moldy. When I touched it, it was as rough as a desert stone. It was soundless. I tried to make the skull smooth but failed.

When I went out, the wolves were staring at us. Some brave dwarves distracted the wolves and some dwarves sacrificed their lives to save me from the war but a couple of wolves trapped me. I slapped and kicked them to break free. And when there was a path, I ran as fast as a gunshot and escaped.

When I finally escaped from the woods, I race to my house with a pile of dirt. I was so tired that I could have slept for a century. I became the most famous explorer in the world.

Joyce, 11 years old

2009-06-12T18:16:00.000-07:00

It was the brightest day in August. The sun was a golden orb that was about to set and the late evening breezes swept me along the forest path. My map, compass, laptop and food supplies were tucked tightly in my bag. They weighed like twenty rocks but my heart was light. I was sure I was going to find the jewel encrusted cat today.
Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine behind my back.
I felt a thrill of adventure trickle slowly down my spine. Moonlight, my horse, was simply spooked by the scary thin shapes of the trees. She began to whinny nervously as we trotted on. I tried to clam her down by giving her some red apples. She began to feel less afraid and bravely galloped ahead.
At last, I reached the forest. As I went deeper, it didn’t feel so bad after all! I heard a waterfall splashing down the rocks. Moonlight seemed to enjoy the trip as much as I did. I saw a bush with wild berries. I wondered if they were edible. I tried some and they were delicious! I decided to pick some in case Moonlight and I ran out of food. I saw some mossy rocks and smelt the sweet scent of the lush forest.
When I entered the cave, I saw a sea of ancient writings and pictures on the walls. I felt as if I were in a historical museum. There was a clear pool of water there.
I looked around. I saw bushels of gold nuggets and caverns full of rubies and opals. The floor of the cave was paved with golden bricks. “This,” I thought, “ is a merchant’s dream.” I stared at the riches around me. I was dazzled by the riches that my fingers itched to stuff them into my backpack. Moonlight was attracted to some golden apples and carrots that she tried to crunch them up! I stopped her and placated her by giving her some of the berries I had found by the waterfall.
My gaze fell upon a book which was in a book case. As I pulled it out, a silver door, which had a picture of the relic, came out of the wall. I felt delighted and took Moonlight, who pranced with the berries in her mouth, along with me.
As I entered , I saw the relic before y very eyes. It had gone missing for centuries. Legend said that when you possess this, you can have access to the pool of immortal life. The jewels were dazzling! The golden coat of the cat enchanted me.
As I caught hold of it, the cave began to rumble and crash! Rocks began to tumble down! A golden tablet with ancient drawings and writings fell down in front of me! Moonlight whinnied angrily, kicked the tablet into bits and then made me ride her. Clutching the relic in my hand, we fled as fast as the wind out of the cave. As I looked behind me, a ball of fire swallowed up the cave and pillars of smoke came billowing out. Tears streamed down my cheeks as I thought of how Moonlight had saved me from near death.
Moonlight galloped till we reached home. Looking at the relic in my hands, I felt as if this was the last valuable object that was in the cave.
This is the last adventure that Moonlight and I will ever embark on again. At least, Moonlight would have a souvenir too- her golden apple and carrot!

Fara, 8 years old

2009-06-12T18:14:00.000-07:00

Ahead of me was a clump of trees, arching like guards at the doors of the Deep Forest. I went ahead with the dying sunshine on my back.

I knew I had to find that relic. But I also felt a cold, sweaty fear, even though my German Shepherd dog, Toby, was with me. The reason I was afraid was because the whole forest seemed to come alive. The trees’ arms crawled towards me. I was terrified.

I could see silhouettes of the trees looming towards me. I could hear the sound of squirrels, mice and rats scuffling. I could feel the dried branches crackling under my feet. And I could also taste the wet drizzle on my tongue. My dog, Toby, was also getting tense. The hairs on his neck stood up. Tension was piling up. I was afraid we were lost. It was too dark to see my compass.

I walked closer to where I thought was the way out. Then I saw a cave. There was a stone outside the cave. On the stone was carved the name, Chee Weng Giap. I was relieved. We were not lost.

As I went into the cave, I saw the sharp wooden spikes and deep holes. “We had better be careful here, Toby,” I told my dog. AS we carefully entered the cave, I smelt the pungency of rats’ urine and dung. I could hear the deep groaning of the rats which had fallen into the holes. I grabbed the wall where I had almost fallen into the hole. The walls felt rough. I tasted the dripping from the leaking ceiling.

I could not find anything. Then, I saw a small wooden chest. I went over and I lifted the lid. And I saw the gold coins. Fake, they were, but very beautiful. They were glittering gold and they did not have rust at all. They smelt old but when I touched them, they were smooth.

Then I put the relics in my backpack. Just as I was about to leave, the room began to crumble. The walls fell down all around me. Toby started to pull me. “Harder, harder, “I cried to Toby. Toby pulled and I pushed. Then, at last, we made it out of the cave! I was overjoyed. But the relic was it safe? I checked. Good, it was.

Then, I went home at last to rest. Toby and I were safe. And the relic was safe too. I was so glad. I had found the lost treasure.