SHORT STORY: GONG FARMER GILES AND THE DRAGON

By Anna Blackwell (November, 2020 - age 13)

    Once upon a time in a the kingdom of Londolum, during the peaceful reign of good king Jake, there lived a gong farmer named Giles Furney.

    He was known through out the land, and almost every ear was alert to the sound of his squeaky cart. But it must be noted that in more far away kingdoms, Giles Furney was simple known as the gong farmer. He was however very much respected through out the land, and was never called mean things like stinker or He-who’s-cart-smells or farmer-got-stinky (though some naughty children were fond of these names). There was one thing however that every one must know about Giles Furney, it was that he took his job very seriously (even though he first day of work was a complete disaster) he never paid much attention to any one else’s business and it was not uncommon for him not to here the latest news.

    It even is said that during the reign of Wise King Job when he was fighting off of the neighbouring enemy land, that Giles knew not of it and only carried on with his work. King Job took this as a advantage and making sure the moat got extra full ( I will not mention how he made sure that happened) till Giles had no choice but to fill his cart, which was pulled by a run down, mud-coloured mule, and make off to the dumps. But Wise King Job told Giles to empty it out in the dumps were the enemy army was close to. Not knowing of the rivalry that was going on Giles went off at the king's bidding. Even though he got quite near the enemy lines, they got no nearer to him. They smelled his stinking cart miles away and retreated back. No blood was shed that day or the next, King Job only sent Giles farther and farther into enemy territory until they had enough of avoiding Giles and his evil-smelling cart, and sent as fast as they could a peace treaty. And with that the war ended and Giles had no idea what a great deal of help he had just done to the inter kingdom.

    But now let us return to the present. Everything was well, the fields were flourishing, robbers and bandits were being hunted out of there layers, the woods were plentiful with wild animals, the people were happy and so was the king, Giles was being paid well and wasn’t fussing about the unusual amount of guest visiting the castle so you might say everything was set fair. Until the dragon came.

    Up high in the far away mountains there lived a skinny but still large red dragon, he had gotten rather tried of his small liar of cold gold mixed in with few rare gems and pearls. And also he was getting tired of the rough mountain goat meat, they were getting scarce anyway, he longed for sweater meats and most of all more treasure to fill his dreary cave with.

    Oh! The thought of gold made him shake with greed. Now it had not been too long when a distant cousin had pasted by and told of the land of Londolum and how there were fat sheep and cows scattered on every field, and lots of wealth in the lands.

    The dragon (Tumult his name was) had almost gone out of his mind now feasting on the thoughts of wealth and meat. So beginning a very unheeding dragon, not thinking once about knights or brave men who slew dragons, opened his wings and flew off to the lands afar.

    You can imagine the damage he did, crops were flattened, dozens of sheep, cows and horses were devoured, the towns were crushed, the people of the land had to rush the archbishop of TrotBerry to safety and save the Duke of Bold from Tumult.

    Many people were rushing to King Job’s castle, StowerHold, for protection, but did Giles know of the threat? NO! Heavens no! He had far too much work now that the castle was filled to the brim and not to forget the moat with muck! It wasn’t too soon when Giles had to fill up his cart and head of to the dump mumbling “ Good nigh what a stink the dwarves always leave behind!”

    The people from he castle watched in horror “The fool! Doesn’t he realise the dragon is near! He will be eaten!”

    Many people begged King Job to send out his knights, but he knew he couldn’t risk his knights for one man (and I am not so sure how much the knight might have wanted to got out any way)

    Now the dragon of course was very near. Hovering just a little far off from the castle. But suddenly the dragon noticed some thing.

    “Smoked fish! What a horrid smell!” He gasped. He ( the dragon) looked down to see Giles and his stinking cart. The dragon began to dive down to devour Giles but the smell got even worse.

    Giles however only saw the shadow of the dragon and mistook it for a crow.

    “Ah, rotten scavenger, ugh, I’ll show him.” He muttered not even looking up but stopping his mule to turn around and get his shovel. “Ok, let’s see here," hHe said as if studying carefully before filling his shovel with muck to throw at what he thought was a crow.

    He got ready to throw but he suddenly fell off balance and slipped just as he threw.

    “Oh my goodness! I mean..aaarrggghhhhh.” he shouted as he fell, muck flying every were.

    The dragon roared as the muck hit its mark “Yuck!What is it?” The dragon cried. “I’m not coming back to this stinky place again no matter how many sheep and cows there are!”

    Giles was just as lucky as the dragon: muck had landed on his nice leather hat and on the road, but just then shouts and cheers arose from the people in the castle “Hooray now he will go home and die and it will serve him right!” they cheered. The dragon had taken flight and the kingdom was safe.

    On that day a great feast was held in Giles' honour, that night was later in history known as the night of a thousand fireworks. Giles was paid given a large amount of money for his erm….gallantry or pluck as it was known later on.

    So as it is certain, the dragon never came back, the kingdom flourished again, gong farmer Giles continued being a gong farmer, even though he was quite wealthy now and not that any one minded, in fact many thought that no one could replace him (not that any one would, well not any time soon)

    So with that we might as well say they all lived happily ever after.

THE END

ARTWORK: RACING RIVALS - VIRTIUS OF ROME

By Anna Blackwell (April, 2020, age 12) 

From Anna's Racing Rivals story posted December 18th

SHORT STORY: RACING RIVALS

Racing Rivals

A story of the chariot races.

By Anna Blackwell (April, 2020 - age 12)


    Cid looked up from the parchment he was reading.

    “Aw man where the hack is he?A hour and a half late?An hour and a half!”he exclaimed.

    “I mean this is serious,” said Perseus who was looking from behind a pillar at the audience.”they are going to start eating each other out there.”

    “Humph, he is probably in bed praying to what ever gods he prays to not to send a thunder bolt to get him while he is laying there.” said Virtius a roman tribune, who was fiddling with his gold plated helmet. "He knows today will be a defeat.”

    “Well you should have done the same roman! Victory is in sight!” Cid said pointing to no where in particular.

    Now we have first showed the competitors waiting for another competitor who appears to be late.But let’s get into greater detail about the three while we what for the other challenger to arrive.

    Cid was a Decurion (commander of ten men) from the Roman auxiliary Unit from Hispania (Spain). His main Goal in the races was to gain Roman citizenship. Another reason was to defeat his all time rival Virtius, a rivalry he is confident to win. Now for the chariot which he rides, drawn by a dark brown horse. His Chariot was black on the bottom half and green on the top half with gold trimming in between. His chariot also bore a green flag and his most prized weapon, a club head mounted on a spear to replace the spear head. On the front Cid had attached the skull of a bull he had defeated. His racing colour was green

    Perseus was a famous greek from Athens,he was very famous for slaying the monster Medusa.In fact to display his achievement,he carried a replica of Mudusa’s head(it was really made of a old mop).He was black,green eyes,he wore a blue toga and a gold hemet with wings on the sides.His chariot was red,with yellow engravings,a splendid black horse with a mane dyed orange proudly pulled his chariot.His main goal in the races is to showoff his heroism.His racing colour was yellow.

    Virtius is a roman tribune who got his promotion during the campaign on Egypt with Caesar Augustus.His main intention at the races was to display Rome’s power and superiority and to defeat his all time rival Cid.He wore his finest war amor and helmet which was gold plated and had to outstretched wings on it.His chariot was glossed in red colour,gold thunder bolts were engraved at the base area of the chariot,another larger thunder bolt was engraved on both sides of the chariot.A two golden lionesses were carved on the chariot,one on each side,right under the two large thunder bolts.Attached to each of the wheels was a jagged spike used for destroying other racers wheels.

    A majestic black stallion nobly drew his chariot. His racing colour was red.

    A commotion came from the stalls. A chariot painted in the colours of dark blue and moss green being pulled by a nut-coloured horse drove towards them. A rider with no helmet, wearing a red, woven garment directed the horse up to them.

    “Whew, our champion Alexander, has come forth! Ha,ha," he said. "Wow, quite an audience huh? Hey, am I to late for Virtius chariot crash?’

    Virtius moved his horse away from Alexander's chariot in disgust.

    “Oh I guess not,” Alexander said moving his chariot into position. Both Cid and Perseus were looking at him.

    “Ok, what did I do?” Alexander asked. ”What?”

    Before any of them could answer,a roman ran up to them.”Oh good,he is here.”he said almost out of breath.”Hurry,the crowd will wait no longer.”

    “Don’t worry Roman, we are all ready.” Alexander said clutching a scabbard which held a crude dagger,he liked to use when his wheels got damaged, because when they did he would jump onto another racer’s chariot. Stab the driver and take the chariot.

    Once the competitors had been positioned correctly,they drove their fine chariots into the arena.Oh the cheers and cries of the crowd,with such voice to make ones ears burst.For all to see the racers in full view,they round around the arena once.And then finally stood still for the caesar(Augustus)to name the competitors.

    After the crowd was silenced,Caesar stood up and being given the parchment in which the names where written he spoke:

    “Alexander from Alexandria.” Hearing his name, Alexander waved and nodded left and right to the crowd also giving them his winning smile. A lady dressed in a light blue tunic tossed him her scarf.

    “Perseus, Athens.” Perseus drew forth the (fake)head of Medusa for all to see once they heard his name. The few people from Greece broke into a loud acclamation.

    “Virtius from Rome” With his name being spoken, Virtius put his right hand on his hip and stood up proudly on his chariot as the roman citizens cheered him as if a hero, the people from Hispania payed no attention.

    “Cid From Hispania.” Cid waved to the crowd and pulled back his left sleeve to reveal his muscles as his name was spoken. The people from Hispania went into a series of hurrays, the roman citizens seemed to ignore him.


    With their names revealed, Caesar Augustus drew forth a white handkerchief; once he dropped it the race would commence.

    Alexander, Perseus, Virtius and Cid readied their horses to gallop at the signal.

    The white handkerchief fell and the horses galloped off,Cid in the lead.

    Now we give record of the race. As we said Cid is in the lead and Virtius is right behind him.

    Alexander ordered his horse to go faster,poor Perseus was lagging behind.Virtius was trying to get closer to Cid to try and break Cid’s wheel with his spikes attached to his own.

    For the next 3 rounds,Cid and Virtius remained to neck to neck.Virtius steered his chariot to the right but missed Cid’s chariot by an inch and ended up behind him.

    “Nice try, Roman but I’m going to win!” Cid shouted.

    “Ha you wish!” Virtius said a trick right up his sleeve.

    “No I know. Victory is in sight!” Cid yelled.

    Virtius ignored Cid’s cry to victory and drove his chariot to the side and continued forward regaining his position beside Cid.

    Cid tried to move out of the way but to his misfortune,as he made a tight turn around the corner.Virtius wheel got to close to his.The spike on Virtius’s wheel jammed into Cid’s wheel and began tearing it up.

    Soon it broke into splinters. Cid’s chariot crashed into a wall.Cid fell out of his chariot,only to have it fall on top of him. The Hispanianian”s watching groaned at the sight.

    Alexander’s tried to steer out of the way of the wreckage but skidded and crashed.Alexander was thrown clear from the crash. He stood up shaking his fists at Virtius who only pointed behind Alexander,who turned around to come face to face with Perseus’s chariot. With no time to get out of the way, Alexander was run start over by the chariot.

    “See you later Cid!”shouted Virtius.The last round was commencing”there was no way I’m going to lose now.”Virtius thought as he neared the finish line.

    But little did he know his wheel was under stress and was beginning to break.Then just before his victory was clear the wheel broke!Virtius was sent flying to the ground only to get his head stuck in the(unbroken)wheel of his chariot.

    The Roman citizens moaned seeing their champion down.

    Meanwhile Perseus smiled seeing his path to victory had been cleared. But his success didn’t last long for he didn’t have time to turn around the wreckage of Virtius’s chariot. So while his horse flew safety over the wreckage Pursues’s chariot didn’t for it caught hold on Virtius’s chariot and Pursues was dumped head first into the sand.

    A sudden hush fell over the ground and then suddenly the arena exploded in a series of hurrah,yay, and many other cheers.The people stood up cheering and shouting.

    Caesar Augustus smiled.” The people are happy and that makes me happy.”he said as the stretcher men came out to carry out the injured racers from the arena.

The End

SHORT STORY: MONSTER IN THE SHADOWS, PART 2

By Anna Blackwell (October 2020, age 13)

    Ok by now I starting to feel that this is a stupid plan. I was walking around in the dark will the rain poured hard outside the dojo.

    I had discussed earlier with Elvis that we would stay over night at the dojo on a rainy night, I picked rainy night because Sensei Yang reported all the incidents were on a rainy night.

    Elvis agreed with my plan to stay overnight and keep watch for any four-armed intruders. We both keep watch over one side of the dojo, each of us was armed with. Dûnhark’15 pistols and one set of night vision goggles.

    And there I was alone, armed and completely chilled to the bones, while Elvis was probably as cool as a cucumber, sipping down his triple espresso, with his Dûnhark-15 at his elbow.

    I walked up and down the silent corridors and forced myself to stay calm. The rain was falling hard outside. I had worked on  several cases that had a slightly similar scenario but non of them every had to do with a four armed murderer.

    I decided to put on my night vision goggles just to be extra safe. Just as I put them on a sudden crash came from the back of the corridor, I spun around drawing my pistol. With the night vision goggles on I could see that a vase had been knocked over and had smashed when it hit the floor.

    I saw some movement but instead of a four-armed killer, it was only a black cat. It walked up to me in curiosity, I slowly put my gun back in its holster, I had no intention of scaring the cat, at least some company is better than no company.

    I extend my hand to pat the cat, who allowed me to rub behind its ears. It looked at me with shinning yellow eyes. I took off my goggles for a minute and placed it beside me.

    I continued stroking the cat until it suddenly hissed and took off running down the corridor. I sighed disappointed, however I wondered why the cat just ran off like that.

    “Oh well.” I thought, moving my hand down to pick up the my night vision when all of the sudden I noticed my goggles were not were I left them. I looked around the floor.

    “Oh come on, I left them right he….” I paused in shock as I looked up off the floor.

    “What kind of chuck wagon..” I fist was flung into my face sending me backwards to the floor.

    I groaned, I think he just knocked a filling loose. I looked up again and nearly screamed as four arms wielding katanas came flying at me.

    I braced for impact as the sword aimed into my chest only to meet hard metal. Even though I was terrified I managed to smile.

    “You’ll know I’m wearing body armour, I’m not a moron.” I said and rolled over and drew my gun and fired. Even without my night vision goggles I could sense that I missed by a mile. A well aimed kick got me to the floor and again along with the scraping of metal, as the swords hit into my back armour.

    I tired getting up but whoever I was fighting wasn’t going to let that happen in a hurry. I but I wasn’t to give too quickly either. I struggled like a wild animal to get free, by mistake I jerked my head back to meet something hard, but whatever it was made my opponent slake on his grip.

    I pushed him off and I stood up only to grasp my head in pain, it hurt really bad now. It caused me dearly for another smash in the face sent me back to the floor. I realised just as I hit the ground that I had dropped my gun. I tried look around but I was firmly locked to the ground, a sudden surge of pain burst at the back of my neck, as a sword cut through my skin.

    I screamed and my right hand grasped something to my surprise, it was my night vision goggles. With out wasting anymore time I put them on and turned around to face my enemy. I awed in horror at my foe who I could see clearly now as a flash of lighting lit the hallway.

    A four-armed man, wearing black and who’s face was covered in a black mask. I hesitated I needed to get my gun but at what cost would it be. I looked at the gun lying on the floor then the four-armed assassin. Then I made a leap to the floor and grabbed my gun.

    And before the assassin could react fast enough I fired. He let a terrifying scream that seemed to echo through the whole dojo. I smiled for a second.

    “Got you.” I thought.

    But I had done more than I thought I did, I had just made him even more angry. He looked straight at me and started swing around his katanas wildly, I back off and fired again but this time he was ready and and moved away in time.

    Then in seconds he leaped into the air and came right down on me. He placed one of his katana near my throat to cut it, I grabbed his arm and struggled to make it let go of the katana, but three other arms kept me pinned.

    “Help!!” I cried.

    And just as everything looked hopeless, something else left out of the shadows and kicked the assassin off me, I gasped for air, the cut at eh back of my neck was still bleeding everything seemed to go a little darker.

    But with my night vision goggles still on I could make out who my rescuer was, Elvis.

    I had never seen Elvis fight the way he did now, gracefully dodging his opponents and giving such quick blows I could hardly catch them. But with the blood loss I didn’t survey the fight well, the one thing I remember clearly was the sound of a gun setting off and the four-armed assassin falling to the floor.

    Everything then fell silent, only the distant sound of the rain outside was heard. Then looking at Elvis, taking off my goggles, asked.

    “What am I…what am I doing wrong..?”

    Elvis smiled and walked up to me. “I think you have to work on your self-defence skills.” He said.

    I groaned as he put a pressure bandage to my neck. 

    “Now just hold that tight and I will…Urk!!” Elvis’s eyes suddenly went big and then he crumpled to the floor. I gasped, a knife had just been thrown into his back.

    I looked down the hall, to see a short silhouette of a person walking toward me. I looked more closely and then released who it was. Thai.

    Her eyes clouded in rage. A crude dagger held in her left hand. She at first ignored me and the murmuring figure of Elvis. She walked up to the four-armed man, and knelt down to touch him. She knelt there for a few seconds before picking up one of the katanas out of one of his limp hands, she got up looked and me and in one screaming battle cry ran out to me holding the katana high in the air.

    But just as it came down to meet its target another weapon stopped it. I looked up and saw who had just stopped the death blow. Sensei Ning.

    “Traitor.” I heard him quietly say.

    I tried to stay wake but I was losing too much and was completely exhausted. I fainted and the last thing I heard was the clashing of weapons.

* * *

    Elvis and I walked down the passageway toward the interrogation room. It had been two days since our midnight encounter and today was interviewing day for Thai Ochita.

    I entered the room, BristleBelly and a few others were already there waiting for us.

    “Good you are here.” BristleBelly said” We are all ready to start.”

    With that BristleBelly opened the for into the interrogation room, me and Elvis followed after him, two others followed us in the rest stayed back to watch.

    Thai was sitting in a chair near table, handcuffed. When we entered she seemed to pay more attention to her restraints than us.

    BristleBelly sat himself in the chair on the other side of the table.

    “Miss. Thai Ochita, am I right?” He asked pulling out her criminal record file.

    “Yes.” She said, her eyes seemed to burn in rage.

    “Alright Miss Thai, is there anything you would like to tell us, like way you tried to commit first degree murder on two police offices?”

    “They killed Hokishe.” She said looking at her handcuffs.

    “Who is Hokishe, many I ask.” BristleBelly asked.

    “The four-armed assassin who tried killed Antantaru Kyōdai.” Elvis explained.

    This time Thai looked up at Elvis this time there was a bitter look on her face.

    “Well, how about you tell us why you wanted us to think Antantaru was a suspect?” I asked.

    “I didn’t want you to find out.” She said.

    “Find out what?” I asked.

    “Find out I was helping Hokishe…” she said.

    “How about you explain to all off us what you and this Hokishe monster guy, were doing.” BristleBelly asked.

    Thia seemed about to protest but instead she hung here head and began. “ I joined the Sacred Rule of Falling Gargoyle the place of the Singlang fighting technique, when I was very young.”

    I noticed one of the fellows who had followed us in cross himself when she mention that name.

    “I had heard Of Sensei Bings betray to our guild, I asked the elders to let me kill Ning so I could prove myself to them. They agreed to let me but they wanted someone to make sure I did the job right, they gave me a guardian, Hokishe”

    “A monster.” I muttered.

    “It took me some time before I finally figured out were Ning was, I found him at the Twin Dragon Dojo. I joined his dojo to discover his weaknesses. But the elders were growing impatient so the next rainy night me and Hokishe decided to strike..”

    “What a moment.” BristleBelly interrupted. “Why did you do it at night when it was raining.”

    “It would be harder for anyone to hear us.” She said.” But every time we tried that darned Ning would awake every time we were close to killing him. It was if he had a guardian of his own. We tried every rainy night until that wretched Antantaru had to turn up one night and ruined everything.” She said furiously.

    “But why didn’t you just kill Sensei Ning when he woke up anyway?” I asked.

    “We wanted to kill him in his sleep, it is the most disgraceful way to die.” She said a sinister grin in her eye.

    I rolled my eyes, in some religions it was disgraceful to die in bed, but I never quite understood that.

    “Is there anything more you want to tell us?” BristleBelly asked.

    “No…” she said and looked away from all of us as if if ashamed.

    “Thank you for telling us.” Elvis said gently.

    “Get away from me!” Thai hissed but I could sense sorrow in her voice.

    The others and I left the room. As we did I walked up to Elvis.

    “So what now?” I asked.

    “Now we go home.” Elvis said.

    I smiled.

Epilogue 

    Thai looked around miserably around her jail cell, failure, disgrace and lose was all she could think off.

    That elf would pay for the death of Hokishe, she smiled evilly, and felt the back of her boot heel and pulled out a knife.

    She smiled; she wouldn’t be here for long.

SHORT STORY: MONSTER IN THE SHADOWS, PART 1

By Anna Blackwell (October 2020, age 13)

    Hello, my name is Theodore Threshold and I am bout to tell you about one the most creepiest cases I ever had to solve, and it all started on one peaceful Saturday morning.

    I lay there asleep in my bed in my apartment, dreaming about those simply things a man dreams of, when all of the sudden the phone rang. Groggily I picked it up.

    “Theodore Threshold speaking.” 

    “Mr. Threshold, there has been a attempt of murder at the Twin Dragon Dojo.” Came the answer from the other end.

    “I’ll be right there,” I said before quickly hanging up.

    Now, mind you, I wasn’t too big on getting out there and solving this case at first. I had become a police officer not too long ago and I had dealt with all sorts of weird stuff already like the classic over-debt college student who hung herself in her closet, or crazy cults upsetting neighbourhoods, or alcoholics threatening their girlfriends and what not. This case, at first, didn’t seem to be too different.

    I got dressed as quick as I could into my suit, and decided to skip breakfast that morning to get this case over with sooner. I hurried outside to go pickup my friend Elvis Shatris. He lived one story above me and had helped me with most of my cases. Even though he was an elf and I was human, we made a great team. We met a few years ago at a cemetery but that’s a story for another day.

    I knocked on his door and when he answered he was already dressed and shipping a travel mug of triple espresso (he had a strong addiction to caffeine).

    “Hello, Teddy. Another case, or were you just coming to say hello?” He asked. Elvis always seemed to light-hearted for an elf.

    “Ok, seriously Elvis, don’t call me Teddy. “ I said.

    “Sure Ted ... so, really, you just come here to tell me that?” He asked with a smile.

    “There has been a attempted murder at the Twin Dragon Dojo,” I said.

    Now Elvis looked at me earnestly. “Well, then, what are we waiting for!” He tossed me a pair of car keys. “We'll take my car; you can drive.”

    Before long Elvis and I were speeding to the Twin Dragon Dojo. We soon reached our destination.

    “The Double Dragon Dojo: the place were the famous Kothwai arts were said to be born. It is owned by Sensei Ning. The dojo has over 23 students, most races are allowed to attend at this dojo.” I said, reading from Magisteropedia on my cellphone.

    “Interesting.” Elvis murmured.

    As we stepped out of the car a was greeted by a loud voice. “Mr. MeshMould yer late.’

    “Oh boy.” I mumbled as I saw a short, plump, red-haired dwarf march up to me. He had a huge badge on his chest indicating he was Bamur Bristlebelly, chief of police. I was surprised I could even see it do to his humungous lumberjack-like beard.

    “Sorry, sir. I tried to come as soon as I could. And I think you've got it mixed up my name's Threshold not MeshMould.” I said.

    "Well accord’en to you. Seems that soon isn’t very soon, Mr. FreshHold.”

    I sighed there was no way to convince BristleBelly, he always invited on getting my first and last name wrong.

    “So what happened here, sir?” Elvis said, switching the topic.

    Grumbling, BristleBelly motioned us to follow as he explained. "One of the students was attacked last night by some sort of crook I reckon. The students' fellow pupils heard him screaming and found him in the hall way completely messed up.”

    I almost blurted out how disgusted that sounded but I stoped myself, I was trained for this kind of thing, I shouldn’t whine.

    “Any suspects?” Elvis asked.

    BristleBelly scoffed "Well, pointy ears, how about you start doing yer job? And that goes for you, too, Isaac.” He said, waging a finger at me.

    “It’s Theodore.” I said, but BristleBelly was already trudging away.

    I sighed. “All right, Elvis; what first?” I asked.

    “First we go see Sensei Ning.”

    We found the Sensei Ning alone, walking in one of the the gardens. 

    “Can I help you gentleman and elf?” 

    I pulled out my ID. “Theodore Threshold, Police Officer” I said. “And this is Elvis Shatris, my working companion.” Elvis gave a short bow to Sensei Ning who returned the gesture.

    “Would you mind if we ask you a few questions?” I said, pulling out a notebook and pen.

    We spent the next two hours at the dojo talking to Sensei Ning. He explained to us that he used to live in another land called Napam were he trained as a Singlang student until he discovered the Redemptorist religion and converted. However, the master of the dojo was greatly displeased and kicked Ning out of the dojo. Ning later became a student at the Twin Dragon Dojo and later became the new sense many years later.

    The more interesting part was that  Ding said that many times when it was raining at night he thought he could hear something walking or creeping on the roof of the dojo. There was one incident when he thought he heard someone trying to open his door but when he went up to the door he heard the sound of something walking away.

    Both Elvis and I took great interest in this. I asked Ning about the student who was attacked last night, Antantaru, I think his name was. Ning told us that Antanaru came from a modest family, he was a very intelligent student but had the problem of being over-competitive with the other students.

    “Well thank you, Sensei Ning, for the information.” I said.

    “You're most welcome.” I could sense a bit of uneasiness in his voice.

    We left the sensei and began to walk back to the exit, I however didn’t feel like we had accomplished much. We passed an open door; the chanting of prayers came from inside. I noticed a row of students sitting cross-legged facing a statue of a beautiful veiled lady wearing a rose-coloured girdle, with a golden crown on her head.

    “It seems they are praying what is called the Rosary, since they're each holding those strings with beads on them,” I said quietly to Elvis.

    Elvis seemed enchanted, it took a shake to get him to his senses.

    “Really, Elvis!” I said "Why do you do that every time we see Redemptorists?” I asked.  Neither Elvis nor I belong to that obscure religion; I never really looked into it.  But Elvis every time he saw things like a statue of the same lady holding a child in her arms, he seemed completely absorbed. I thought maybe elves were just like that when they saw beautiful things.

    When we got to the car, I was just about to open the door to the car when I heard something.

    “Pssssstt! Over here!” 

    I turned around to see a young girl hiding behind a bush, she had long, curly, blonde hair and a fair face. She beckoned for me and Elvis to come over.

    “Hi, I am Thai. Where you two wondering about Antantaru?” She asked.

    “Yes.” I answered.

    “Yeah, well I just wanted to tell you he was actually kind of suspicious lately he didn’t come to as many training sessions as usual and other stuff, I thought you should know.” She said.

    “Ummm thanks for the information but what is with the secrecy?” I asked puzzled.

    “Oh..uh that, well Sensei Ning might catch me, he wants me to say three rosaries for Antantaru today, ugh! Well I better go!” And with that she rushed off.

    I was caught off guard by her response to what her Sensei told her to do. Once I again went to get into the car. Elvis did the same.

    “So ... what now Ted?” Elvis asked.

    “Now ... we go to White Willow Hospital.” 

* * *

    “We would like to see Antantaru Kyōdai,” I asked one of the nurses.

    She looked at me suspicion. Being a fairy she was calm but I could sense her hesitation.

    “I’m sorry but I can’t just let strangers just walk in like that, the patient is badly injured and --” 

    “Listen madam, this is urgent, we came to ask him about what happened to him last night and --”

    “Interrogate him?” The nurse asked with widened eyes.

    “No, we are going to politely ask him if you don’t mind.” I said forcing myself to remain calm.

    “And who will I tell him wants to speak to him?” She asked with a hint of authority.

    I pulled out my I.D and put it about a foot away from her face. She looked at me and then beckoned us to follow. We went through a couple aisles before we came to a door with the bold number 34. The nurse opened the door.

    “Wait here; I will be back shortly.” She said disappearing behind the door. It was several more minutes before she reappeared.

    “Alright, you may see him, but I suggest being gentle with him.” She said.

    “Thank you madame and don’t worry, we won’t be long.” Elvis said.

    We entered the room and we were greeted by the smell of a strong perfume, it was no surprise, for a SilentOrchid tree was growing in a large pot in the corner of the room, its strong aroma is said to calm patients in a great deal of pain.

    In the other corner of the room I saw the person who was probably Antantaru, his was lying on bed, a nurse was standing beside him. I felt a bit a repulsive when I looked at Antantaru, his head was wrapped in a thickly woven bandages. Even with the coverings around his arms I could till see some still wet blood around the edges. There were still many details I refuse to put to words.

    Elvis walked up to the bed. “Antantaru Kyōdai, can you tell us what happened?” 

    I took by this that Elvis was going to do the talking, so I pulled up myself a chair and took out a pen and notepad.

    “Well ...” He began weakly. "I woke up at night because…I don’t quite remember why but.. I decided to go to the kitchen..I think I was going to get something..then I saw something move..”

    “What was it?” Elvis asked.

    “I don’t … know I didn’t see it well enough, then something hit me in the back, I…I tried to defend myself but I couldn’t see what I was fighting.”

    Antantaru was  taking harder breaths now as if telling us made it difficult to breath.

    “Then after I while I was thrown to the floor..I think I broke something when I hit the floor, then I..I saw four b-blades come down, I couldn’t move..away..they.. they…” he started shaking his head as if trying not to think about it.

    The nurse beside him started to look worried and called for a assistant.

    “It..it had four arms..”I heard Antantaru stamper.

    By this time he was shaking badly, the nurses were already trying to calm him down. One of them looked at me and Elvis with pleading eyes as if asking us to leave.

    Without further ado me and Elvis left.

    “So what do you think?” I asked Elvis.

    “Very peculiar. Four arms; I haven’t heard of many species four arms, I know there are some particular ogres and many different dragon breeds with four arms.”

    “Hmmm and something even more strange.” I said.

    “And what is that?”

    “Elvis can you lip-read?” I asked.

    “No.” 

    “Well I can and I noticed something that Antantaru said.”

    “What is that?” Elvis asked already interested.

    “It is that Thai wasn’t in her bed.”

    “Interesting,” Elvis said drifting into deep thought before asking.’ So what do you suggest we do now.”

    I drew a deep breath. "We go get lunch.”

    Elvis sighed in disappointment, but I didn’t care -- I missed breakfast, I wouldn’t last much longer without something to eat. Besides I had a plan already that I needed to discuss with Elvis.

ARTWORK: ARALK THE HOARDER OF CACAO AND ARMOIRS

 By Anna Blackwell (September 2020, age 12)

SHORT STORY: BEASTS IN THE SKY

 By Anna Blackwell (August 2020, age 12)

    Covid 19 pandemic had just ended and things were starting to finally beginning to come back to normal after all the look downs and riots. When something strange happened on September 1, 2022.

    Karen Bosher was driving her car from work. It had been a long day at the office and she was ready for a cup of hot cocoa and a nice cozy bed.

    She was driving through Stone View. Tall Stone walls were on both sides of the road, onto of them grew tall pine trees. Karen admitted, she rather liked the look of the rock walls, it made her feel secure. She had mainly moved there for the scenery.
    

    The sun was just sinking behind the dark clouds when it happened. Karen stirred her car around the bend when something caught her eye, a large bat like shape had just flew over the car. Karen had her eyes on the road so she didn’t get a clear picture of what it was.

    Suddenly the car in front of Karen’s car, went flying backwards like if a huge baseball bat had hit a home run on it.

    Karen pushed hard on the brakes too late! The car sent her car flipping over, Karen felt like she was on a rollercoaster as she was thrown from side to side. Pieces of broken glass where sent flying every where. As soon as her car land on it’s side and stopped flipping, Karen immediately wanted to get out her squished front seat. Carefully, Karen despite her uneasiness managed to crawl out through the destroyed from windshield of her car.

    “Hey, are you alright?” Asked a heavy voice.

    “Uh..I-I think so.”

    Screams come from the other cars which have been hit. Karen breathed a sigh of relief, she had survived a very strange accident but a few others haven’t.

    “My name is Cogsley.” The man with the heavy voice said. ”What the heck was your car flying all over the place for?”

    “I ... I well, the car in front of me just went flying into the air all of the sudden and it hit my car.”

    “Hmph, probably some one put mines on the road,” Cogsley mumbled.

    “What? Mines? You joking or something? What kind of joker would even get his or her hands on those? They are illegal!”

    Suddenly a cry came from a turned over car.

    “Help me! Help me!!” A woman’s voice cried.

    Cogsley and Karen ran over to the car. Looking inside they saw a lady lying on the roof of the upturned car.

    “Help me!” The lady cried. “I think a broke my leg, and my right arm is cut by glass!”

    Cogsley looked over to Karen. “Alright, miss ...”

    “Karen.”

    “Alright, Miss Karen you are small enough, try and squeeze in there and help her get out, I’ll be out her to pull her out.”

    After a bit of squeezing and careful procedures, they got the lady, Polly was her name, out of the car.

    “Thank you so much!” She said.

    Just then, Karen heard a deep rumbling sound. She looked over and shrieked in horror.

    A huge monstrous creature with bat wings, yellow eyes, electric blue scales that lit in the pale moon light and large saber-tooth teeth.

    Karen shriek gave Cogsley just enough time to pick ups Polly and get out of the way before the monster left onto the crushed car.

    “It’s the aliens alright!” Cogsley shouted. “We got to get to my truck!”

    Without further instructions Karen ran as fast as she could to the green truck Cogsley was referring too.

    The monster took notice of Cogsley running with Polly over to the truck and began to pursue them.

    “Get in! In!” Cogsley hollered shoving Polly into the front seat with Karen. The jumping himself in, he thrust a silver key into the ignition.

    “Go! Go! Go!” Karen shouted as the truck took off just in time to escape the hideous teeth of the monster, which chased after them.

    “Can you go any faster!” Karen shouted at Cogsley.

    “I am going 180 kilometres per hour!”

    Karen looked through the back window at the creature as it ran after them, but then she noticed something, something else was moving off to the side of the monster unlike the one following them, it was white, it looked like it had scales but white fur seemed to flow down its spine.

    Then Karen spotted another thing but it was flying in the air, this one reminded her the dragon she had seen from the Hobbit. But just then she realised something. There was more than one of these creatures.

    “Man, we really have to get out of here!” Karen said panic right on the tip of her tongue.

    “Why? What is wrong!?” Cogsley asked.

    “There's more than one of them.”

    Cogsley almost swore in frustration, before saying “You all might want to hold onto something.” And with that the truck drove of road int to the surrounding woods.

    “We are going to Pine Dale Campsite.” Cogsley said.

    Karen looked back through the car’s back window. The monster was no longer following them, but as she looked into the sky, there she saw them.

    Dragons. Dozens of them, they were now rulers of the sky and land. Karen didn’t know why but she knew they were and she was going to have to do every thing she could to survive this.

  The end 

SHORT STORY: WELLINGHALL

By Anna Blackwell (July 2020, age 12)

    Glen Alken walked down the cracked concrete roads of the crumbling city of WellingHall. Beside him his faithful dog, a Doberman Pinscher with the simple name of Tucker, walked beside him.

    It was the year 2007, only a year ago the Great War ended. In the year 1712 scientists began using steam to power machines. Later on in time, scientist tried using internal combustion but it ended up in complete failure and disaster.

    For centuries later people used steam for most of the worlds technology, but in the year 1992 Muslim terrorists got their hands on the secret American blue prints of combat wolves (large steam powered walkers) with these blue prints they made millions of these death machines and used it against America.

    The Americans called the British, Canadians, French , and Germany for backup. While the terrorist called their backup from places like China and the Korea.

    And so World war I occurred.

    Glen Alken had been a war recruit in the American army making him a seasoned warrior in the art of combat. But by the time the war had ended America was a disaster. Glen had found Tucker among the ruins of New York City. Since then the two have been together after Glen quit the army and entered the torn world as a mercenary.

    He and Tucker had found their way to WellingHall which used to be a tall proud city but was now mostly ruins, only a few buildings were in one piece.

    Slinging his rucksack over his back, he continued on down the road, Tucker following . A thick mist was high in the air, blocking most of Glen’s vision of what was ahead.

    A lady, holding a girl's hand stepped out of the mist . Glen smiled a little to himself as the girl politely waved to him. Tucker wagged his tail at the two. Farther up ahead the city seemed more populated than at the beginning of the city, many of the men standing around stepped protectively closer to their families when they noticed on Glens belt was a weapon, a clockwork gearsword .

    “They have a good right to be scared.” Glen thought to himself. “Someone with a gearsword is not to be messed with.

    A gearsword is not dissimilar to a chainsaw, though gearswords are clockwork and lighter and less clunky, making them easy to use. To use one was simple. All you had to do was wind it up like a clock and place the brake on, then once you have to do a bit of action just release the brake.

    A lady wearing a pretty red dress stepped away from Glen in slight fear. Glen gave her a warm smile to tell he wasn’t going to hurt her. She only stepped more away.

    “Maybe Tucker is frightening her.” Glen thought to himself.

    Just then a loud racket came from ahead. Tucker began to growl, Glen put his hand on the hilt of his GearSword. “That’s no steam carriage.” He said. Suddenly a with a noise louder than 50 fireworks together, a large machine came out of the mist like a bullet. It had the appearance of a pirate ship, but it had giant tank treads to move it and two hideously large spinning blades were at its’ front.

    Glen and Tucker jumped out of the way just in time before the giant ship could have crushed them. Just then it stopped right in its tracks. Glen noticed a man standing on the prow of the vehicle.

    “No one move or you're as good as dead.” He shouted at the frightened citizens. Then with a wave of his hand a horde of men leaped out of the ship onto the ground, the man followed after them.

    “I am Black Eye the Mighty and I will have to ask all of you to hand over your valuables.”he said a evil glint in his eye. “How about you pretty girl.” He said pointing at the lady with the red dress, her face turned pale and she backed off.

    “Come now prettiness, I am not gonna hurt you.” He wickedly said walking toward her.”Just give me your valuables, like that ruby necklace you have there.”

    Glen advance over to Black Eye shouting”she is not doing that swine!”

    Black Eye turned around to face Glen”Who do you think you're talking to blonde?”Anger deep in his voice.

    “Nothing but a scoundrel,” Glen said.

    “Oh really!” Black Eye shouted drawing his ray gun and fired at Glen. It was a near miss, Glen felt the heat of the ray zip past his neck. He drew his gearsword. “Away to me, Tucker.” He ordered at Tucker who launched himself at the nearest thug. Releasing the brake Glen jumped at Black Eye who drew his own sword.

    The two had a rough struggle until Glen was finally on the ground but just before the strike fell the lady who Glen tried to save, hit Black Eye on the head hard with her hat.

    “ You clam faced…” Black Eyed shouted turning towards the lady pushing her backwards but it was just the distraction Glen needed with a swipe he cut Black Eye’s left eye. He roared in pain.

    “Mercy I implore you !” Black howled. “Don’t slay me Please!”

    “If I don’t will you never come here again?” Glen asked angrily.

    “Yes, yes, yes! I won’t come back!” Black Eye whined.

    “Then leave.” Glen said” and order your men to let my dog go.” Tucker was at the moment too at the mercy of Black Eye’s thugs.


“Alright I will.” Black Eye said still clutching his left eye waving with his right hand at his men to drop Tucker.

    Letting Black Eye get up, Glen patted Tucker as he ran up to Glen. Black Eye walked over to his ship but once he looked back at Glen a tricksters glint was in his right eye.

    “You have made a enemy for life.” he said a chuckle at the back of his throat.

    Glen didn’t take his eyes of the ship until it totally disappeared. He helped the lady up.

    “Thank you stranger.” She said.

    “Please call me Glen.”

 

The End

MOVIE: ANNA & BARANEK AND THE CONQUISTADORS' LOST TREASURE

By Anna Blackwell (June 2020, Age 12)

ONE DAY LEFT, PART TWO

By Albert, Anna, Barbara, and James Blackwell

CONCEPT ART: MARSH LIZARD (ANNATAIA)

By Anna Blackwell (Autumn 2019; age 12)

Concept are for lizard men in Anna's world of Annataia; she has since rethought how this race might be represented in that world which we are working on turning into a "shared world" for fantasy stories from the Swords and Space Team.

ONE DAY LEFT, PART ONE

Today we begin a new series that represents a collaborative work between Albert, Anna, Barbara, and James. They all developed the concept and story together, while Albert has taken on the task of pencils, ink, and colours.

It's an alternate history with comedic and sci fi elements. We hope our readers enjoy this quirky comic series.

 

CONCEPT ART: WOLFMAN SOLDIER (ANNATAIA)

By Anna Blackwell (Autumn 2019, age 12)

Concept are for wolf men in Anna's world of Annataia; she has since rethought how this race might be represented in that world which we are working on turning into a "shared world" for fantasy stories from the Swords and Space Team.

The Wolly Rigger

By Anna Blackwell

ARTWORK: HARVEST

By Anna Blackwell (October 2019, Age 11)

Wellis Carter Space Adventure, Part 1

By Anna Blackwell (August 2019, age 11)

My name is Wellis Carter, age 18 -- year 2534. Let me tell you a adventure i had one time that will blow your mind.

The air around me felt chilly as I walked further through the forest. I slung my hunting rifle over my shoulder. It was very close to freezing season -- a time when my kind sort of carbonfreezed ourselves -- so I decided to do some some hunting before then. My eye suddenly caught a deer ;it was grazing on a patch that had not been covered in frost. I got my gun and prepared to fire. Suddenly the deer looked up and bolted as if something had frightened it. I turned around; no one was there but me.Then I looked up a Kronos space Saucer!!

The Kronos were a group of aliens that attacked our planet for the precious gem mines in the mountains. But as I watched a 2 human frigates followed after it. An explosion was heard at the end of the forest. I raced over and once I reached the end of the forest I saw some more human ships deploying a squad of justice troopers and far away were a group of Kronos.

I hesitated -- what was I to do? Should I to go to the troopers and ask it I could help or would I be better off on my own? I looked at my hunting rifle; I knew It would never hold off that many Kronos for long.But before I could do any thing a gun clicked and a heavy bolter was placed next to head.

"Don’t move, sonny. “

I saw next to me was a heavily armoured battle trooper

"Don’t shoot” I said, "I’m a Tathlan.“

But he didn’t listen; he was already on his com link: “Sir, I seem to have caught some Tathlan snooping about ... what ... oh yes right away sir.“

He nudged his gun at me. “Hand over the gun, sonny, and don’t trying and run off because I never miss.“

I gave him my gun then I started to move. He took me to a place were the humans were planning their battle plan or that's what it seemed like, for there was a map on the table next to them. The trooper took me to a human who seemed to be a battle commandant.

"Sir here is the Tathlan I told you about.“

The commandant turned around. He looked at me he could tell I wasn’t a human because of my grey skin a and white hair.

"Tathlan hmm? Well, child you better listen to me -- we aren’t on any fun trip were here to deal with the Kronos we already went through it with you leader and since your kind can’t stand the freeze coming up we are going to battle the Kronos ourselves.“

This angered me. “We can fight our own battles human!”

The commandant smirked but just then the ground trembled violently and a trooper rushed over.

“Sir, they're firing artillery at us!“ I Suddenly saw a way to get away.

“Incoming!” someone shouted.

I jumped at the commandant and we fell into a nearby bush as a blast hit the ground. The commandant looked shocked at my act to save him.

"You --”

I cut him off: “Yeah, don’t mention it."

“I’m sorry for treating you like that,” he said .”Here, if you really want to help us, do you now a way into Sarc Palace?“

I hesitated. Sarc Palace was an abandoned building north of the attacking Kronos position. But I replied, “alright, I know secret way to get in. I’ll show you were it is."

The commandant nodded and, after shouting a few orders to his men, he indicated that I should follow him. As he ran across the open ground, I followed right behind him.

"Where are we heading, kid?“ he asked.

“Around here to the right,“ I replied.

Keeping low under the shelter of the trees we traveled about a mile, 'til we came to a ruin on top of a hill. Somewhere below, the Kronos were firing their artillery missiles.

“You did well, kid," said the commandant.

I smiled. “There is a secret turbo lift somewhere," I said. “I’ll go see if I can find it."

Once I ran behind a corner, the sound of artillery made me shake in fear. Telling myself to calm down, I distracted myself by looking for the secret turbo lift. When I was younger, me and my friends played games up here, so it didn’t take too long for me to find what I was looking for. Stripping the vines off ,I was happy to see the lift was still in working order. But suddenly I heard approaching footsteps and around the corner a Kronos fighting warrior appeared!

It hasn’t seen me yet, I thought as I backed up until I pressed hard on the lift .I reached in to open the door and backed in. But the sound of the door alerted the Kronos of my presence. It started to fire it's ray gun but it luckily bounced of the doors as they closed.The lift began to descend but stopped mysteriously. Its doors opened I got out and found myself in a long dark corridor that seemed to have no end. I ventured forth, careful to keep an eye out for security measures. I soon thought it had no end til I can to another set of turbo lifts. I checked to make sure they worked, and walked in.The doors shut again and before I knew it I began to be fly upwards.

Whats wrong with the rotten thing today? I thought, then once again the doors opened and I found myself standing in front of a tall man.

"You took your time," he said, shaking my hand and grinning.

"Who are you, were am I?” I asked in surprise. “How could you know I was coming?"

“I’m Basker Nek. Now, cut the questions in til we find a proper place to talk."

I eyed him suspiciously as he hustled me down the passageway away from the lifts.I had barely got what appeared to be his office when he launched a whole conversation:

"As i said my name is Basker Nek and I used to design security systems for both government and private enterprises. I have done it for years. Not just here, but in many other different places.”

"How did you know I was coming?" I asked again.

"I didn’t know it was you, specifically, but I had sensors all along that corridor that runs along that ruin and I tracked your arrival. Then I programmed the turbo lift to bring all persons using the lift to pass to this level,” he explained. "Now I want to know what you were doing up there -- you seem too young for a smuggler."

"Smuggler!!" I said bewildered. "Of course not -- I was just hunting when a Kronos ship scared my deer…"

He stopped mean mid-sentence. "Kronos? are you sure it was a Kronos ship?”

“Yeah, sure, I saw them with my own eyes once I got to the edge of the forest.”

"Sorry please continue," he said apologetically.

"Well that's kind of it when I got to the ruins. I saw them using a kind of artillery thing, that was until I stumped into that lift and got spat out into that corridor," I said, keeping out the part with the humans, because I had a feeling that I had no need to tell him that.

"Hmm ... Kronos, eh?" He murmured . "Well, I kind of heard …uh, rumours that they are going to use your planet's gems to power up a weapon they might be making ... that can kill all life on a planet."

"But that's INSANE," I said in horror. “No weapon can kill all life on a planet and not completely destroy it -- that's impossible"

"Oh, it's quite possible alright,” he said. "But not without your planet's gems and uh …I think you and I should have a word with…uh ..my associates in, er,um criminal classes."

I froze. How can I consult with criminals and bounty hunter and should I trust this guy? I thought. My first option was to decline but I knew that if I did, he might lock me in the turbo lift and leave me to die. So I decided to give it a chance. I followed him through a long secret tunnel that seemed to go forever but when we got to the end it lead to a room. It had a curtained doorway. When I ducked through my eyes met the strangest sighting ever -- creatures from all over the galaxy. Basker Nek guided me through the crowd and waved at a lizard looking creature.

"Now stay here, I shall be back in a few minutes and for your own sake don’t talk to any one “ he said.

I frowned "I thought I was coming with you. If it wasn’t for me you wouldn’t know the Kronos were here."

“Stay here; this place is dangerous," he said with some force and, pointing to my seat, he disappeared into the crowd. I went to my seat and sat down. There were so many species there I felt very obvious, especially since none of my kind were there. Just then a human at the next table looked at me and smiled, raising his cup. I smiled back distractedly and looked back at the surrounding mayhem. The man looked at me again and gestured for me to come over.

Who is this guy? I wondered. Is he gesturing for me to come over? I pointed to myself questioningly and he nodded and gestured me over.

"I noticed you siting there looking a bit out of place," he said. "I’m Sank by the way."

"You can say that again” I said. “ I’m Wellis Carter”.

Sank told me that he was a merchant trader. Soon we began talking like friends (despite the fact he was a human and I was a Tathlan) 'til Sank’s com bead beeped he talked to however it was in Jamaka (a type of alien language).

“That was my first mate," Sank said once he finished. "He does repairs on my ship, so I must join him. We had trouble getting parts on the Stellar Jewel -- that's my ship -- she’s a Class Jina 6."

"A Class Jina 6, that is one of the fastest ships ever !“ I said in excitement.

"You heard of it? “ he asked in surprise.

"Of course I have, my great grandfather had one.”

"Well I could take you to see her," he offered. "I can’t give you the whole tour though."

I knew I should wait for Kasker Nek, but I couldn’t stop myself. “Really? Of course!"

Then Sank and I slipped out of the bar door. The space port wasn’t very far and as soon as we entered, I saw the Stellar Jewel.

"She is beautiful !!” I exclaimed.

"She sure is," said Sank. “Come and have a look at the twin blasters but then I really have to go.”

Ducking under the wing he gestured for me to hurry up.

"I’m coming, I’m coming!" I said.

He showed me the newly installed cannon. “You can see the new position of the Solar Drive enhances its capabilities ‘’

I leaned closer to get a better look, but he suddenly grabbed me tightly and hustled me up the gangway.

"Hey Sank what are you doing?”I asked in confusion.

“You're coming with us," Sank said, tightening his grip and pulling me farther into the ship as the entry ramp closed.

“Go!” he yelled to his first mate who engaged the engines and we took off out of star port.

"W-what are you doing? Were are you taking me?’’I asked as Sank grabbed a pair of security cuffs and fastened one armlet to a bench and the other on my wrist.

"We’re going to RockBen," he said, grabbing another pair of cuffs securing my feet to the bottom of the bench. "I’m going to sell you to a mine owner I know.”

“What? your a slave trader!”

"Yes, I am “ Sank replied stuffing a gag into my mouth. "Now shut your trap you're giving me a headache."

When the Stellar Jewel landed in RockBen there was a unscrupulous mine owner waiting for me. Still gagged and cuffed, I was shoved into the back of a transport.

What am I going to do? I throught. If I try and signal for help,who’s going to believe I’ve been kidnapped, I’m sure that mine owner is able to tell numbers of lies to disprove my story. He probably had a lot of practice at it.

I felt the transport slow down and stop. We're here, wherever here is. I then heard voices.

“Do you have authorized papers?” it sounded like a security droid.

"Yes I do right here,” I heard the Mine owner say.

A security check point! Could I take this for a chance to escape? I decided any risk was worth it, I wasn’t going to become a slave, not in my life. With my hands still cuffed behind my back and the gag in my mouth, I slid across the floor of the transport.Trying to keep out of sight I hauled my body over the back of the transport. Unable to break my fall, a surge of pain hit me. Ignoring it, I continued to slug across the ground to a bunch of crates.I knew if the mine owner looked back, I was dead! So as silent as I could, I crawled behind the crates.I watched as the mine owner drove off with out even looking back.

I breathed a sigh of relief when suddenly a voice said, "well, well, well, what do we have here?”

I felt frozen stiff from my position. I couldn’t see who it was but I knew it wasn’t a security droid

“Don’t move," the voice said. "A security droid is coming."

The sound of footsteps came close “Are you Mar Iber?" a robotic voice asked.

"Thats me, have you finished ransacking my ship?” said the man who had accosted me.

“Yes you are clear to leave Bay number 2-13 “

“It better be in the same way I left it “ the man said. The security droid left.

"Easy “ Mar Iber said as he picked and unlocked the cuffs.

"Thanks," I said, removing the gag from my mouth.

"No problem. You got a lot of guts kid," he said. "You're lucky I was the only one who saw you." He grinned. “The name's Mar, as I guess you heard."’

He held out his hand and helped me to my feet.

"Well, I better be off,” Mar said. "Be careful and don’t get in trouble. "The Justice Legion probably don’t want trouble”

I watched as Mar left. The Justice Defenders were also? If they were I had to find them and ask for help.I started to walk about. The vast marketplace was crowded. Once I got to a railing to get some air, I saw a spectacular view of rocky mountains with skyscrapers perched on their sides forming a chain of cities.It was quite amazing, though it made me the want to go home back to Tarthlan.

I suddenly heard a low scream and I turned around I saw that a little girl had fallen down and if no one helped her. She was going to get trampled.

"Stop, look a little girl fell down, help her!” I shouted, but nobody listen so I through myself through the crowd I pushed forward.

"Watch it," yelled an alien as I ran past it. I was almost there when a large Ogler was in my way .There was no way past him so in frustration I grabbed a pin from my pocket and pinched him in the back. He howled and got out of the way just enough for me to get past and help the girl up but as I did so, the Ogler grabbed me.

"WAIIITTTT” I yelled and then the crowd went silent, even the little girl stopped crying. ”Please, I was just trying to help this girl before she got trampled to death, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” I said.

The Ogler grunted and let go. “Fine, but if I see you again you're dead.”

Just then a figure ran over. ”What's going on here?” he asked in a stern voice.

I looked around. It was a Justice Legionary! The ogler stepped back “ uh..nothin ... “

The Legionary looked at me. “Nothing sir, just a small mishap," I said.

He looked at the Ogler. “You may go but you --" he pointed at me -- "come with me.”

I followed him but I was in a hurry to tell him what happened. “Sir wait I have to tell you something.”

He turned back to me. "I didn’t ask you to speak."

This didn’t stop me. "No, sir, please, you have have to take me back to my home planet.”

"You didn’t have perm--”

I didn’t let him finish “ no sir please it’s under attack by the Kronos you have to take me back." This time he listened. After a short while of explanation he decided to take me back. After he sent a few messages to his people I found myself in his ship on my way to home…..

BATTLE OF THE TWO DRAGONS

By Anna Blackwell (June 2019, age 11)

     In the land of Myths and Legends ,there lived a huge bird called Garuada .In Hindu myths he was the King  of birds ,part eagle and part human.As well as being the bird of life , Garuada was a destroyer, feared by snakes and dragons. Because of his great strength, he was the supreme ruler of the sky.

     All dragons were of this but many were to scared to face Garuada. But there were two dragons who did have the fury to face him these were a lightning dragon named Strike who brought the storms and the crash of his wings brought thunder.And his sister  who was a fire dragon named Scorch who lit the sun every morning and made the deserts dry and forests burn after the stroke of lightning from here brother.Accepted a challenge from Garuada and made a agreement to meet upon the Grey Mountain the next Day.

   Upon that day Scorch did not light the sun making the sky dark so if they lost the land would forever be cloaked in black till the next fire dragon took her place.Strike crashed his wings causing a storm as he prepared to meet his apoinent. When Garuada came Light formed around him.And as he spread out his wings,he let out a soft cry that sounded like a note of music.It was a sign that meant the battle was about to begin .

   Strike attacked first,he let out sparks of lightning at Garuada da who dodged them and through a ball of light at Strike who distroyed it with a lightning stroke. Scorch was perched on a rock casting flames at Garuada but failed .Garuada through a ball of light a her, Scorch unable to dodge it was knocked out. Strike seeing that his sister had fallen launched himself at the bird King.The two fought with such violence the it caused earthquakes to occur. The creatures of the land's only light was Garuada who battled the Lightning dragon at the top of the mountain.The two showed each other no mercy soon the Side of the mountain was splashed in blood.Strike grabbed Garuada's arm and broke it. Garuada shrieked and with his beak bit the dragons neck.Strike pulled him of wailing in pain and shot lightning at him. Garuada's side burned from the bolt .Strike charged at the bird king,teeth barded,claws unsheathed hoping to shred Garuada to bits.But He was ready and grabbed Strikes  head and through it in to the mountain crushing it.Scorch who came to saw the tragic scene shot out at Garuada full of fury and anger and let down a rain of fire .Almost roasting him alive, then with flick of her tail bashed him out of the sky. Garuada through near sure death was spared and he returned to his nest and was barely ever seen again .

   After Scorch re-lit the sun,she carried the limp body of her brother and buried it at the foot of the mountain.Scorch left the mountain to return to her den and continued to light the sun every morning till the end of her days.


                                            THE END

THE FOOLISH NOBLE AND WISE BEGGAR

By Anna Blackwell (June 2019, age 11)

Once there lived a proud noble and a simple beggar who both lived in the LAND OF CHOICES. Now I bet you can easily find out why it’s called that because you had to make a lot of choices -- if you made the right choice you might get good luck.

Now the noble I was talking about was not a good chooser, she always said “ o bother “ then called on her helper Perrier who apparently would just say “dear me again!" and would pick the easiest. The weather nymphs, unicorns and the path fairies were very upset about this wanted to punish her.

On the other hand the beggar was very careful about it, she would think over it and then chose the one that she thought was right.

Now one day the King who reigned over the land was inviting everyone to his birthday party. Everyone had to bring there best dishes. This wasn’t to hard at all for the beggar, who had been saving money, and who was going to bring a turnip salad, freshly made bacon and her best homemade lemon cupcakes.The noble was going to bring Honey glazed ham, Greek salad and chocolate cake with blueberry icing .

This gave the fairies, unicorns and nymphs an idea: they were going to get the noble in trouble . It came to happen that the beggar and noble were traveling on the same path to the castle, after traveling for some time they came to a fork in the road. The beggar decided to follow the road on the right

“Fool,“ said the noble “that road is too long and It looks like it will rain on that side.‘’

But the beggar replied, “yes it will take longer but at least I’ll now I am going the right way.“

The noble sneered and went her way. But in fact it didn't rain. The weather nymphs were pleased with the beggar and made the sun appear. The fairies were glad she picked the right path so they made no trouble come her way and the unicorns came and let her ride them because they were proud of her good choice .

But the noble didn’t have any good luck at all. She ran into bad weather , lost her way once and got very tired .The beggar got to the castle at the right time while the noble arrived late . After that the noble learned her lesson and was much more careful in her choices the next time. As for the Beggar she lived happily in her cottage for the rest of her life .

THE END

THE DEATH OF ASNOR

By Anna Blackwell (May 2019, age 11)

TRAILS, STORY 1

By Anna and Barbara Blackwell (April 2019)

When a group of mice were captured by the ruthless badger named Spoon Paw tried to free themselves from the their slavery, they were unfortunate in their attempt. But it came to pass that a weasel named Fork decided to free them but he wanted to use them for his own purpose.

When he "rescued" the mice from Spoon Paw, the mice were furious that Fork wanted to keep them enslaved and they fought back. Spoon Paw managed to find them again and recapture them and threw them along with Fork into a cauldron of water. The mice struggled to save their lives from drowning; a mice named Joseph climbed out onto a flat form and came face-to-face with Fork.

Fork was furious and engaged Joseph in mortal combat. Unfortunately Joseph was terribly injured but as he bled to death he threw a dagger at Fork, stunning him he fell into the water. But Joseph was too injured and weak himself and both he and Fork drowned.

Later some mice found the cauldron of drowned mice, Joseph and Fork among them. Spoon Paw, who had slipped away into the shadows claimed to himself the victory. Some still say he lives in his burrow. To this date the tale is told around bonfires in Season Folk villages; some still believe that Spoon Paw still lives and seeks to enslave more mice.