Senior School English
The Crystal of Light Mehnaz Alam, Year 7 Once upon a ti me in the enchan ti ng village of Eldoria, lived a curious girl named Lila. With her raven ‐ black hair and emerald eyes, she was known for her insa ti able thirst for adventure. Her village was lost, Lila wanted to be the one to restore her home. She was saddened to see the people of her village so lost. A ft er hours of brainstorming, an idea bursted out. She had recalled of a book she read called the Mysteries of the world. She had remembered one speci fi c tale ‐ the tale of the Whispering Woods. It is said that the Whispering Woods held something special inside. Lila was urging herself to fi gure it out. She packed her bag with all the adventurous things she would need. A few hours later on this fateful a ft ernoon, while exploring the depths of the Whispering Woods, she stumbled upon an ancient, weathered map hidden beneath the gnarled roots of an ancient oak tree. Intrigued, Lila unfolded the parchment. The map was adorned with illustra ti ons depic ti ng a path leading to the Crystal Cavern—a place rumoured to house breathtaking gems. Her heart racing with excitement, she resolved to embark on a quest to unveil its wonders. As she ventured deeper into the woods, she soon encountered a squirrel named Jasper, who was looking for adventure. He o ff ered to guide her, his eyes gleaming with playful mischief. “Beware of the shadowy paths” he warned “They lead to the Cavern, but peril lurks in the darkness.” Undeterred she accepted Jasper’s company. A ft er what felt like hours of naviga ti ng through the dense foliage, they fi nally arrived at the entrance of the Crystal Cavern. The sight before them was magni fi cent; the cavern walls sparkled with countless crystals, vivid colours that shimmered like a celes ti al tapestry. However, as they stepped inside, a guardian confronted them—a colossal dragon, its scales shimmering like stars in the night sky. With a thunderous roar, the dragon demanded to know their purpose. The guardian dragon was fi erce and could easily demolish Lila with one foot. Summoning all her courage, Lila stepped forward. “We seek the crystals, not for sel fi sh gain, but to share their brilliance with our village.” The dragon, taken aback by her bravery, so ft ened its fi erce demeanour. “Very well, courageous girl. You may take one crystal, but remember, true beauty lies in generosity. I sense something special in you li tt le girl.” Lila chose an azure crystal, its surface glistening like the ocean. Grateful for the dragon’s wisdom, she promised to honour its words. As she and Jasper made their way back through the Whispering Woods, the village lay ahead, aglow with the crystal’s brilliance. When they returned, Lila shared the dazzling gem with the villagers, illumina ti ng their hearts and uni ti ng them in joy. From that day forward, she became a cherished legend in Eldoria—not just for her daring exploits, but for her generous spirit. Thus, the Whispering Woods con ti nued to hold secrets, where another brave soul could uncover its treasures.
Cat Freyja Bell, Year 7
FIVE MINUTES Pippa Rajadurai, Year 7
from the gnarled trunks reached out, as if to entwine me in their needle ‐ coated branches and never let me experience freedom again. I wandered around, trying to fi nd my way through the endless, emerald maze; searching desperately for fi nd my owners. The thick barrage of cold ‐ hearted, ancient soldiers stood tall and proud, impossible to see around. I stumbled along the kno tt ed roots, that felt like they were deliberately twisted to form the worst path possible. My stomach, that had been just a nuisance before, was now throbbing and I couldn’t even remember what food tasted like! Just as I was about to succumb to the depths of my despair my nose picked up an aroma. An amazing smell that I could never forget. A smell so divine my mouth started drooling. A smell that was be tt er than the gods’ nectar itself. Sausage. I chased a ft er my nose, my ti red legs momentarily rejuvenated, and sprinted at top speed. I burst out of the bushes, between two par ti cularly prominent tree roots. In my haste, I almost tripped over my ears! I looked around only to fi nd myself back at the food carts, my owners in the process of ordering something. They rescued me, and we went back home. That is how I was lost in the woods for two whole hours; although whenever my owners talk about it, they always say it was only fi ve minutes.
I cannot believe this. Those fu ti le words kept revolving around my head in endless sequence. I kept closing my eyes but that didn’t change my reality. Only two fateful hours ago I was a miniature ball of pure fl u ff that was content to slumber peacefully without any interrup ti on. That was before my owners mercilessly roused me from my doze and demanded we go out to some random forest that was now a popular dog walking spot. Anyhow, I was forced from the warmth of our home to the car and o ff on an ‘adventure.’ By the ti me we got there it was already a ft er lunch and my breakfast seemed an extraordinarily long ti me ago. This hunger was made worse by the numerous food carts. S ti ll, they were excited, and it was good for them to get some fresh air. We were just walking along the path when I happened to spot something. Something so horrible it shouldn’t be allowed to live. A squirrel. I had to chase a ft er it. It was my duty to all dogs worldwide. And so, I followed the squirrel o ff the path, through the trees. I stopped, out of breath. It had disappeared. Next ti me I would get it. I knew it. I looked around and took in my surroundings. I was in a small clearing surrounded by evergreens, and I had absolutely no idea where my owners were. I barked for them to no avail. The tall pines seemed to loom over me like giants, the shadows as dark as the pitch black of any universe. The twisted arms protruding
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