The Quests

In a lowly, small village at the edge of the forest, there was a family of 3, Mr. Jacob, Mrs. Jacob and Anna Jacob.

They were a happy family, but Anna was a strange kid, she never paid attention in class, caused trouble and loved to venture out.

She loved to climb trees and most importantly cared for animals and nature and had fun. This caused her to fall back in her studies and her teachers thought she might fail that year, her friends constantly made fun of her.

Anna decided to prove them all wrong and decided to get the ‘Flower 0f Hope’

You see, their town had for ages been called the ‘Land 0f Darkness’. The sun almost never rose here, these disturbed people's sleep and it was very cold, food was scarce and animals die, plants too.

The Flower 0f Hope was said to help in all such disasters. It is also said that this rare flower was a direct pipeline to the Sun’s Guardians,

But, to reach this Flower one must go through several difficulties and challenges, one must be determined and have courage,

Based on ancestral knowledge, the villagers believe it is located in the Temerian Village.

Anna went home and told her parents about her plans, her parents being very supportive decided to let her go but, they also worried for her safety,

Her father went to the basement and dug for the chest .

He opened it and found the gem, this had been left by her uncle who was far by the first and only person to reach the Flower 0f Hope, and one cannot use the flower of hope twice unless he/she is the one chosen, her uncle had used it for the never - ending floods in Famelien Town,

The gem protects one from most of the dangers but, if the bearer of the gem was the official protector on the Flower 0f Hope, then it’s power would reduce from 100% - 10% as to test the wearer is he/she is capable enough, If one passed, one would have unlimited access to the wonders on the flower and the secrets of mankind.

Anna sets off for her journey, she also ties a thread around the gem so she can wear it on her neck, she goes into the forest, bidding farewell to her parents.

She walks for days altogether, soon, her food finishes. She eats the fruits from the trees, sleeps under the trees, uses dead wood to make a fire when cold and she sees how useful trees are when one is helpless.

One day, as she sat down under the tree to rest, she heard some chanting far away,

“Gooble, souk chap chep”

“Ni! Tyup ruiop frienty”

“What’s that noise? Sounds like some chanting”

She walks and walks till she find 2 Dwarfs talking to each other. The 2 dwarfs get scared and run behind some bushes.

“It’s 0kay, don’t be afraid :)”

“Umm, who are you? And what are you doing in our land?”

“My Name is Anna Jacob; I am here searching for the Flower of Hope, and I am hoping to use it to help my people and to teach them that everyone is special and has a purpose on earth.”

The Dwarfs came out from hiding, they welcomed her after hearing her inspirational words, she was too big for their houses so she sat on the street and drank tea in their tiny tiny cups!

“You know, It’s better you don’t go searching for the Flower, alot of dangers await, many people who went there never actually got to touch or even look at the Flower”

“There’s never any harm in trying, we all are capable, anything we believe we can achieve :)”

The Dwarf, very impressed, gave her the staff of knowledge. Anna continued her journey, she walked a short distance and reached an old hollow tree with an 0wl perching on it.

“Young Girl, where are you off too? I haven’t seen a human come this far in ages…..”

“Dear Owl, I am going to the flower of hope”

“Darling, it’s very dangerous, I am old and wise, I have witnessed many things, I suggest you don’t go there”

“Dear Owl, You are wise, but, you do also know that there’s no harm in trying, you do know that years ago a human just like me came here and because of his determination was able to stop floods, right?”

“ You are wise dear, indeed, I shall help you in reward, tap your staff thrice and it shall take you”

She tapped her staff thrice and volia! She teleported to another place, and on the road was a sign, ‘DANGER AHEAD! FLOWER OF HOPE”

When she saw that sign, she felt a sudden coldness in her, yet, she breathed in and continued on her journey”

Her first task was to cross the giant dragon, Anna had magically got a sword but she hadn't the heart to kill the dragon,

The dragon awoke and Anna thinking quick took a leaf and blow a tune so sweet that the dragon fell asleep,

She could cross the dragon, here she proved that she was courageous and compassionate, she proved that one must stay true to his principles.

She sees a man, dressed in rags, he claimed that he too once came like her, but fell back to the dragon he asked her if she had some food to spare,

Anna, at once took all the food she had, she said, “Dear sir, I shall get the flower of hope at once and once I get it, I shall take you home with me, my parents would be happy to take you with me….”

The man became a wizard, and was happy and impressed, he handed her the Flower and therefore she made her wish,

“Dear Anna, Started the wizard, “You are the chosen one, you portrayed true goodness in you, you are amazing, the owl and the dwarfs were set by me to try and change your mind, the dragon - many people tried to slay it, you saved it, and passed,”

“You are perfect for the role, I am proud of you”

From that day, she was never bullied again and became the star of the town!

Briana

Grade 6