Journey to the Emerald City

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Journey to the Emerald City

• By Eagle Class

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Ben loved spending time on the beach, it was his
favourite place. He loved watching the waves
crashing on the shore, hearing the cry of the
seagulls and the smell of the salty air. This
year the family were holidaying in Cornwall and
Ben had been eager to rush down to the nearby
beach.
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Ben went exploring and soon came across a small
cave tucked away in the rocks. Despite the
darkness of the cave Ben did not feel afraid and
he was eager to go in further. Strangely he could
not smell salt air anymore instead the smell of
pine needles filled his nostrils. Ben was also
puzzled to hear the sound of trees blowing in the
breeze. Curious he went deeper into the cave the
light behind him dwindling to a tiny speck. Ahead
of him he could see another light, dim at first
but growing stronger as he drew nearer.
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Bens eyes slowly adjusted to the light. He was
waiting to see the beautiful white sand and the
calm gentle waves lapping at the shore. Instead
he saw hundreds of tall trees, their branches
like dark claws reaching out to him. A cold,
eerie mist floated through the forest and its
touch sent shivers down Bens spine. Haunting
cries and screeches that didnt sound like they
had come from animals filled his ears. He looked
around and realised the only way forward was
through the forest.
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Cautiously Ben entered the forest. Dark shadows
seemed to close in on him from all directions so
he quickened his pace. He felt like he had been
walking for hours and he was starting to become
aware that he was not alone. A rustling noise
sounded behind him and when he turned nothing
could have prepared him for the awful sight that
lay before him. Ben screamed and ran faster than
he had ever run before. He did not stop running
until he reached the edge of the forest. His
heart felt like it was going to explode with
terror.
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Bursting through the trees Ben collapsed on the
ground panting for breath. When he had recovered
he slowly took in his surroundings. In the
distance he saw a huge, dark castle with turrets
which seemed to touch the sky. Even from here the
castle did not look inviting, no light was
showing in any of the windows. Ben wondered if
the way back to the beach was in the castle.
Cautiously he began to approach the castle afraid
of what lay in wait for him.
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The heavy wooden door of the castle creaked open.
Ben could see shadows from the flickering candles
dancing on the walls. Inside the hall of the
castle there were many doors leading off, Ben was
unsure of which one to take. After opening them
all he decided the one leading down to the cellar
would hold the answers. At the bottom of the
steps Ben could hear loud snoring coming from the
corner of the cellar. Lying on its side slept a
large scaly dragon, a golden key lay on the floor
in front of it. Ben crept silently towards the
dragon not daring to breathe in case it should
suddenly wake. Crouching down he reached out and
took the key. Bens hands were slippery with
sweat and as he turned he dropped the key which
made a loud clanking noise as it struck the hard
ground. From behind Ben the dragon stirred,
without daring to look Ben snatched the key up
and ran for the cellar door. As he reached it,
the dragons ear splitting roar filled his eyes
and he could feel its fiery breathe burning his
shoulders.
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The key gleamed in Bens hand and he could feel
its magic running through his veins. In the
distance he saw a green beam of light
illuminating the sky. It was warm and inviting,
unlike the two places he had just visited. Ben
knew that reaching the source of the green light
would somehow take him home. With a surge of
excitement and energy Ben began running to
towards the light, the golden key grasped firmly
in his hand.
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Soon the Emerald City lay before him, the huge
green gates opened widely, welcoming him in. Ben
was greeted by hundreds of smiling people, their
happy faces made him feel relaxed and calm. One
green woman took him by the hand and led him to
her home and fed him sweet green cakes, which
tasted delicious. He drank scrumptious hot, green
tea, it was like nothing he had tasted before.
Ben showed the kind woman the golden key and she
told him that all he had to do was place it in
the lock of the palaces door and it would take
him home. Ben followed the woman to the palace.
The whole city watched as he turned the key in
the lock. At first nothing happened. Ben tried
again only this time he pushed his hand against
the heavy door. Suddenly a bright white light
filled the world of green and Ben was sucked
forward through the door. He closed his eyes
against the light and found himself tumbling
through the air, spinning faster and faster. He
landed with a bump and when he slowly opened his
eyes he saw the beautiful blue sea and felt the
golden sand beneath him. He was finally home and
what an adventure he had had.