Author : Kavyaan Bindlish

Peter was taking swimming lessons when he found an underwater tunnel. Curiosity led him closer and he saw that the tunnel led to a secret door. He reached out for the knob, just then the coach announced, "Time up.....time up”; and he had to leave the pool .

He lay in bed all night, wondering what lay behind that door. Next day, he couldn't wait for his lessons to finish so that he could reach the pool early. He swam straight at the end of the secret tunnel and toward the door.

He gently pushed the door that opened into a small room. He stood facing a huge wall. A black carving on the wall read, "only one may enter!”. Peter was petrified. He decided to leave immediately and upon returning home, narrated the whole incident to his mother.

His mother rested her hand on her shoulder and began, "When I was your age, I also entered the room. It was home to a demon, who cut my left-hand thumb”. His mother warned him from going inside the room, but Peter was a mischievous boy and he liked adventure. He headed for the room once again. But only to go deeper into it this time!

There were 2 tunnels, one with a door labelled: "Office of Prof: J.H Trotter”. He entered the door and was greeted by a phantom man who said, "Hello! Peter”.

Peter spoke in a faint voice, "How do you know my name?”

The phantom said "I’m your father. I was tricked and trapped here by my magician friend Jack Brown. Only then I got to know that Jack was not my friend.”

Peter was shocked. He fumbled, "But father, mother told me that you died in a car crash.”

"No dear, that was a lie, your mother told you, because she didn’t want her children to get involved with magic.”

He continued, "Here, take this sword and enter the other tunnel. You can defeat the monster with this sword and get the ring. Once you wear the ring and touch me, I will be free of the curse. Please hurry my son....”

Peter took the sword and rushed into the tunnel. A ferocious monster stood before him.

The monster chased Peter. Peter crouched and jumped holding tight on the sword, looking for a gap and the right opportunity to stab the monster. Tired of the duel, Peter slipped and his grip was on the sword was slowly loosening. The monster closed in over him and without losing any moment, Peter gathered all his strength, and, in a flash, thrust the sword in the neck of the mighty giant.

The loud groan of the monster was indicative that the damage was done at the right spot. Peter quickly rolled away and pulled the ring hanging from the monster’s neck. He ran to his father, gripping tightly on the ring. He touched his father with his hand wearing the ring and set him free of the curse. They hugged and tears of happiness rolled down their cheeks. Both hurried and swam out of the pool. They reached home and surprised his mother who almost fainted with shock when she saw her husband. The great reunion called for tea and cakes which mother arranged for all, and were savoured with the story of Peter’s bravery.

 

Kavyaan Bindlish is 10 years old, from Modern Vidya Niketan School, Aravalli Hills, Faridabad. He is an avid reader and a story writer. His favourite genre is mystery and science fiction. Kavyaan has a beautiful literary expression. He wishes to be a scientist when he grows up, but also wants to
continue his writings for children