Shores of the Enchanted Isles I Story By Samaira, 9, Bangalore

Shores of the Enchanted Isles

​This is a story from a time when people believed in magic. There was once an island named Fantasy Island that everyone longed to visit. So, what made this island so exceptional that everyone wanted to find it? Yes, you guessed it correctly: it was the only magical place in the middle of the seven oceans. However, finding it was nearly impossible because, just when they believed they had located it, a storm could break out and drive the seas into chaos, drowning the ships in the process.

Numerous mythical creatures, including dragons, unicorns, griffins, and others, were said to exist on the island. It also rained diamonds and gemstones on the island, making it a target for greedy individuals. Several pirates have attempted to invade the island in the past in an attempt to take its natural riches, injuring both the local population and numerous mythological animals in the process of trying to apprehend them. Therefore, the chief of the inhabitants and his daughter put a spell to safeguard the island with a storm when any avaricious visitors tried to invade. For many years thereafter, this kept the island safe and hidden.

Until Captain Layla discovered it. Captain Layla was a daughter of Thomas and Lisa. Thomas spent his entire life loving and taking care of animals as a veterinarian. Layla assisted him with his work as he grew older. Lisa, Layla’s mother, was an adventurer who enjoyed traveling. Layla also made the decision to follow in her mother’s footsteps and become an explorer when she grew older. Layla loved to help those in need and was a fearless, clever, and friendly person. Layla asked her parents whether she may go on a solo expedition when she turned eighteen. In addition to granting her permission, her parents extended an invitation for her to travel on her mother’s ship. Layla made the quick decision to head out because she was so excited. Thus, she bid her parents farewell briefly before embarking on her first independent journey.

Layla bravely survived numerous storms while sailing for several weeks. However, during a storm, Layla lost her sense of direction when a massive wave lifted her ship and tossed it back into the sea. Layla was always dependent on the stars to guide her; she was able to cruise for several days without being able to recognize any stars in the sky. She was unsure about her location! She appeared to be in a completely different universe.

Abruptly, she noticed a shimmering island and chose to head in that direction. Surprisingly, the locals there welcomed her when she arrived. They were shocked that she was seeing the island and not the storm, so they stepped gently closer to her. The chief then clarified that the island only hides from those who are greedy and not from compassionate individuals. Thus, they extend a warm greeting to her.

Layla was overcome with gratitude for her lucky discovery of the fantasy island on her very first journey. Which, she’d thought, was just a bedtime tale. Throughout her visit, the locals provided her with an abundance of exotic fruits and beverages. Layla saw that the island was home to a large number of injured animals. She made the decision to remain longer and assist in caring for all the needy animals. She was greatly appreciated by the locals, who chose to give her bags filled with diamonds and gems, as a token of gratitude. Layla, nevertheless, declined the presents. The chief, however, urged her to take it home and give it to those in need.

Layla praised the locals for their kindness after accepting the gifts. She assured them that she would come see them in a year and exchange supplies from her homeland, something the fantasy island lacked. Thus, Layla found a path for trade between her land and the fantasy world.

Author and Pic Credit : Samaira J Shetty

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