The Magic Rod
By David R.
Once upon a time, there was a Dragon, named Wang. He was a dragon who lived in a cave in China's Qui forest. He was huge and green with a yellow-colored tummy, and big, red ears. He had a wife, named Li Li, who looked the same way. They had a baby dragon in an egg. It was very big and pure white. The egg was so white that you could see someone's fingerprint if they touched it. It was kept nice and warm so it would hatch and be safe from others. They wanted to keep it safe from others because a dragon egg was worth a lot of money.
They knew the Emperor Mu Tang Woo and Empress Kay Woo very well. One time, Mu Tang and Kay wanted to visit the forest because they never got out much. But, as Mu Tang and Kay were walking, they heard someone talking. So they sent their soldiers over to the cave with a candle so they could see.
One of the soldiers said, "Halt, in the name of the Emperor and Empress Woo."
Then Wang and Li Li, came out of the cave carrying their baby egg.
Wang said, "It's just us."
The soldiers were not afraid because they knew dragons were good and brought good luck. The soldiers reported to Mu Tang and Kay that dragons lived in the cave. Since both Mu Tang and Kay knew dragons were good luck, they decided to meet them. When they reached the cave, Wang, Li Li, and their baby egg were at the cave's entrance.
"Hello, my name is Mu Tang Woo, the Emperor of China."
"Hello, my name is Kay Woo, the Empress of China."
Suddenly Mu Tang and Kay saw that the dragon's egg had not hatched. Mu Tang said, "I know this sounds bad but, can I have your baby to sell for a lot of money."
"No!" Wang and Li Li said together.
Li Li said, "Why my baby? How would you feel if I took your baby?"
Mu Tang pretended to agree, but then snatched the baby from the mother's arms and jumped on his horse. He gathered the soldiers and his wife and quickly returned to his palace.
Wang and Li Li were very sad and many tears filled their eyes. They felt that way because they did not protect their baby and they blamed themselves.
A couple of days later, before Mu Tang and Kay sold the egg, Wang remembered his grandfather had buried a long lost treasure that could help them. He knew were it was because his grandfather told him and gave him clues to find it. So Wang began to dig at the spot. A few minutes later he saw a big red glow in the dirt. It was the color of blood.
After he adjusted his eyes to the brightness he picked up the Magic Rod. He was surprised to see the red magic crystal. It contained magic spirits. He remembered the magic spell his grandfather had taught him. And he remembered that his grandfather's spell transported things. So Wang used his magic rod to get his baby back.
He and his wife and child lived happily ever after.
The End