Fiction: Group 3
The Tale of the Golden River
HKMA David Li Kwok Po College, Hikaru Fukuda, Grace - 14, Fiction: Group 3
eople of the East have heard about the ravishing fairies that protected the Golden River, about how
the fairies would help bring water to humans from the river for healing, about fairies protecting and
feeding the earth and trees around the river and about the Queen who created the River, the Golden
River. These were told by their ancestors but sadly, all magic, all stories related had been destroyed by
Emperor Qin 500 years ago. Foolishness and greed had seeped through Emperor Qin’s heart thinking that
magic would overthrow him and his power. Thinking that his people would turn away from him and take
cover in Queen Pearl Ling Chui’s side. He then ordered all magic in the Golden River destroyed. Fairies
were captured and burnt, the Queen’s heart was broken and she had lost power. Fortunately, the Queen and
some fairies escaped the wrath and unmerciful massacre of Emperor Qin.
But that was 500 years ago. Queen Pearl had come back and rebuilt the River once again with the small yet
efficient fairies and talking trees. Unfortunately, after the gory massacre everyone in the East thought the
Queen had died and the Golden River had been destroyed, now the Golden River was all a myth to them .
It seemed like no one would ever believe it still lived especially after the Emperor ordered his guards to
build walls around the River and talking trees so that no one could enter . People had tried to enter the
walls but it only lead to their deaths. Yet of course, walls don’t last long and they would eventually start
crumbling down.
Xiaden Leung was tired of his family constantly demoralizing the fact that he was not a brave soldier
unlike his brother who was the General of the Emperor’s army. Xiaden Leung felt jealous; saddening and
dark thoughts enter his head, hoping a stroll around the forest would help clear his mind. Xiaden Leung
hadn’t realized that he crossed the walls that surrounded the inner forest. He decided to return and apologize
to his parents for leaving without a word until he heard music and water flowing. How is that possible?, he
thought. He looked back and thought of the things his family had said and turned his head to the direction
the sweet music came from. “I’ll find a way back.”, he whispered to himself.
The forest was not a smooth journey. He had fallen twice and blood dripped from his wounds. He was
desperate to find the source of where the music came from. There he found a river nothing like the ones he
had seen during his trips. This river was as clear as glass and shimmered like diamonds. It was beautiful. After
a few minutes of admiring the view, a sharp pain from his leg started to weaken him. The last thing he saw
before he fainted was a luminous light.
Xiaden Leung woke up by the sound of chattering. He screamed when he saw something flying in front of
him.
“Quiet!”, said the creature with blue wings.
“Let him be.”, replied the creature with green wings.
“Careful, he might be part of the evil guy who destroyed most our friends.”, said a creature with red wings.
“Xiaoyue, we mustn’t speak of that!”, warned another creature.
“What are, who are you?, he stammered struggling to find the right words to say.
“We are the guardians of the Golden River and we work for the wisest, most humble…”
“Beautiful!” added Xiaoyue
“and kind queen, Queen Pearl”
Then every little creature bowed to a woman dressed in a beautiful blue, silk gown who was walking
towards them. She giggled and said,
“Thank you for that lovely introduction, Guangguang.”
Guangguang blushed and replied, “I only speak the truth, your majesty.”
“I see you have recovered.”, said the lady.
Xiaden Leung hadn’t realized that his wounds were gone.
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