Listen to “Dragon Dreams – Episode 6 – Rushing River” on Spreaker.
Alex and Emerald set off early, the crisp morning air filling them with excitement. They had heard about a magical river that flowed through a hidden valley. Legends said its waters were alive, shimmering with a mysterious light.
“Ready, Emerald?” Alex asked, fastening his backpack. Emerald gave a cheerful chirp and flapped its wings, eager for the journey ahead.
The path to the river wasn’t easy. They had to climb over rocky terrain and weave through thick clusters of trees. The sound of rushing water grew louder with each step, urging them forward.
When they finally reached the riverbank, Alex gasped. The river sparkled like liquid silver, and its surface shimmered as if it held the stars themselves.
“This is amazing,” Alex whispered. Emerald bent down, sniffing the water curiously.
As Alex knelt to touch the water, he noticed something unusual. The river wasn’t just sparkling—it was glowing! The currents swirled in intricate patterns, and small bursts of light danced across the surface.
“It’s alive,” Alex said in awe.
Just then, a voice echoed from the river.
“Who dares to disturb the waters of the Rushing River?”
Startled, Alex looked around. Emerging from the water was a translucent figure—a water spirit. Its form glimmered like the river, and its voice sounded like rippling waves.
“I’m Alex, and this is my friend Emerald,” Alex said, standing tall. “We’re explorers looking for the magic of the world.”
The water spirit tilted its head. “The Rushing River holds great power. Many have tried to claim it, but only the worthy may cross its waters.”
“We don’t want to take anything,” Alex said quickly. “We just want to learn.”
The spirit studied them, its eyes shimmering. “To prove your worth, you must solve the Riddle of the River.”
The water spirit raised its hand, and the currents stilled. The river’s glow intensified, forming words that shimmered like sunlight on water.
“I flow but have no legs,
I sing but have no voice,
I am clear but hold mysteries.
What am I?”
Alex thought hard. He looked at the river and its glowing waters. Then he grinned.
“It’s water!” he exclaimed.
The spirit smiled, and the river’s glow grew brighter. “You are wise, young one. But your test is not over.”
The water spirit waved its hand again, and the currents swirled, forming stepping stones that glowed faintly.
“To cross the river, you must trust its flow,” the spirit said. “Each step will only appear if your heart is pure.”
Alex looked at the glowing stones nervously. “What if I fall?”
Emerald nudged him gently, as if to say, “You can do it.”
With a deep breath, Alex stepped onto the first stone. It felt warm and solid beneath his feet.
As he moved to the next stone, it appeared just in time, glowing brighter with each step. Alex kept his focus, trusting the river’s magic.
Emerald followed, its wings fluttering lightly to balance itself. The dragon’s small jumps landed perfectly on each glowing stone.
By the time they reached the other side, Alex felt a rush of pride. “We did it!” he said, turning to Emerald.
The water spirit reappeared, smiling warmly. “You have proven yourselves worthy. As a reward, I offer you a gift.”
The spirit raised its hands, and the river’s glow condensed into a small, shimmering vial.
“This vial contains a drop of the Rushing River’s magic,” the spirit explained. “It will guide you when you’re lost and heal when you’re hurt.”
Alex accepted the vial, feeling its warmth in his hand. “Thank you,” he said sincerely.
The spirit nodded. “Remember, the river flows for those who respect its power. Use its gift wisely.”
As the spirit disappeared, the river returned to its usual sparkling state. Alex and Emerald sat by the bank for a while, watching the currents.
“This was one of our best adventures yet,” Alex said, holding the vial up to the sunlight.
Emerald purred in agreement, its tail swishing happily.
When they returned home, Alex carefully placed the vial in his Dragon Diary, noting every detail of their journey to the Rushing River. He drew pictures of the glowing stepping stones and the kind water spirit.
“Every step we take brings us closer to understanding the magic of the world,” Alex said thoughtfully.
Emerald snuggled close, its warm presence reminding Alex that they were a team—ready for whatever adventure came next.
Follow-Up Questions:
- What made the Rushing River so special and magical?
- How did Alex prove his worth to the water spirit?
- What would you do with a vial of magic water if you had one?
