The Egyptian Cat Goddess
The Egyptian Cat Goddess — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Look, Elina, what's that shimmering light?" Kai asked, pointing towards a pulsating glow deeper in the trench. Elina adjusted her headlamp, its beam cutting through the inky blackness. "Could it be the legendary Sunken City of Bastet?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement. She grabbed her submersible's controls, ready to steer toward adventure.
Page 2
"According to this ancient map, the city is protected by a magical barrier," Elina said, pointing to a faded parchment. Kai leaned closer, tracing the strange symbols with his finger. "It says the barrier can only be opened by someone with a 'pure heart' and knowledge of Bastet's sacred chant." He found a torn page from a book: 'Bastet loved cats, and rewarded kindness'. "Maybe we can use that!"
Page 3
"'The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way,' Marcus Aurelius said," growled a voice. A hulking, bioluminescent anglerfish swam closer, revealing a grumpy, old sea turtle riding on its head. "I am Bartholomew, guardian of these waters. Why do you disturb the city?" Elina declared, "We're not here to steal; only to marvel at its wonders."
Page 4
"Prove your pure hearts, then!" Bartholomew challenged. "Solve my riddle: I have cities, but no houses; forests, but no trees; and water, but no fish. What am I?" Kai scratched his head. "A map!" Elina shouted. Bartholomew grumbled, "Correct. But the barrier still requires the chant. Recite it correctly, or be banished!"
Page 5
Elina hesitated. "I remember reading about a cat's purr being the key to Bastet's heart," Kai murmured. Elina nodded and tried to mimic the sound: "Purrrrrr..." Suddenly, the ocean around them shimmered with emerald light, and a massive, ornate gateway appeared before them. "Incredible!" she gasped. "It worked!"
Page 6
As they entered, a swarm of tiny, mechanical scarabs whizzed past. "These are ancient guardians," Bartholomew explained, "they'll attack anything impure." Suddenly, one lunged at Kai, its pincers snapping. Elina shoved Kai out of the way, but the scarab ripped a hole in her diving suit. "We have to be careful!" she shouted, adrenaline coursing through her veins.
Page 7
"Remember what that book said? 'Bastet rewarded kindness'," Kai reminded her. He quickly grabbed a piece of coral and offered it to the scarab. To their surprise, the scarab paused, then gently took the coral and flew away. "It seems they only attack those who are unkind!" Elina exclaimed. She patched her suit, looking relieved.
Page 8
Deeper in the city, they found Bastet's temple, guarded by a colossal stone cat. Its eyes glowed ominously. "The final test: only one who shows true courage can pass," Bartholomew warned. Elina remembered the torn page that showed Bastet rewards kindness and how she shoved Kai out of the way. Steeling her resolve, Elina stepped forward and gently touched the cat's paw. "I chose my friend's safety over my own!"
Page 9
The stone cat purred, and the temple doors swung open, revealing a dazzling chamber filled with ancient treasures. "You have proven worthy," Bartholomew announced. "Kindness and courage are the greatest treasures of all." Elina and Kai exchanged smiles. "We should bring some of these artifacts back," Kai suggested. Elina shook her head. "These treasures belong here. We should bring stories back!"
Page 10
"We learned that even the deepest ocean holds beauty and kindness, Elina," Kai remarked as their submersible ascended. "True treasure is not gold, but the courage to be kind, especially when it's difficult," she replied, remembering her own bravery. "Just like the saying, 'The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart,' as Helen Keller said," smiled Elina. She started the engine.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)