The Roman Chariot Race
The Roman Chariot Race — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
The harbor of Aethor shimmered under a sky dusted with starlight. "Faster, Lyra, faster!" shouted young Caius, urging his friend onward as they raced their miniature sailboats. Starlight rippled on the river, reflecting in Lyra's bright eyes as she pushed off from the docks. Would she finally beat Caius?
Page 2
Lyra's little boat surged ahead, catching a favorable ripple of starlight. "Look, Caius, what's that?" she exclaimed, spotting a glint of metal beneath the shimmering surface. Diving into the luminous water, Lyra resurfaced, clutching a strange, intricately carved golden amulet. It felt warm to the touch, pulsing faintly.
Page 3
"That's an amulet of old Aethor," a voice boomed, making them jump. A wizened old fisherman, Silas, approached, his face etched with wrinkles, and a long white beard flowing in the gentle breeze. "Legend says it grants the wearer great courage in times of peril." He paused, stroking his chin. "As Seneca said, 'Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.' Perhaps this amulet signals a new challenge for you both."
Page 4
"A challenge?" Caius scoffed, "What kind of challenge could a dusty old amulet bring?" Just then, the ground began to tremble. A shimmering portal opened in the center of the harbor, swirling with colors unlike anything they had ever seen. "This kind of challenge," Lyra said, her eyes wide with excitement and fear.
Page 5
Before they could react, a magnificent chariot, pulled by two starlight horses, burst through the portal, scattering shimmering dust. A young woman with fierce eyes and braided black hair struggled to control the steeds. "Help me!" she cried, her voice echoing across the harbor. "The portal is collapsing! If the chariot returns, it will destroy Aethor!"
Page 6
Lyra and Caius exchanged a frantic look. The portal pulsed erratically, threatening to close at any moment. "We have to help her stop the chariot," Lyra declared, stepping forward. But as they approached, a shadowy figure emerged from the portal, blocking their path. "You shall not interfere!" the figure hissed, its eyes glowing with an eerie green light.
Page 7
"I'll distract him," Caius shouted, grabbing a nearby fishing net. He hurled it at the shadowy figure, momentarily ensnaring it. "Go, Lyra, help the driver!" Without hesitation, Lyra sprinted toward the chariot, the golden amulet pulsing warmth against her chest. The woman, seeing Lyra approach, nodded grimly.
Page 8
Lyra, remembering Silas's words, clutched the amulet and felt a surge of courage. "We can do this!" she yelled, her voice ringing with newfound strength. As the portal shrunk, threatening to drag the chariot back, Lyra leaped onto the vehicle and, with the driver, swiftly unhitched the horses. At the last moment, they jumped clear, the chariot vanishing into the portal just as it slammed shut. "Brave hearts find the way!" Lyra exclaimed.
Page 9
The chariot driver, introducing herself as Aurelia, smiled gratefully. "You both possess remarkable courage. My world owes you a great debt." She explained that the shadowy figure was a sorcerer attempting to steal their most powerful chariot, one capable of manipulating starlight. "Without your help, he would have succeeded, dooming Aethor!"
Page 10
"We just did what anyone would do," Caius shrugged, though a hint of pride shone in his eyes. Lyra smiled, clutching the amulet. "We learned that even the smallest person can be brave with the right motivation, with the help of others," she said. Aurelia nodded. "And that, is a lesson worth more than any victory, I believe."
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
Read Wonder Books on your phone
Wonder Books is available on Android and iPhone and iPad. Get Wonder Books on Google Play · Get Wonder Books on the App Store.