The Dog and the Sparrow
The Dog and the Sparrow — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In a crystal cave where lost melodies echoed, lived a loyal dog named Argus and a brave sparrow named Pip. Argus, a guardian of the cave's entrance, faced the daily temptation of glistening gold veins running through the rock. Pip, with his sharp eyes and quicker wit, saw the world with clarity. Their tale is a reminder that greed, like a haunting echo, can consume even the most loyal heart, while true freedom lies in simple loyalty.
Page 2
Argus faithfully guarded the crystal cave, his days marked by the sunrise filtering through the crystalline entrance. He enjoyed the warmth of the sun on his fur and the comforting echoes within. "Another day, another watch," he'd often bark, his tail thumping against the cave floor, "And another day of ignoring those shiny rocks!"
Page 3
One day, a merchant arrived, his eyes gleaming brighter than the gold itself. "Such a faithful guardian!" he exclaimed, stroking Argus's head. "I'll reward your loyalty with a mountain of gold!" Argus looked at the glittering veins in the wall, then back at the merchant. A seed of doubt had been planted.
Page 4
The merchant tossed a single gold coin to Argus. "A taste of what awaits!" he boomed. The dog hesitated, then nudged the coin with his nose. "Just one, for now," he mumbled. Pip chirped a warning from above.
Page 5
"More!" the merchant urged, piling more gold before the dog. Argus, now mesmerized, began to neglect his post. "Just until I have enough," he muttered. Pip flew to a nearby stalactite, shaking his head. "Remember your duty!" he cried.
Page 6
Consumed by greed, Argus left the cave entirely, chasing after the merchant and his promises. "Soon, all this will be mine!" he thought. Pip watched in dismay as shadows crept into the unprotected entrance. "He's lost his way!" he lamented.
Page 7
That night, thieves slipped into the unguarded cave, stealing the most precious crystals. Pip, seeing the chaos, flew after Argus. "Wake up!" he cried. "Your greed has blinded you!"
Page 8
Argus returned to find the cave ransacked and the merchant vanished. "Where is my reward?" he cried, panic rising. Pip landed on his shoulder, saying, "'Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom,' Aristotle said. You lost yourself to greed, Argus."
Page 9
The stolen crystals were gone, and the mountain of gold turned to dust, revealing itself as fool's gold. Argus stared at the worthless pile, realizing his folly. Pip chirped softly, "It's not too late to return to your duty."
Page 10
Argus returned to his post, guarding the cave not for gold, but for the simple duty itself. The melodies within the cave echoed anew, clearer than before. He had lost much but found something far more valuable. And the gold he chased was the very thing that left him with nothing.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
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