The Traveling Companion
The Traveling Companion — an illustrated tales story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Tales.
Page 1
In a world sustained by bottled weather, where clouds are currency and storms are traded like spices, lived three souls whose fates were intertwined: Anders, a wanderer; Lyra, a celestial merchant; and Morwen, a shadow witch. The Sky Market, a nexus of floating islands and interconnected bridges, hummed with magical commerce—yet a chilling prophecy foretold its ruin. Only a companion true of heart, tested by trials, could break the impending curse. The air crackled with anticipation, heavy with the knowledge that destiny's game was about to begin.
Page 2
Anders, burdened by debts he couldn't repay, watched the sky-ships depart for distant markets. He longed to escape his dreary life. One day, Lyra approached him, her eyes reflecting the bottled sunlight, "Anders, I need a traveling companion. Someone to protect me on a long journey. Will you accept?"
Page 3
Anders hesitated. "What's the catch, Lyra? These journeys aren't safe." Lyra smiled faintly, pulling out a small, antique compass. "This compass points to true north. It was made by the greatest minds of our civilization. But I need protection, not just navigation. I'll pay you well, Anders, with secrets no one else knows."
Page 4
Their journey took them into the Cloud Forest, a labyrinth of swirling mists and treacherous pathways. A gruff voice stopped them. "Halt! Toll for passage. Gold, or forfeit your weather rights!" Anders bristled but Lyra placed a hand on his arm. "Patience, Anders. We must be diplomatic,"
Page 5
Deeper in the forest, they stumbled upon a clearing. At its center stood a mirror, framed in twisted roots. As Anders approached it, a voice echoed, "Look into the mirror, wanderer. See your true self: a failure, a debtor, a fool!" Anders staggered back, his hand flying to his heart. "It's a trick," Lyra said sharply. "Don't believe it!"
Page 6
Emerging from the forest, they found themselves at a crossroads. One path led to a city of glittering gold, the other to a humble village bathed in soft light. A sign read, "Choose your treasure." Anders hesitated. "Gold could solve all my problems..." Lyra's voice was stern. "Anders, 'Not all that glitters is gold,' as Shakespeare said. What truly matters?"
Page 7
As they approached the village, a figure emerged from the shadows: Morwen, the shadow witch. "Lyra," she hissed, "you cannot escape your fate. The Sky Market will fall! Give me the compass, and I might spare you both." Anders stepped forward. "We will not yield!"
Page 8
"The compass isn't just for navigation," Lyra explained, her voice ringing with newfound strength. "It also reveals the hidden truths within ourselves. Show her, Anders!" Anders, remembering the compass, held it high. The needle spun wildly, then pointed directly at Morwen. A wave of pure light erupted from the compass.
Page 9
The light stripped away Morwen's illusions, revealing a woman consumed by fear. "I wanted to protect the Sky Market," she cried, her voice filled with despair. "But I was afraid of change!" Lyra approached her gently. "Fear is a prison, Morwen. Only truth can set you free."
Page 10
The curse was broken. Morwen embraced the future. Anders learned that true wealth lies not in gold, but in the courage to face one's fears and help others. They returned to the Sky Market. It stood stronger than ever before. He became Lyra's trusted partner, soaring above the cloud markets, now unbound by fear or debt.
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)
Questions and answers
Read Wonder Tales on your phone
Wonder Tales is available on Android. Get Wonder Tales on Google Play.