The Land Of Coins

• Laura Barry, Grade 5
• Short Story
• 2013

Once their lived a little boy called Astrid. He was very courageous and was keen for any type of adventure. One bright sunlit day Astrid felt like exploring. His mum said he could play as long as he was back home by sundown. He set off strolling down his country road. As he was walking along he noticed a deep dark cave that he had never noticed before. He knew deep down inside that he shouldn't go in. But, as always, his curiosity got the better of him. “I’m sure I can stay for a little while to investigate” he thought to himself. As he walked inside the cave he was amazed by what he saw. In beneath all the dirt and rubble was a beautiful golden chest!.He slowly opened it and he gasped in amazement. "Wow!"he said. The chest was FULL OF COINS!.As he leaned in to take a closer look...... SNAP! he fell into the chest. Without warning, Astrid was swirled into another world!.
When Astrid woke up he was lying on a ground so soft and so comfortable that it felt like it was a bed. As he slowly got up, he was amazed by what he saw in every direction. Everything was made of coins!!.While he was admiring the view,he felt a soft hand touch his shoulder."Hello. Welcome to the land of coins" a voice said. A tall unusual looking girl welcomed him."I am the coin master,the leader of this world",she said softly."Hi, I'm not from this world" Astrid said nervously. He was terrified of this unusual girl. After all, he didn't know this world or any of its people!. The master noticing how worried and confused he was, questioned him. "You look worried child. Whatever is the matter?".Astrid fell silent and stumbled to his feet."Well, I promised my mother I would be back by sundown. I do love my mother very much and would hate for her to worry about me", he said. The masters' smile quickly faded."You are a cute little thing and I'm very sorry to tell you that once you arrive in the Land of Coins there is no way to go back. I'm sorry." Astrid grew very ALARMED!."Oh no,please is there anything I can do to get home?" he begged. The master was deep in thought once again."Well maybe their is one way" she said."Come with me" she ordered. They came upon a large rocky castle in the center of the land. As they walked he was impressed by the polished floors and great atmosphere.The master walked towards a large white board and played a video clip. "Answer this question for me" she said. "What is two plus two?". Astrid broke into a cold
sweat."oh no" he thought! I know the basics but this is sooooo hard!!"
"Five seconds left" the coin master said as she neared Astrid."um um ah two" he guessed ,trying to act like he knew the answer."YES!!!!!!!!!". she said. "I will send you home now". "So long Astrid," she said. "Always live your life to the fullest everyday". Suddenly and without warning, Astrid was sucked up into a swirling cloud and was swirled all the way home. When he reached his house, he ran to his mom and hugged her."Back so soon?" she asked. Astrid laughed and thought."I won't be going adventuring again for a very LONG time"