Geneva and the Yellow Sun Kingdom

This is a story I wrote in one night for my daughter (1st grade student of the week). They said she could bring in something about her or a story, so I made a story with her as the main character.

Once there was a wild cheetah named, Geneva. She lived in a vast forest that was bordered by two kingdoms. To the North was the kingdom of the Yellow Sun and to the South was the Kingdom of the Black Moon.

One day, Geneva the cheetah was getting ready to pounce on an unsuspecting deer when a horse burst through the underbrush. Geneva decided to follow the horse since her dinner had been scared away. As she got close to the horse, she noticed it carried a rider from the kingdom of the Yellow Sun. He was slumped over and gripping the neck of the horse and an arrow stuck out from his arm. Geneva ran up to the side of the horse and yelled, “What are you running for?” The horse yelled back, “Riders from the Black Moon Kingdom!” Geneva looked back over her shoulders and saw no one in pursuit. “They’re gone!”, she cried. So, the horse slowed it’s pace and eventually stopped. Geneva asked, “What happened?” The horse said, “My rider, Prince Ian of the Yellow Sun Kingdom, and I were taking our morning ride in the forest when we were ambushed. They tried to cut us off and grab the Prince but, I quickly cut past them. That’s when they shot an arrow. It was meant to stop me but the Prince put himself between it and me and that’s when he was hit.” Geneva could tell the Prince was in bad shape and he looked like he lost a great deal of blood. She said, “You need to get him back to his kingdom but I can’t let you go alone in case the Black Moon Riders are still in the forest.”

So, Geneva, the horse and the Prince took off toward the Yellow Sun Kingdom. As they came up to a clearing, they all slowed, wary that they might be caught out in the open. Cautiously, they ventured into the clearing. Halfway through, Geneva noticed shadows keeping pace with them. “They’re here”, she whispered. “When I say, “run”, you run, and don’t stop ‘til you reach the castle.” The horse nodded. Then Geneva yelled, “Run!” Geneva, the horse and the Prince took off running at full speed with the shadows just behind them. As they broke through the last of the forest, into the Kingdom of the Yellow Sun, they heard a volley of arrows and felt the air move around them; they each were narrowly missed. Turning sharply, Geneva yelled, “Go on!” And, she ran straight toward the Black Moon Riders. Being caught off guard, their horses reared up as Geneva came close and each rider fell. Grabbing a rope in her teeth that was hanging from one of the riders saddles, Geneva weaved in and out and around the riders until they were all tied up together. Just then guards from the Yellow Sun Kingdom rode up and arrested the Black Moon riders.

Geneva ran back up to the castle to check on the Prince and the horse. When she arrived, the King and Queen were waiting for her. The Queen extended her hand to Geneva and said, “Geneva, the Prince has arrived safely and his wounds are being cared for, thanks to you. As thanks for helping our son, we would like you to live with us here in the castle, where we would take care of you.” Geneva said, “With much appreciation, I must decline. For I am a wild cheetah and love the forest.” The King and Queen nodded in agreement. Then the King said, “Then you shall always be welcome to visit us whenever you choose. We are forever in your debt.”

Geneva bowed gently and was led to visit the Prince and the horse and after there was a great celebration in her honor. In the morning, Geneva said good-bye to the people of the Yellow Sun Kingdom and returned to her forest and everyone lived happily ever after.

 

The End

Author's Note

Ian is actually my son's name, had to include him as well. I want to turn this into a children's book with illustrations. I'm sure there are places where it can be shored up and would like feedback. Like I said previously, I wrote it in one night. Thanks for reading!