Walking Through Walls

By Karen Cioffi

Walking Through Walls is a fantasy chapter book based on an ancient
Chinese tale, providing a magical adventure.

• Language: English
• Publisher: 4RV Publishing
• Release date: Jun 23, 2013
• ISBN: 9780988961777

Book preview

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my grandson Lucas and all future little ones in my family.

To all the children in my family:

Reach for the stars, but be sure to take honesty and kindness along with you for the ride.

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And, special thanks to Stone Fan.

WTW ch 1 illo sketch copy.jpg

Chapter One

Wang bound the last bunch of wheat stalks as the sun beat down on the field. Sweat poured from the back of his neck drenching the cotton shirt he wore. I hate doing this work. He hurled the bundles on a cart. Father, the bales are stacked. I am going home; it is too hot.

Twelve-year-old Wang longed to be an Eternal. He craved wealth . . . and power. Spending his time learning about these mystics took his thoughts away from the certain fate of slaving in the wheat fields all his life, like his father. The wheat fields might be good for some but not for Wang. He had higher goals.

Where did I put that book? Wang searched the cottage, even looking behind bushels of potatoes and wheat.

SuLin. Did you take the book I was reading?

Wang, please do not yell. I am right here. I have not seen your book. Why are you so upset? Did you look under your bed?

Ah, yes. I think it might be there. Wang sped to his room and lifted the thin mattress. There it is.

Lying on his bed, Wang opened the book to where he had left off. Father thinks the Eternals are a myth. He thinks my goals are selfish and foolish. Wait. We will see how foolish Father is when I know magic and have great power. I will be the richest man in all of China. The sixteenth century will become the Wang period.

While reading, Wang’s eyelids grew heavy. Suddenly, a magnificent dragon with shimmering red and silver scales appeared. It was larger and more spectacular than anything Wang had ever seen or even imagined. Before he could think, the dragon lifted Wang onto its back and carried him off. They soared over the mountaintops and through the clouds. Wang held on tight.

Higher and higher they flew. The clouds swirled and turned from white into a rainbow of colors. A funny feeling crept through his body; he felt as though he could fly on his own. However, he did not dare let go of this enormous beast. Faster and faster they zoomed. The wind swept around them with fierce strength. Wang held on tighter. He leaned to the right, and the powerful creature turned toward the right. Do I have control? He leaned the other way, and the monster turned in that direction. When he tugged on its broad, muscular neck, the dragon slowed down. I am in control. A quiver ran up and down Wang’s spine. Power and freedom surged throughout his body.

PLOP. Wang’s hand grew limp, and the book fell to the floor. He opened his eyes and blinked. Where is the dragon? It could not be a dream, or could it? The sensation of reigning over such a beast still pulsated in his blood. This is the power I want — controlling great forces. He sat up and examined the room; with a crinkled brow his eyes strained to