The Tree of El

By Maria Teresa Atallah

Maia lives in the tropical country of Guyana, South America. Her adventures begin when she is left a treasure box by her beloved Granny Harriet. Within the box is a map of the ancient lost city of El Dorado, the City of Gold. At the centre of the city is a magnificent golden-barked oak tree called The Tree of El. Maia is following in the footsteps of a long line of explorers who have faced danger and hardship in their search for the fabulous treasure. Journey with her as she discovers The Secret of El Dorado City: The Tree of El.

• Language: English
• Publisher: A H Stockwell
• Release date: Nov 21, 2018
• ISBN: 9780722344439

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Prologue

The City of Gold

In a time long ago, deep in the heart of the interior of Guyana, South America, was a magnificent city called El Dorado. It was magnificent because it had been designed and constructed by a master builder, and it was so beautiful it took your breath away. He had used the finest timbers, bricks and glass in the land to make this city spectacular. It was a city of marvellous light, full of colour and life.

All the people who lived there cared for, served and loved one another. They were concerned with helping one another. It was prosperous and everyone was equal in status; each person dressed in fine garments and was counted as a king or queen. No one lacked for food, money or joy.

Each family had exquisitely crafted houses; all the large bay windows had colourful pictures on them made from the finest glass, reflecting the shards of sunlight. Everyone was happy and joyful in their work.

Laughter was heard throughout the city as everyone went to and fro on the gold streets, where the gold had been so refined it looked transparent. No one ever cried in sorrow; the only tears shed were tears of laughter.

El Dorado was named the City of Gold because at its centre was a solitary, gigantic, golden-barked oak tree, which bore fruit of solid-gold nutmegs. The Tree of El towered over all the other trees in the city. The tree’s bark glittered and shimmered in the light with encrusted jewels. El gave his gifts of gold nutmegs to his people. Each family was called by El to come and visit, for El communicated with his people. Entrance to the tree was through a simple oak door in the massive trunk. The families were given what they needed. All who entered through El’s door left feeling refreshed, encouraged and full of peace.

A time came when people came from far-off lands, having heard of the legend of the City of Gold. These people wore grey helmets and silver-grey metal jackets that clanked and clashed as they marched. They brought sorrow with them. Their faces had known little laughter, being fierce, grim and