The Lost City of Zanira

A boy, age twelve, was named Salar Sikandar. He lived near the big hills. His mind was full of big thoughts & his heart knew no fear. He liked to look around, read old books, & hear his grandpa's tales. His top tale was one of lost towns & old myths.

He loved one story best.

A town of gold hid in the woods, his grandpa once said. They call it Zanira. But it's not for the ones who want more. Only the bold & nice can find it.

Salar kept those words in his mind.

The Map in the Attic

One day, as he helped his mom clean the attic, Salar found a dusty book. Out fell a thin, old map with odd marks. A red X was on it, near the woods' edge.

"Zanira," he said, eyes big.

He ran to show the map to his good pal, Amina.

Do you want to find a lost town with me? he asked.

Amina's face shone. Yes, I do.

Into the Woods

The next day, Salar took food, drink, a light, a red needle, & the map. Amina took her book & a rope. They told their moms & dads they'd hike & be home by dark.

As they went into the woods, the trees got big & the air cool. Birds sang, & light danced on the path.

Soon, they saw a big stream.

How do we cross? Amina asked.

Salar saw a tree down over the water.

With care, he said, hand out.

They got across & kept to the map into the woods till a big stone gate in the hills, moss all over it, showed up.

The gate had marks like the map had.

It's a quiz, Salar said. We must work it out to go in.

Amina looked at the map. "Try the sun, the moon, & the hill."

Salar hit each mark in that line. The land shook. The stone gate moved open, showing a lit path with blue stones.

Tests & Snares

They went in, their steps loud. Then click.

Amina took in a sharp breath. The floor under her feet sank.

Salar! she yelled.

He moved fast & got her back safe.

That was close, he said, out of breath. We must be sharp.

They moved slow & found a room with sun light.

They had made it.

The Town of Gold

Zanira.

Gold walls shone. Stone lions & birds were all down the ways. Clear water ran in stone ways. All was still, yet it felt full of life.

It's more grand than I thought, Amina said low.

In the town's heart was a big house. Inside was a gold seat & a wall with old words. Salar went close & read out loud:

Only those with a true heart can take the gold.

Then, a voice was heard.

Who comes to Zanira?

A light form came—like an old man, with eyes bright like fire.

We're just kids, Salar said, firm. We came to learn, not to take.

The shape looked at them a long while.

You tell true, it said. That is not often. You may take one thing… & go in peace.

Salar saw the gold & bright stones. Then he turned to the light shape.

I want to know more of this place. Can I have a book on Zanira's past?

The shape gave a smile.

You are smart for your age.

A gold book came to Salar’s hands soft.

For your truth & guts, Zanira will always welcome you.

And just like that, the glow was gone.

They Go Back

Salar & Amina went by the map through the woods. They got home just as the sun set.

Their moms & dads were on the porch.

Where were you? Their mom asked.

We saw something great, Amina said.

They kept some back. But Salar showed them the gold book.

That night, under his covers, he read.

It told of ships that fly, kings of starlight, & blooms that last forever.

& as Salar flipped each page, he smiled, sure this was just the start of much more.