The Helpless Mother

The Helpless Mother

The magician began explaining, Look, on top of the mountain ahead, there is a waterfall. If you bring water from that waterfall and give it to your mother, the magicians spell will be broken instantly. But reaching the waterfall is not easy. There is a dense jungle along the way, full of wild animals and venomous snakes, all under the control of magic. Ghosts, spirits, and genies also dwell around the waterfall, and magical clouds hover over it constantly. However, there is a way to protect yourself.

What is the way Jamalo asked.

In the jungle, there is a special bush with white flowers, guarded by a black cobra. If you break a branch from that bush, you can climb the mountain while holding it. Whenever you sense danger, just shake the branch, and no harm will come to you. But you must be brave. My best wishes are with you, said the magician before leaving.

Karim and Jamalo returned home but said nothing to their mother. That night, they planned to climb the mountain and fetch the water.

The Journey Begins

The next morning, after having breakfast, they left home, pretending to go hunting. Karim took his bow and poisoned arrows with him. They reached the bush, where they heard a loud hiss. A fierce cobra, its hood flared, was coiled near the bush. Karim took aim and shot an arrow, striking the cobras hood. Another arrow pierced through its body, pinning it to the ground, killing it instantly.

After waiting for a while, Karim approached the bush and broke off not one but two branches—one for himself and one for Jamalo. Jamalo also carried a small brass jug to collect the waterfalls water.

Holding their magical branches tightly, they climbed the steep, winding path to the top. Along the way, Jamalo stumbled and fell a few times, but Karim helped her up. After a long and exhausting climb, they finally reached the peak.

Behind a dense cluster of trees, they spotted the waterfall. They rushed towards it, and as soon as Jamalo bent down to fill her jug, chaos erupted. The entire mountain shook, and the waterfalls waters surged violently. Jamalo almost fell into the water, but Karim grabbed her in time.

Overcoming the Magical Forces

Suddenly, Karim remembered the magical leaves. He quickly plucked some and threw them into the water. Within moments, the shaking stopped, and the water calmed. Jamalo hurriedly filled the jug.

As they turned to leave, eerie voices echoed through the air. Terrified, Jamalo dropped the jug, spilling the water. Karim reassured her, saying, Dont be afraid; these are just magical illusions. Keep shaking the branch, and nothing will harm us.

They refilled the jug and hurried back down the mountain. Karim held onto the jug tightly while Jamalo carried his bow and arrows.

Suddenly, a pack of wild wolves surrounded them. Trembling, Jamalo started crying. Even Karim felt uncertain about their escape. But they held up their magical branches and kept moving forward. Miraculously, the wolves did not attack and eventually retreated into the jungle.

Returning Home

As they descended further, a giant python blocked their way. It opened its massive jaws to strike. Karim quickly plucked some leaves and threw them into the snakes mouth. The moment the leaves touched its tongue, the python vanished into thin air.

Fighting through various dangers, they finally reached the bottom of the mountain by dusk.

They rushed home and gave the waterfalls water to their sick mother. The moment she drank it, her strength returned, and her paralyzed leg healed completely. Overjoyed, she embraced her children, tears of happiness streaming down her face.

Just then, Karim noticed the magician standing at the door, smiling. Karim told his mother everything. She thanked the magician, but he said, It was your brave children who achieved this. Courage always triumphs over magic, ghosts, and fear. Your happy days have returned.

With a wave of his hand, their humble hut transformed into a grand palace. Following the magicians advice, Karim burned the magical branches in a fire.

As the branches burned, smoke rose from the mountains peak, signaling the end of all evil spirits. The next morning, the oncefeared mountain had disappeared completely.

Karim and Jamalo cultivated the land, and soon, the oncebarren valley flourished with lush green fields all belonging to Karim and his family.