
Tale twist

Protecting Stonehenge
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A Captive Start
Felix balanced the puzzle box on the wooden table in his treehouse, excitement sparking in his green eyes. Maya leaned closer, her sleek black hair brushing against her sketchbook.
“Ready?” Felix asked, his fingers hovering over the lid.
“Do it!” Maya whispered, clutching Sketch, her black cat, who seemed just as curious.
As the box opened, a brilliant light spilled out, enveloping them. Felix’s treehouse blurred, and in an instant, they found themselves in a dense forest. The air smelled of pine and damp earth.
“Stop!” A sharp voice cut through the stillness. Roman soldiers emerged, bronze helmets gleaming. Felix and Maya froze as Sketch let out a startled hiss.
The soldiers barked orders, yanking them forward. “Spies for the Britons,” one growled, tightening his grip on Felix’s arm.
In a wooden Roman camp, they were thrown into a crude cell. Felix rubbed his sore wrist, whispering, “What year is this?”
Maya’s eyes widened in realization. “Based on their armor and language... early Roman Britain. Maybe around 50 CE.”
“Fifty?” Felix blinked. “That’s nearly two thousand years ago!”
They huddled close as Sketch pawed at the wooden wall. Roman voices drifted through the cell’s small window.
“The Stonehenge must fall,” a commanding voice declared. “Its destruction will crush their spirit and force their surrender.”
“Stonehenge!” Maya gasped. “That’s sacred to the Britons. It’s older than these Romans—built about two thousand years before their time. A ceremonial site, maybe for the solstice.”
Felix nodded grimly. “If they destroy it, it’s not just history—they’re trying to wipe out hope.”
Sketch let out a low growl, mirroring their tension. The children exchanged determined glances. They couldn’t let the Romans succeed.