the brotherhood of the magic sword

Easy Reading for ESL Students

THE BROTHERHOOD

of the Magic Sword

by Johnny Bread

CANADIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL

BOOK 1

They are all from different backgrounds, but they have one thing in common: their hearts are in the right place.

`

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INTRODUCTION

The Brotherhood of the Magic Sword – Book 1 is a comprehensive reader designed especially for intermediate and advanced students of English as a Second Language. The book was developed and tested by full-time teachers of English. Follow the adventures of five teenagers who have their courage and hearts in the right place. The stories have plot twists and surprise endings. You will look forward to discovering what happens next. There is a prologue and thirteen chapters. Each chapter is designed to engage students in a well-rounded language learning experience. There are comprehension, vocabulary, writing and speaking exercises after each chapter. The chapters are short (about 500 words). Each chapter and its exercises can be completed in 45 minutes. This book is for everybody who wants to improve their English. It’s fun to learn English by reading interesting stories. You can also download a free audio version of the book read by a professional actor. See page 64.

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CONTENTS

PROLOGUE CHAPTER 1 A Bad Boy CHAPTER 2 Stanley’s Punishment CHAPTER 3 The Attic CHAPTER 4 Abigail’s Treasure CHAPTER 5 The Sword CHAPTER 6 Warren CHAPTER 7 Oleg CHAPTER 8 Rafi CHAPTER 9 The Brotherhood CHAPTER 10 Oleg Has an Idea CHAPTER 11 Daxia CHAPTER 12 The Fifth Member CHAPTER 13 The Map

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10

14

18

22

26

30

34

38

42

47

52

56

60

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MEET ABIGAIL DEWALT AND THE BROTHERHOOD

Abigail Dewalt

Stanley Dewalt

Daxia Chan Warren Sutter

Rafi Abdul Oleg Bobrov

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PROLOGUE

Colchester, England 1615 Abigail DeWalt was running. She was running very fast. “I must reach my house, I must reach my house before

they catch me,” she whispered. “Witch, catch the witch!” the crowd behind her was

yelling. Judge John Lord was on a horse. He was leading the crowd.

Judge John Lord was the most ferocious witch hunter the country had ever had.

Finally Abigail reached her house. She quickly opened the door, went in and locked the door behind her.

“Break down the door!” the judge shouted. The people broke down the door and peered inside the

house. It was dark in the house, and they couldn’t see a thing.

“Stay outside,” the judge said. “I’ll go inside alone.” The judge walked into the house very slowly. He was

holding a torch in his hand. There was nobody in the first room. He passed through the first room and opened the door of the next room.

There in the middle of the room he saw her. Abigail DeWalt was young. She was very tall. She had long blond hair and piercing blue eyes. She was holding a sword with

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both hands, ready to attack. “He must hold the sword,” she whispered to herself.

“What did you say?” the judge asked. “Don’t touch me, or I’ll put a curse on you,” Abigail said

looking at the judge with her piercing eyes. “Put the sword on the floor and step back,” the judge

said. “I won’t hurt you.” Abigail obeyed the judge. She put the sword on the floor

and stepped back. “Good girl,” the judge said and smiled. He picked up the

sword. Then something strange happened. The expression on

the judge’s face changed, suddenly becoming kind. He put the sword back on the floor and walked out of the house.

“Go home everybody,” he said. “Abigail DeWalt is no witch. Don’t hurt her. Let her live in peace, or you will have a problem with me.”

Abigail smiled. “It works, it works!” she shouted. The next day Abigail DeWalt disappeared and nobody in

Colchester ever saw her again. Some people said she had gone to America, but no one really knew.

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I. Fill in the right words.

whispered

disappeared

obeyed

yelling

hurt

ferocious

piercing

expression

1. Abigail spoke in a low voice.

She whispered .

2. The crowd was making a lot of noise.

The people were ____________.

3. John Lord was a brutal man.

He was ____________.

4. Abigail had burning eyes.

Her eyes were ___________.

5. People were afraid of Abigail and hated her.

They wanted to ____________ her.

6. Abigail did exactly what the judge said.

She ____________ him.

7. The judge’s face was angry. Then it became kind.

The ____________ on the judge’s face changed.

8. Abigail went away and nobody ever saw her again.

She ____________.

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II. Fill in the right expressions.

ready to attack

It works

put a curse

live in peace

1. Abigail held a sword with both hands.

She was ____________________.

2. People believed Abigail had a special power. They

believed she could ____________________ on them.

3. At the end the judge didn’t want people to hurt Abigail.

He wanted them to let her ____________________.

4. Abigail was happy that the sword did exactly what it was

supposed to do.

“____________________!” she shouted. III. Answer the questions. 1. What century did Abigail DeWalt live in?

2. Why were people chasing her?

3. Who was leading them?

4. Who was John Lord?

5. How would you describe him?

6. Who went into Abigail’s house?

7. What was Abigail holding when the judge saw her?

8. What did the judge order her to do?

9. What happened when the judge picked up the sword?

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CHAPTER 1

A BAD BOY St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada 2015

“Calm down,” Mr. Hunter shouted. “Sit down everybody. I have something important to tell you.”

Mr. Hunter was the principal of the high school. He was a man the students respected. He was strict, but fair to everybody. Good students loved him. Bad students feared him.

The students became silent and ran to their seats. Only one student didn’t move; and he was staring at the principal with a strange expression on his face. He hadn’t expected Mr. Hunter to come into the classroom.

“You too Stanley,” Mr. Hunter said. “Take your seat.” Stanley was a boy with long blond hair and blue eyes.

He was fourteen years old, but very tall for his age. He usually had a mocking grimace on his face. But this time there was fear. He slowly walked to his seat and reluctantly sat down.

“Your teacher Mr. Slim is sick,” Mr. Hunter continued. “I’ll substitute for him. So, it’s my pleasure to announce to you that you’re going on a seven day school trip next week.

There was a burst of excitement in the classroom. The students started to applaud.

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And then it happened. Mr. Hunter walked to Mr. Slim’s seat and sat down.

He screamed and jumped up. He grabbed at his behind and took a thumbtack out of it.

“Who did it?” he shouted. “Who put the thumbtack on my seat?”

There was silence in the classroom. Nobody spoke. Nobody moved.

“OK, Mr. Hunter said. “I’ll be back in ten minutes. Then you will tell me who did it. If not, the trip is canceled, and you will work in the school yard instead.”

Mr. Hunter walked out of the classroom and closed the door behind him.

The silence lasted for a few minutes. Then a boy stood up. He was almost as tall as Stanley. He had black curly hair and his teeth were as white as snow.

“I saw you Stanley, he said. “Tell Mr. Hunter it was you, or I’ll tell him.”

“It’s not your business, Warren,” Stanley said. “Shut up!” “Yes, it is,” Warren said. “I want to go on the trip. I don’t

want to work in the school yard.” Stanley walked to Warren and pushed him hard. Warren

fought back. He was not afraid of Stanley. When Mr. Hunter returned to the classroom, Stanley and

Warren were on the floor fighting. “Enough boys,” Mr. Hunter shouted. “Stop fighting, and

tell me what’s the matter.” “Stanley will tell you,” Warren said. “Stanley, is there something you want to tell me?” Mr.

Hunter asked. “Yes sir, there is,” Stanley said. “I did it. Punish me.

Don’t punish the class. I’m sorry. It wasn’t intended for you.”

“It’s very nice of you Stanley,” Mr. Hunter said. “I feel so much better now. I will reward you. You are suspended for two weeks. You won’t go on the school trip. This is also the last warning for you. Next time you will be expelled from school. I’ll call your father, and I’ll have a meeting with him. I’ll tell him what I’ve decided.”

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suspended

intended

staring

strange

reluctantly

punish

feared

strict

1. Mr. Hunter wanted all students to respect the rules.

He was strict .

2. The bad boys were afraid of Mr. Hunter.

They ____________ him.

3. Stanley was looking at Mr. Hunter for a long time.

He was ____________ at him.

4. The expression on Stanley’s face was not normal.

It was ____________.

5. Stanley didn’t want to sit down, but he had to.

He sat down ____________.

6. Stanley did something really bad.

The principal wanted to ____________ him.

7. Stanley didn’t want Mr. Hunter to sit on the thumbtack.

It was not ____________ for him.

8. Stanley couldn’t come to school for two weeks.

He was ____________.

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expelled from

burst of excitement

mocking grimace

became silent

1. The students stopped making noise.

They ____________________.

2. Stanley liked making fun of other people.

He usually had a ____________________ on his face.

3. The students were very happy. They started applauding.

There was a ____________________.

4. Stanley was a bad boy. He did many bad things.

He could’ve been ____________________ school. III. Answer the questions. 1. Who was Mr. Hunter?

2. What was he like?

3. Why was Stanley staring at him?

4. What did Mr. Hunter announce to the students?

5. What happened when Mr. Hunter sat down?

6. Who put the thumbtack on the teacher’s seat?

7. Why did Stanley fight with Warren?

8. How did Mr. Hunter find out it was Stanley who had put the thumbtack on his seat?

9. How was Stanley punished?

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CHAPTER 2

STANLEY’S PUNISHMENT

“Very, very nice, Stanley,” Mr. DeWalt, Stanley’s father

said when he returned from the school. “Your mother and I are working very hard for our family and you, young man, are having fun at school. But this time you went too far. As punishment you’re going to your grandfather’s farm. You will work there. No computer, no video games, no cell phone, no TV, just work.”

Stanley was a city boy. He didn’t like the country. He couldn’t imagine a worse punishment.

“Stanley, my boy!” Stanley’s grandfather shouted. “I

haven’t seen you for a long time. Look at you. You’ve grown up. You’re almost as tall as I am.”

“Grandpa!” Stanley shouted. “I’m happy to see you!” He ran to his grandfather and hugged him. Stanley didn’t like the country. He didn’t like his grandfather’s farm. But he loved his grandfather.

Mr. DeWalt frowned. “Don’t forget, Father, this is his punishment.”

When Stanley’s father left, his grandfather smiled. “I’m not the right person to judge you,” he said. “I used to be a bad boy, too. Tomorrow, I’m going to the fields at five. You

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can sleep. You can explore the house and farm. You can go wherever you want except the attic. Never go there.”

“Why not, Grandpa?” Stanley asked. Grandpa had piqued his curiosity.

“Well, I think you’re old enough to know,” Grandpa said. “A long time ago this house belonged to my great-great aunt. Her name was Abigail. People said she was a witch. The house has been remodeled many times. But the attic has remained untouched. Her things are still there. Nobody has dared to go there.”

“You’re kidding me, Grandpa. I’m not a small boy anymore. I don’t believe in witches.”

“I don’t care if you believe in witches or not,” Grandpa said. “Just don’t go there.”

The next morning Stanley woke up at ten. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. He had the house to himself. Grandpa and Grandma had gone to the fields. Stanley went to the kitchen and ate the breakfast his grandma had prepared for him. Then he explored the house and the farm. There was nothing of interest to him. Everything seemed to pull him to the attic.

At noon he walked upstairs and stopped in front of the door leading to the attic. He hesitated for a while. But then he smiled, put his hand on the handle and pushed the door. It was locked.

Stanley’s grandparents had the house in perfect order. It didn’t take him long to find the key. It was in a drawer in the kitchen with many other keys.

Stanley took the key, but he put it back quickly. He heard his grandparents coming home for lunch.

After lunch Stanley went to the fields with his grandparents. He decided to help them. Even though he was a lazy boy he would have felt bad not going with them. But his plan for the next morning was in place.

That night Stanley couldn’t fall asleep. He thought about the attic. When he finally fell asleep he had a dream. In his dream he unlocked the attic door and opened it. There in the middle of the attic was a wooden chest. A witch was sitting on the chest. She looked scary.

“Don’t touch my treasures,” she said.

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except

remodeled

hugged

scary

dared

hesitated

belonged

frowned

1. Stanley put his arm around his grandfather.

He hugged him.

2. Mr. DeWalt didn’t like something. He grimaced.

He ____________.

3. Stanley wasn’t allowed to go to the attic.

He could go everywhere ____________ the attic.

4. Abigail DeWalt used to own the house.

It ____________ to her.

5. The house was very old, but they had made it look new.

The house had been ____________.

6. People didn’t have the courage to go into the attic.

Nobody ____________ to go there.

7. Stanley wasn’t sure if he should go into the attic.

He ____________.

8. Stanley was afraid of the witch.

She looked ____________.

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piqued his curiosity

having fun

went too far

in perfect order

1. Stanley did something really bad.

He ____________________.

2. Stanley was having a great time at school.

He was ____________________.

3. He wanted very much to know what was in the attic.

His grandfather had ___________________.

4. Everything in the house had its own place.

The house was ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. How did Mr. DeWalt punish his son?

2. Why couldn’t Stanley imagine a worse punishment?

3. What was Stanley’s relationship with his grandfather like?

4. Why didn’t Stanley’s grandfather want to judge Stanley?

5. Why couldn’t Stanley go into the attic?

6. What did Stanley do when his grandparents left?

7. Where did he want to go?

8. Why didn’t he go into the attic?

9. What did Stanley dream about?

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CHAPTER 3

THE ATTIC

Stanley woke up in the morning. He was still trembling

from his nightmare. The dream about the witch had been so real. He was not so sure about going into the attic anymore.

“It’s probably very dirty in there,” he said to himself. “I don’t want to get dirty. And besides, Grandpa needs some help in the fields.”

Stanley went to the fields to help his grandparents. “What’s happening with this boy?” his grandmother

asked smiling. “Is he ill?” Stanley worked very hard all day and was very tired in

the evening. “Tell me something about Aunt Abigail, Grandpa,”

Stanley asked during dinner. “What was she like?” Grandpa smiled. “Her name was Abigail DeWalt. She

was from Colchester, England. She was beautiful and very different from other people. Some people said she was a witch. Some people said she was a good person and made other people around her better.”

“And what do you think, Grandpa?” Stanley asked. “I don’t know,” Grandpa said. “What do you think?” “I think she was very, very bad,” Stanley said and made

a face. “I think she was as bad as I am.”

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Then both Stanley and his grandfather burst into laughter.

That night, Stanley dreamed again. But this time the witch was beautiful. “Come and open the chest,” she said. “You are the chosen one.”

The next day was Sunday. Stanley’s grandparents didn’t work on Sundays. They usually went to church, and then they went to visit their friends.

“You can come with us, or you can stay home,” Stanley’s grandfather said.

“I’ll stay home,” Stanley said. “I’ll read something. You have a lot of books here I haven’t read yet.”

Grandpa laughed. Your father told me you never read anything. You only play computer games.”

“That’s true,” Stanley admitted. I don’t read much. So I will start today.”

“Here you are,” Grandpa said and handed Stanley a laptop. “I’ve downloaded some good games for you. Don’t tell your father.”

“Why are you doing this, Grandpa?” Stanley asked. “I am a DeWalt. I am a bad person. Don’t forget that.” Stanley started to play the computer games his

grandfather had downloaded for him, but he couldn’t concentrate on them.

Suddenly he stood up. He had made his decision. He took the key out of the drawer and went upstairs. He hesitated for a while. Then he put the key in the lock and turned it. The door opened with a creaking sound. It was dark in the attic, and Stanley couldn’t see anything. There was no light in the attic. Stanley went to get a flashlight and turned it on.

He was surprised at what he saw. He had expected a big mess in the attic, but the attic was almost empty. The only thing that was there was a big wooden chest. Stanley looked at the chest very carefully. It had a lock. He went to get a hammer. The lock was so rusty that Stanley didn’t need long to break it. Then he opened the lid and pointed the flashlight inside.

Stanley stared in disbelief at a face inside the chest. To his horror the face was staring back.

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concentrate

nightmare

expected

rusty

admitted

mess

trembling

creaking

1. Stanley was very scared in the morning..

He was still trembling .

2. Stanley had a terrible dream about a witch.

He had a terrible ____________.

3. Stanley’s father said that Stanley never read anything.

Stanley didn’t argue. He ____________ it was true.

4. Stanley played games, but thought about the attic.

He couldn’t ____________ on the games.

5. Stanley opened the door. Nobody had entered the attic

for ages. The door made a ____________ sound.

6. Stanley was curious what was in the attic.

He ____________ to find many old things in there.

7. Stanley was surprised because the attic was clean.

He had expected to see a big ____________ in there.

8. The chest was locked with a metal lock.

After all these years the lock was ____________.

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burst into laughter

made his decision

the chosen one

get dirty

1. Stanley thought the attic was not clean. He didn’t want

to go there. He didn’t want to ____________________.

2. Stanley said something funny. Then both he and his

grandfather ____________________.

3. “I’m going into the attic,” Stanley said to himself.

He had ____________________.

4. Stanley was the only person who could open the chest.

He was ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why was Stanley trembling in the morning?

2. What excuses did Stanley have not to go into the attic?

3. What did Stanley’s grandfather tell Stanley about Abigail DeWalt?

4. What did Stanley dream about the next night?

5. What did Stanley get from his grandfather?

6. What did Stanley do when his grandparents left?

7. Why was Stanley surprised when he walked into the attic?

8. How did Stanley open the chest?

9. What was in the chest?

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CHAPTER 4

ABIGAIL’S TREASURES

It took Stanley a few seconds to realize that the face inside the chest was not real. It was just a picture – a portrait.

Stanley picked up the portrait and looked at it. It was a portrait of a woman. The woman had long hair and piercing blue eyes. Stanley knew who it was. It was Abigail DeWalt – the witch.

Stanley was disappointed. He had expected many exciting things in the chest. But there were only two things there – the portrait and an old book.

Stanley picked up the book and blew the dust off it. The Brotherhood of the Magic Sword was the title. He opened the book. There was only one sentence on the first page: The five warriors protect the sword and the treasure.

Stanley turned to the next page and started to read. He always had had trouble concentrating on books. But not this time. Suddenly he was in the 17th century fighting alongside the warriors against evil. He forgot about time. One hour passed, two hours passed, and then three hours passed. Stanley was still reading. Four hours later, the book ended abruptly. The remaining pages were blank. It was as if somebody wanted him to continue writing the story.

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Stanley forgot he was in his grandparents’ attic. He was in another world now.

“There must be a sword somewhere,” Stanley thought. “But where?”

He put the book on the floor and looked inside the chest again. There was nothing there.

He started to examine the interior of the chest with his hand – inch by inch.

Suddenly he felt something – something like a button. He pushed it.

“Boom!” Something sprang open inside the chest. Stanley jumped up, dropped the flashlight and ran from the attic. He ran down the stairs into the kitchen.

“Jeepers creepers! What was that?” Stanley shouted. He sat down on a chair and starting to think. “Should I

go back to the attic or not? What would the warriors from the book do? They would go back. They had no fear.”

Suddenly the door of the kitchen opened wide. “Aaaah!” Stanley yelled and jumped up. “What’s the matter with you, Stanley?” Grandpa asked.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost!” “Yes, … I mean no,” Stanley said. “I’m sorry, Grandpa. I

was thinking about something. You scared me.” “I stopped by to ask you something,” Grandpa said.

“We’re going to a restaurant to eat. Do you want to go with us?”

“Thanks, Grandpa, but no. “I’m not hungry. I’ll stay home.”

“Are you sure?” “Yes, I’m sure,” Stanley said. When Grandpa left, Stanley went upstairs to the attic

again. He picked up the flashlight. He wasn’t scared anymore.

He looked inside the chest and understood right away what had happened. The chest had a fake bottom that he had opened when he had pushed the button.

He saw some cloth in the bottom of the chest. Something was wrapped in it. He picked it up. It was very heavy. Stanley knew what it was.

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realize

portrait

exciting

warriors

disappointed

treasure

evil

abruptly

1. Stanley understood. But it took him some time to

realize it wasn’t a real face.

2. Somebody painted Abigail DeWalt a long time ago.

It was her ____________ in the chest.

3. Stanley didn’t see anything interesting in the chest.

He was ____________.

4. Stanley was disappointed because he had expected

many ____________ things in the chest.

5. The soldiers protected the sword.

They called them ____________.

6. The warriors protected the sword.

They also protected the ____________.

7. Stanley imagined fighting alongside the warriors.

He would fight with them against ____________.

8. Stanley was reading when the book suddenly ended.

The book ended ____________.

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What’s the matter

in another world

inch by inch

right away

1. Stanley forgot about reality.

He was ____________________.

2. Stanley examined the interior of the chest very carefully.

He examined it ____________________.

3. Stanley started yelling. His grandfather was surprised.

“____________________ with you?” he asked.

4. Stanley looked in the chest and understood in a second.

He understood ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. What did Stanley see in the chest at first?

2. Why was Stanley disappointed?

3. What was written on the first page of the book?

4. What else did Stanley want to find?

5. What happened when Stanley pushed the button?

6. Who scared Stanley in the kitchen?

7. What did the button do?

8. What did Stanley see under the fake bottom?

9. What do you think was wrapped in the cloth?

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CHAPTER 5

THE SWORD

Stanley unfolded the cloth with great excitement. It was

what he had expected – the sword. Stanley examined the sword very carefully. It was

beautiful. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. The handle had five precious stones. The blade was shining, and there was something engraved on it. A name and a year. Stanley read it aloud – Abigail DeWalt, 1615.

Stanley turned the sword. On the other side, there was something else engraved. It read – The good will prevail.

“Abigail DeWalt might have been a witch,” Stanley said. “But if she was, she was definitely a good witch.”

Stanley held the sword with both hands and pretended to fight.

“Come on!” he shouted. “I’m Stan DeWalt, I’m not afraid of anybody.”

He laughed at himself. “Abigail DeWalt, you would be proud of me!" he yelled. I won’t disappoint you. I swear.”

Stanley wrapped the sword in the cloth and put it back into the chest. He carefully closed the fake bottom, put the book and the portrait back, and closed the chest. Then he left the attic. As he was walking down the stairs, he had already become a different person. He had held the sword.

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His punishment ended and Stanley went home. “Did you learn your lesson?” his father asked. “I did, Dad,” Stanley said. “It won’t happen again. I

promise.” “Are you OK, son?” his father asked. “You’re not

mocking me, are you?” “No, no,” Stanley said. “I wouldn’t dare.” Mr. DeWalt looked at his son. He didn’t recognize his

new behavior. He still wasn’t sure if his son was mocking him or not.

The next morning Stanley was walking to school. He saw an old woman trying to cross a busy street.

“I’ll help you, ma’am,” he said and stopped the traffic. “Stop! Stop!” Stanley shouted. “A lady is crossing. Don’t you see her?”

The woman was very pleased. “Well, the young aren’t as bad as they say,” she said. “Thank you, young man.”

A beggar was sitting on the sidewalk. “I am hungry. Please, give me some change,” he begged.

Stanley would never have stopped before. But this time he did.

“I don’t have any change,” Stanley said. “I’m sorry, but here, take my lunch.”

The beggar took Stanley’s lunch. “I have never seen this much generosity,” he said still shaking his head.

Stanley was approaching the school. He noticed a young man with spiky hair near the school. Stanley knew him. The man was trying to sell drugs to young children.

Stanley walked up to him. “If I see you here again, I’ll call the police,” Stanley said. “Do I make myself clear?”

Stanley walked away and disappeared among the other children.

The drug dealer didn’t move. He didn’t say anything. He was looking at Stanley with his mouth open.

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swear

proud

mocking

dare

engraved

approaching

recognize

disappoint

1. Something was written on the blade of the sword.

It was engraved .

2. Stanley thought Abigail would have been satisfied.

He thought she would have been ____________ of him.

3. Stanley didn’t want to do anything Abigail wouldn’t like.

He didn’t want to ____________ her.

4. Stanley gave a promise to Abigail.

“I won’t deceive you. I ____________,” he said.

5. Stanley’s father thought Stanley was making fun of him.

He thought he was ____________ him.

6. Stanley would never mock his father.

He wouldn’t ____________.

7. Stanley’s father couldn’t believe what Stanley had said.

He didn’t ____________ the change in him.

8. Stanley was walking to school. He was near.

He was ____________ the school.

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make myself clear

good will prevail

precious stones

pretended to fight

1. The sword was beautiful. It must have been expensive.

There were five ____________________ on the handle.

2. Abigail DeWalt hoped evil would be defeated.

The inscription read, “The ____________________.”

3. Stanley held the sword and waved it around.

He ___________________.

4. Stanley asked the drug dealer if he understood.

“Do I ____________________?” he asked. III. Answer the questions. 1. What was wrapped in the cloth?

2. What was on the handle of the sword?

3. What was engraved on the blade of the sword?

4. What did Stanley think about Abigail DeWalt?

5. What did Stanley promise Abigail DeWalt?

6. Why was Stanley suddenly a different person?

7. Why did Mr. DeWalt think Stanley was mocking him?

8. How did Stanley help the old lady and the beggar?

9. Why was the drug dealer in shock?

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CHAPTER 6

WARREN

Stanley entered the school and went to his locker. “Hey, Stanley, how have you been?” It was Warren Sutter, Stanley’s biggest enemy. Stanley

had fought with him many times. “We had a great time on the trip,” Warren continued.

“Nobody missed you.” There were a lot of students in the hall. Everybody

looked at Stanley. Everybody expected a big fight. Stanley slowly walked up to Warren. He put his hand on

Warren’s shoulder. “I’m happy you had a great time,” he said and walked away.

The students started to boo. “Can somebody tell me what happened to him?” Warren

shouted. “I was looking forward to a fight!” Warren Sutter liked to act like a tough guy, but the truth

was he hated violence. His classmates had no idea that Warren had gone through a difficult time lately. There was a group of boys in his neighborhood that bullied him. They called themselves the Black Pirates, and their leader was Captain Brooke. They had started to bully him when he refused to join them.

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Later that day Warren was walking home from school. Suddenly a group of eight boys surrounded him. Warren knew them well – the Black Pirates.

“It’s very nice of you to come here to meet me,” Warren said to the Black Pirates. “Do you want to walk me home?”

Warren joked to hide his fear. One of the boys took Warren’s backpack and emptied it

on the sidewalk. Another hit him in the stomach. Stanley was walking by when he saw it. He knew

Warren was in trouble. He ran to the Black Pirates with a cell phone in his hand and shouted, “Let him go and get out of here. I’ve called the police.”

The Black Pirates laughed. They knew it was a trick. One of them took Stanley’s cell phone, threw it on the sidewalk and stepped on it.

“Call them again,” he said. Stanley hit him in the face. The boy fell on the sidewalk.

Stanley didn’t wait for him to get up before he hit another boy in the face. This one also fell. But before he could hit another one, the six boys that were left jumped him.

Warren wanted to help Stanley and started hitting everybody around him. A big fight began. Eight boys against two. It was clear how it would end.

The fight got so intense that it drew the attention of some men walking by. The men stopped and chased the Black Pirates away.

Stanley and Warren were sitting on the sidewalk. They both had torn clothes and black eyes. Warren’s school bag and his books were completely ruined. Stanley’s cell phone was on the sidewalk shattered into pieces.

“You were pretty good,” Warren said to Stanley. “I was worried about you when you refused to fight me this morning.”

“You wanted a fight,” Stanley said. “So now you’ve had one.” Both of the boys burst into laughter.

“Thanks Stanley,” Warren said. “You’re the last person I would have expected to help me. But you did. I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. We’re friends forever now.”

“You’ll never be alone, Warren,” Stanley said. “I’ll always be there for you. Revenge on the Black Pirates!”

32


violence

bullied

vengeance

surrounded

refused

chased

shattered

hide

1. Warren was a peaceful boy.

He didn’t like violence .

2. Some boys called Warren bad names and beat him up.

They ____________ him.

3. The Black Pirates wanted Warren to join them.

He didn’t want to. He ____________.

4. There were eight boys around Warren.

He was ____________ by them.

5. Warren didn’t want to show his fear.

He wanted to ____________ it.

6. Some men ordered the Black Pirates to go away.

They ____________ them away.

7. Stanley’s cell phone was on the ground in pieces.

It was ____________.

8. Stanley promised to fight against the Black Pirates.

He promised ____________ on the Black Pirates.

33


drew the attention

looking forward

tough guy

had no idea

1. Some students liked to see Stanley and Warren fighting.

The students were ____________________ to a fight.

2. Warren didn’t want to show any emotion.

He wanted to play ____________________.

3. Warren’s friends didn’t know about Warren’s problems.

They ____________________ what was going on.

4. Some men were walking by and stopped to look.

The fight ____________________ of the men. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why didn’t Stanley fight Warren although Warren had provoked him?

2. What problem did Warren have?

3. Why did the Black Pirates bully Warren?

4. Who was waiting for Warren near the school?

5. Why were the Black Pirates waiting for Warren?

6. What did the Black Pirates do to Warren?

7. Who helped Warren?

8. Why did the Black Pirates run away?

9. What happened in the end?

34

CHAPTER 7

OLEG

The next day Stanley and Warren were walking home from school together.

“The Black Pirates are hiding somewhere around here,” Warren said. “I know it. I’m sorry that you have trouble because of me.”

“We’re friends now, remember?” said Stanley. “Your troubles are my troubles.”

Warren was right about the Black Pirates being near the school. A few minutes later Stanley noticed one of the Black Pirates watching them from around the corner.

“This time we won’t fight them,” Stanley said. “We’re both good runners. Just follow me.”

Stanley began running. Warren followed him. The Black Pirates ran after them.

Stanley and Warren were better runners than the Black Pirates. The distance between them was growing. But they were running towards a dead end. When they realized it, it was too late.

“We must surround them,” Captain Brooke shouted. “Three go right, three go left.”

35

Stanley and Warren were completely surrounded now. There was nowhere to go. They ran through a little gate into a yard between two buildings.

Some older boys were playing football there. A boy was sitting on the bench watching the game. He was a small boy with short blond hair and freckles on his face. He was very enthusiastic and was constantly yelling something at the players.

“I know that boy,” Stanley said. “It’s Oleg Bobrov. He can help us.”

They ran to Oleg. “The Black Pirates are at our heels,” Stanley said to

Oleg. “We need your help!” “Don’t worry, I’ll help you,” Oleg said. “I don’t like the

Black Pirates. They’re in my bad books.” Oleg got up and took some football equipment out of the

big bags lying on the ground next to the bench. “Quick! Put these on!” he yelled. A few minutes later the Black Pirates ran into the yard.

They saw a small boy sitting on the bench and yelling something very intensely. Two football players were sitting next to him. They had their helmets on ready to play.

The Black Pirates ran to Oleg. “Be quick!” Captain Brooke said. “They ran in here.

Where have they disappeared to?” “They ran through the yard and disappeared through the

other gate,” Oleg said. “Heaven help you if you have lied to us,” Captain Brooke

said. When the Black Pirates were gone, Oleg laughed. “Take

everything off,” he said. The coast is clear.” Stanley and Warren took off the football equipment and

put it back in the bags. “We’ll never forget what you’ve done for us,” Warren

said. “Do you want to join us?” Stanley asked. “We’ll found

our own group.” “Yes, I do,” Oleg said. “That way we can fight the Black

Pirates together.”

36


follow

trouble

lied

join

equipment

found

enthusiastic

intensely

1. The Black Pirates didn’t want to let Warren live in

peace. He had a lot of trouble_ with them.

2. Stanley wanted to lead Warren somewhere.

He wanted Warren to ____________ him.

3. Oleg was constantly moving and yelling something.

He was very ____________.

4. To play football you need a helmet, running shoes, pads

and a jersey. You need football ____________.

5. Oleg was yelling something nonstop at the players.

He was yelling at them very ____________.

6. Oleg didn’t tell the truth to the Black Pirates.

He ____________ to them.

7. Stanley and Warren wanted Oleg to start a new group

with them. They wanted him to ____________ them.

8. Stanley, Warren and Oleg wanted to have their own

group. They wanted to ____________ their own group.

37


bad books

dead end

at our heels

The coast is clear

1. The street ended, and they couldn’t continue running.

There was a ____________________.

2. The Black Pirates were right behind Stanley and

Warren. “They’re ____________________,” Stanley

said.

3. The Black Pirates did something wrong to Oleg.

They were in his ____________________.

4. The Black Pirates were gone. There was no danger.

“____________________.” Oleg said. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why was Warren sorry?

2. What did Stanley tell him?

3. How did Stanley want to escape the Black Pirates?

4. What was the problem?

5. Where did Stanley and Warren run to?

6. Who was in the yard?

7. Who helped Stanley and Warren?

8. How did Oleg help them?

9. What were Stanley, Warren and Oleg going to do?

38

CHAPTER 8

RAFI

The Black Pirates didn’t show up near the school for a

week. “Do you think they gave up?” Stanley asked his friends. “No, they never give up,” Warren said. “I know them

well. I’ve known them since kindergarten.” The three friends Stanley, Warren and Oleg were talking

in front of the school. Warren turned to Oleg. “They’ve seen through your trick,

Oleg. They’re looking for you.” Oleg smiled. “I know. My spies told me that. That’s why I

want you to meet somebody today.” Oleg whistled. A boy appeared out of nowhere. He was

a dark boy with a nice smile. He was of average height and very thin.

“Meet Rafi Abdul,” Oleg said. “I helped him a few times in the past, and he’s going to help me today. Isn’t that right, Rafi?”

Rafi smiled and showed all his teeth. “Right on, Oleg.” “Can you tell us how you are going to help?” Stanley

asked Rafi. “Have you read Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves?” Rafi

asked.

39

“I’ve never heard of Ali Baba,” Stanley said. “Ali Baba is not that important. I know the Forty Thieves,

personally. You’re going to meet them today.” Neither of the boys understood Rafi, but they trusted

him. “Follow me,” Rafi said. “When I start running, run, too.

We’re going to lure them into a trap.” Rafi was leading. The three friends were following him.

Suddenly Rafi started running. The three friends started running too. The Black Pirates ran after them.

Five minutes later Rafi ran into a yard. The yard had two gates – one on each side. A few seconds later the Black Pirates ran into the yard, too.

They stopped and looked at the four boys. It was still eight against four, but it didn’t look as easy as it had before when Warren was alone.

“Look at them,” Captain Brooke said. “Warren’s got some friends. Let’s beat them all up!”

“Wait,” Rafi said. “Have you read Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves?”

“No, I have not,” Captain Brooke said. “I don’t think I ever will.”

“That’s a shame,” Rafi said. “You should read more. You would understand better what is going to happen to you now.”

Suddenly a horde of boys walked into the yard. There were at least twenty of them. They all looked like Rafi’s brothers.

The Black Pirates turned around. They wanted to escape through the other gate, but a similar horde appeared there, too.

“I thought you would like to experience how it feels to fight against a numerical superiority,” Rafi said. ”Bye.”

Rafi, Oleg, Warren and Stanley left the yard. The Forty Thieves attacked the Black Pirates. Forty against eight. It was clear how it would end.

“Do you want to join us, Rafi?” Stanley asked. We’re going to found our own group.

“I think I do,” Rafi said and showed everybody his white teeth.

40


trusted

attacked

whistled

experience

gave up

similar

show up

escape

1. The three friends didn’t see the Black Pirates for a week.

The Black Riders didn’t show up .

2. When the Black Pirates wanted to do something, they

did it. They never ____________.

3. Oleg made a sound with his mouth.

He ___________.

4. Stanley, Warren and Oleg believed in Rafi.

They ____________ him.

5. The Black Pirates wanted to run away, but some boys

guarded the exits. They couldn’t ____________.

6. A horde of boys guarded one exit.

The other exit was guarded by a ____________ horde.

7. Rafi wanted the Black Pirates to get beat up.

He wanted them to ___________ a beating.

8. The Forty Thieves ran towards the Black Pirates and

started to beat them. They ____________ them.

41


lure them into a trap

numerical superiority

out of nowhere

That’s a shame

1. Suddenly Rafi appeared. Nobody saw him coming.

He appeared ____________________.

2. Rafi wanted the Black Pirates to enter the yard.

He wanted to ____________________.

3. Captain Brooke didn’t know who Ali Baba was.

“____________________,” Rafi said.

4. There were eight boys against forty boys. The Forty

Thieves had a ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why were the Black Pirates looking for Oleg?

2. Who did Oleg ask for help?

3. What did Rafi intend to do?

4. Where did Rafi lead Stanley, Warren and Oleg?

5. Who appeared at the first exit?

6. What did the Black Pirates want to do?

7. Why couldn’t the Black Pirates escape?

8. What did Rafi want the Black Pirates to experience?

9. What happened to the Black Pirates?

42

CHAPTER 9

THE BROTHERHOOD

The next weekend Stanley invited his three friends

Warren, Oleg, and Rafi to his grandparent’s farm. It was June, and the weather was nice. On Saturday, they rode horses around the beautiful country of the Niagara Region and had a great time together.

They had known each other for only a short time, but it seemed to them it had been ages. It was as if fate had brought them together. They were all brave and loved adventures. And they all had their hearts in the right place.

On Sunday morning when Stanley’s grandparents left, Stanley gave each of his friends a flashlight and took them into the attic. They sat down on the floor. Their first official meeting had begun.

“We’re here to found a new group,” Stanley said. “We need a name, a leader and a goal.”

Stanley told his friends about Abigail DeWalt – a good witch – and showed them the portrait, the book and the sword. They were amazed. Each of them held Abigail’s sword and felt better than ever before.

Stanley’s friends didn’t know it, but they had all become different people. They had held the sword.

43

Stanley became the leader. The name of the group was obvious – The Brotherhood of the Magic Sword. The goal was obvious as well – to protect the sword and fight against evil.

They sat down in a circle around the sword and took the oath Stanley had prepared.

Stanley was the first to take the oath. He put his hand on the sword and said, “I, Stanley DeWalt, swear to protect the sword and fight against evil. I swear to be faithful to the Brotherhood and never reveal our secrets.”

Then the others took the oath. “I, Warren Sutter, swear …” “I, Oleg Bobrov, swear …” “I, Rafi Abdul, swear …” “We will hold our meetings here in the attic for now,”

Stanley said. “But later we will build our own clubhouse.” The weekend went by, and the friends went home. That

night before they all fell asleep they felt something great had happened to them. They felt special and important. They couldn’t wait for the next morning to come.

The next Sunday they had a meeting again. “I was thinking,” Rafi said. “You know, about us and our

brotherhood. There are thousands and thousands of boys out there. So why us? Why not somebody else?”

“Pure chance,” Oleg said. “Nothing happens by pure chance,” Rafi said. “I’m

always looking for signs.” He took a piece of paper out of his pocket and looked at

it. “I wrote our names on a piece of paper, and I have been studying them. And here is what I found. Stanley’s name begins with the letter S. Warren’s name begins with the letter W. Oleg’s name begins with the letter O. My name begins with the letter R. I put the letters together.

“SWOR means nothing,” Warren said. “You’re right,” Rafi said. “SWOR means nothing,

because one letter is missing. There are four of us now, but I think there are supposed to be five of us. The five warriors protected the sword. And what about the five precious stones on the handle? Which letter is missing? What do you think?”

44

Stanley, Warren and Oleg were looking at the paper in amazement. They all knew which letter was missing.

“I think we’re going to meet somebody,” Rafi said. “And his name will begin with the letter D. I have a feeling, it will be pretty soon.”

45


amazed

oath

reveal

brave

signs

obvious

goal

faithful

1. The four friends weren’t afraid of anything.

They were brave .

2. The Brotherhood needed a reason to exist.

They needed a ____________.

3. Warren, Oleg and Rafi saw Abigail’s treasure.

They were ____________.

4. They wanted to protect the sword and fight against evil.

Their goal was ____________.

5. They swore to protect the sword and fight against evil.

They took an ____________.

6. They also swore to be loyal to the Brotherhood.

They swore to be ____________.

7. They swore not to tell their secret to anybody.

They swore not to ____________ it.

8. Rafi always looks for clues.

He always looks for ____________.

46


their hearts in the right place

fate had brought them together

supposed to be

pure chance

1. It was as if they had met due to divine force.

It was as if ____________________.

2. They might have done some bad things, but they all had

good intentions. They all had ____________________.

3. Oleg thought that they had all met accidently.

He thought it was ____________________.

4. Rafi thought the Brotherhood was not complete. He

thought there were __________________ five of them. III. Answer the questions. 1. Where did Stanley invite his three friends?

2. What did the four friends have in common?

3. Where did Stanley take his friends?

4. What did they do in the attic?

5. Who became the leader?

6. What was the goal of the Brotherhood?

7. How did the four friends feel after they had founded the Brotherhood?

8. What did Rafi discover?

9. Which letter was missing? What do you think? Explain why.

47

CHAPTER 10

OLEG HAS AN IDEA

It was the end of June and the weather was beautiful. The four friends were looking forward to their school vacation and to new adventures. They completely forgot about the Black Pirates. But an incident occurred which reminded them of the Black Pirates.

They were walking along the street when a boy on a bike passed them. As he was passing them he threw something at their feet and disappeared. It was a smoke bomb.

They started to cough, and their eyes filled with tears. There was no real danger, but the boy had scared them.

When the smoke was gone, they saw an envelope on the sidewalk. Stanley picked it up and opened it. There was a letter inside it. A single sentence was written in the letter – On vous surveille. The Black Pirates

“I don’t know what it means,” Stanley said. “Do you?” Oleg looked at it and shook his head. Rafi didn’t know

either. But Warren smiled and said. “The Black Pirates are playing a game with us. It’s French. It means We’re watching you.”

48

“I have an idea,” Oleg said. “Today is Friday. The Black Pirates have their meetings on Fridays, and I know where. We’re going to find out about their plans.”

They met in the evening and Oleg led them to an old building. The building was empty. Nobody lived there. They went through the building into a yard. The yard was full of empty boxes, and there was an old shack in the corner of the yard. Behind the shack, in the neighboring yard, there was an old walnut tree. Its branches hung over the roof of the shack.

“They’re inside the shack,” Oleg said. “They’re sure nobody knows about their meeting place. They don’t even have a guard outside.”

“What’s your plan?” Stanley asked. “You’ll hide here in the yard behind these boxes,” Oleg

said. “I’ll go into the neighboring yard, and I’ll climb the walnut tree. The branches are pretty strong. I already tested them. Then I’ll put a wire with a microphone attached to it into the chimney, and I’ll record everything they say on my cell phone. It’s pretty simple.”

Oleg showed his friends a wire with a microphone attached to it and his cell phone. He had prepared everything at home.

“You’ll be a spy one day, Oleg,” Rafi said and laughed. “You’re wrong, Rafi,” Oleg said. “I’m already a spy.” Oleg went into the neighboring yard and climbed the

walnut tree. His friends were watching him from their hiding place.

Oleg was sitting on a branch overhanging the chimney and was lowering the wire into the chimney.

“He’s amazing,” Warren said. Suddenly Oleg heard a cracking sound. He knew that

something was terribly wrong. “Jeepers creepers that’s the end of me,” Oleg said. His friends heard the cracking sound, too and watched

the scene in horror. The branch, Oleg was sitting on, broke, and he fell onto the roof. The roof held only a few seconds, and then it gave way, too. Oleg fell right on the table that the Black Pirates were sitting around!

49

The Black Pirates were in shock, and they didn’t move for a few seconds.

Stanley, Warren and Rafi ran into the shack and started to beat their surprised enemies. For a minute the Brotherhood had the upper hand.

But the Black Pirates realized very quickly that there were only four boys against them and started to fight more ferociously. The Brotherhood was losing.

Suddenly they all heard a police siren. They stopped fighting instantly. Somebody from the neighboring house must have called the police.

50


guard

strong

neighboring

instantly

held

surprised

incident

reminded

1. A boy threw a smoke bomb at the Brotherhood.

It was an unfortunate incident .

2. The Brotherhood hadn’t thought about the Black Pirates.

The incident ____________ them of the Black Pirates.

3. The shack was in a yard. Another yard was behind the

fence. It was a ____________ yard.

4. None of the Black Pirates were watching the yard.

There was no ____________.

5. It wasn’t easy to break the tree branches.

They were ____________.

6. The roof wasn’t very solid.

It ____________ only a few seconds.

7. Oleg fell through the roof and landed on the table.

The Black Riders were ____________.

8. When the boys heard the police siren, they stopped

fighting right away. They stopped ____________.

51


the upper hand

gave way

in amazement

find out

1. They looked at the paper. They were very surprised.

They looked at the paper ____________________.

2. Oleg wanted to know about the Black Pirates’ plans. He

wanted to ____________________ about their plans.

3. It was an old roof. It resisted for a while.

But in a few seconds it ____________________.

4. The Black Pirates were losing at the beginning.

But later they got ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. How was the Brotherhood reminded of the Black Pirates?

2. What message did the Brotherhood receive?

3. What language was the message written in?

4. What idea did Oleg have?

5. What did Oleg do?

6. What happened to Oleg?

7. What did Oleg’s friend do?

8. Who had the upper hand in the fight?

9. What happened at the end?

52

CHAPTER 11

DAXIA

Fortunately Stanley and his friends managed to escape,

and they weren’t arrested that day. And what about the Black Pirates? The four friends from

the Brotherhood didn’t know what had happened to the Black Pirates, nor did they care.

The next Sunday they were again sitting in a circle in the attic. Each of them had a black eye. They looked at each other and started to laugh. The Friday adventure seemed very funny now.

“Didn’t they teach you how to climb a tree in the spy school, Oleg?” Rafi laughed.

“I did it on purpose,” Oleg said. “You should have seen their faces. We spies call it a moment of surprise.”

Everybody started laughing, and they couldn’t stop. “I was thinking,” Warren said when they finally stopped

laughing. “There are four of us, and there are eight of them. They will always have the upper hand unless each of us is able to take on two boys.”

“Brilliant thinking, Warren,” Stanley said. “Thank you, but I haven’t finished yet. If you allow me, I

will continue.” They liked to tease each other.

53

“Go on,” everybody said. “I have discovered a fighting school where they teach

you self-defense. With their training, you can take on three people, not just two.”

“It’s an excellent idea, Warren,” Stanley said. “Have you thought about how we’re going to pay for it?”

“Yes, I have,” Warren said. “They need some help in the fighting school. So what do you say?”

“Good job, Warren,” they said. “The answer is yes.” The next day was the first day of their vacation. They

went to the fighting school. It was an old house in the suburbs. The house had a small yard. The sign read The Red Dragon Fighting School. The owner, Mr. Chan, was waiting for them. He was very old, and it seemed to them that they were his only students.

They had to help Mr. Chan clean the yard, and then their first lesson began.

“I’m already too old to teach you,” Mr. Chan said. “So I want you to meet my granddaughter. She will teach you. Daxia!” he yelled.

“A little girl showed up. She was thin and had long black hair. She looked like a doll. She looked about twelve years old but could have been older.

“You’re kidding us, Mr. Chan,” Stanley said. Suddenly they heard a loud noise. They turned around.

Eight boys were arriving on their bikes, and they were very noisy.

“The Black Pirates,” Stanley shouted. “It seems to me that we came to the right place,” Captain

Brooke said and walked into the yard. “We’re at a fighting school, so let’s beat these four here for starters.”

Daxia understood what was going on. “Here we fight one to one,” she said. “So why don’t you fight me to begin with. If you win, you can beat these boys. If you lose, you’ll go home and leave us alone. What do you say?”

Captain Brooke laughed. “I don’t fight little girls,” he said. “That’s a pity,” Daxia said. “Because you’re going to

have to.” The little girl started approaching him. He was looking at

her with his mouth open.

54


Fortunately

tease

self-defense

take on

suburbs

allow

arrested

discovered

1. Stanley and his friends were lucky.

Fortunately they escaped.

2. The police didn’t catch Stanley and his friends.

They weren’t ____________.

3. Warren asked for permission to continue.

“I will continue if you ____________ me to,” he said.

4. The boys liked to make fun of each other.

They liked to ____________ each other.

5. Warren found a school where they taught fighting.

He ____________ a fighting school.

6. They taught people how to protect themselves.

They taught them ____________.

7. Warren wanted to be able to beat up two people at the

same time. He wanted to ____________ two people.

8. The fight club wasn’t downtown.

It was in the ____________.

55


nor did they care

going on

on purpose

managed to escape

1. Fortunately the Brotherhood was able to get away.

The boys ____________________.

2. The Brotherhood had no idea if the Black Pirates had

escaped, ____________________.

3. Oleg said it was his intention to fall through the roof.

He said he did it ____________________.

4. Daxia understood the problem.

She knew what was ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why didn’t the police arrest the Brotherhood?

2. What did the Brotherhood think about the adventure?

3. What was the problem when the Brotherhood fought the Black Pirates?

4. What idea did Warren have?

5. Where was the fighting school and how did the place look?

6. Why didn’t Mr. Chan train the Brotherhood?

7. Who trained the Brotherhood?

8. Can you describe Daxia?

9. How did Daxia plan to save the Brotherhood?

56

CHAPTER 12

THE FIFTH MEMBER

Daxia was slowly walking toward Captain Brook, and he was still laughing.

“Defend yourself,” Daxia said. She came closer to him and hit him lightly in the face.

Captain Brook got angry and tried to hit her back, but she dodged him and hit him in the face again, but this time a little bit harder.

Captain Brooke’s face was red with anger. He started running toward her and tried to hit her with all his force.

She dodged again. Then she suddenly jumped in the air and kicked him in the chest.

Captain Brook fell on the ground. He looked at Daxia in disbelief. Then he slowly stood up. “She’s a little girl,” he said. “I’m not going to fight her. I might hurt her. Let’s leave now. We’ll get them later.”

He sat on his bike and rode away. The others followed him.

Stanley, Warren, Oleg and Rafi burst into laughter. “Can we start the lesson?” Daxia asked. She wasn’t

laughing. “Yes, Boss, we can,” Rafi said.

57

Daxia trained the Brotherhood everyday for two weeks. She was unbelievable. They liked her, and she liked them. They slowly became friends.

One day, while they were returning from training, Rafi said, “She’s the one. Her name begins with the letter D. Let’s invite her into the Brotherhood.”

“It’s a brotherhood,” Oleg said. “Not a sisterhood. She’s a girl for Pete’s sake!”

“Let’s vote,” Stanley said. “Raise your hand if you want to invite Daxia into the Brotherhood.”

Rafi was the first to raise his hand. Warren was the second. Stanley was the third.

“Three against one,” Stanley said. “Four against zero,” said Oleg and raised his hand, too. Stanley invited Daxia to his grandparents’ farm, and she

accepted the invitation. They were riding horses when Stanley suddenly stopped

and shouted, “Stop for a minute. Let’s talk business.” Everybody stopped. “There’s something we want to tell you, Daxia,” Stanley

said. “We have a group. Its goal is to spread good and fight evil. We would like you to join us, but you don’t have to, of course. We can still just be friends.”

“Spread good and fight evil,” Daxia repeated. “How could I refuse? My answer is yes.”

The next day, Daxia took the oath and became the fifth member of the brotherhood. She also held the sword and became a different person without knowing it.

“From now on,” Stanley said. “When we sit during our meetings, we will form a pentagon around the sword.”

Everybody was very excited and very proud. Daxia started to read the book and got very interested in

it. “Was there a map or something like that in the chest?” she asked suddenly.

“No, why?” Stanley asked. “Here,” Daxia said and read aloud the first page of the

book. “The five warriors protect the sword and the treasure. Where’s the treasure?”

“She’s right,” Warren said looking at Stanley. “Where’s the treasure?”

58


unbelievable

lightly

dodged

towards

became

raised

defend

vote

1. Daxia was approaching Captain Brook.

She was walking towards him.

2. Daxia wanted Captain Brook to fight against her.

She wanted him to ____________ himself.

3. Daxia didn’t hit Captain Brook very hard.

She hit him ____________.

4. Captain Brook tried to hit Daxia, but she moved away.

She ____________ him.

5. Daxia knew how to fight. She was a surprising girl.

She was ____________.

6. Daxia and the boys started to like each other very much.

They ____________ friends.

7. Stanley wanted everybody to express their opinion.

He wanted everybody to ____________.

8. They voted with their hands. They moved their hands

up. They ____________ their hands.

59


get them

spread good

in disbelief

talk business

1. Captain Brook didn’t expect Daxia to fight so well.

He looked at her ____________________.

2. Captain Brook wanted to beat up Stanley and his friends

another day. He wanted to ____________________

later.

3. Stanley wanted to talk about important things.

He wanted to ____________________.

4. The goal of the Brotherhood was to do positive things.

They wanted to ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. Why was Captain Brook so surprised?

2. How did the fight between Daxia and Captain Brook end?

3. How did Daxia and the Brotherhood get along?

4. What did Rafi think about Daxia?

5. Why didn’t Oleg agree with him?

6. How did the Brotherhood decide about Daxia?

7. How did the voting end?

8. What did Daxia look for after she studied the book?

9. Why did she think there must have been a map?

60

CHAPTER 13

THE MAP

“There must be a map somewhere,” Daxia said. “Let’s

look in the chest again.” They all looked in the chest again. There was nothing

there. “There were only three things in there,” Stanley said.

“The portrait, the book and the sword.” “Four,” Warren said. “What do you mean?” Stanley asked. “You don’t trust

me?” “No, no, I trust you, Stanley,” Warren said. “I mean there

were, and there still are, four things in there, not three. There’s also the cloth the sword is wrapped in.”

Stanley unwrapped the sword and spread the cloth on the floor. They all pointed their flashlights at the cloth. They were looking at it in amazement.

“Look,” Warren said. “There are lines. Daxia was right. It looks like a map.”

“It’s not very clear, Oleg said. “It won’t be easy to read.” “Look, there is Niagara Falls,” Stanley said. “It’s obvious.

And I know that rock.” Suddenly they heard a noise downstairs. “Shh,” Stanley whispered. “Stanley, where are you?” his grandfather called.

61

“Be quiet,” Stanley said. “When he leaves the house, we’ll go downstairs.”

Stanley wrapped the sword in the cloth and put everything back into the chest. Then he closed it.

They listened. Stanley’s grandfather called Stanley’s name again twice, and then he left the house to look for him outside.

“Let’s go!” Stanley said. “Quickly!” They left the attic and Stanley locked the door. Then

they went downstairs. Stanley put the key back in the drawer, and they all left the house.

“Oh there you are, Stanley, his grandfather said. “Where have you been? I’ve been looking for you.”

“We were in the basement, Grandpa,” Stanley said. “I was showing my friends your new tools.”

“OK, kids,” Stanley’s grandfather said. “Do you want to go to the safari park?”

Stanley couldn’t refuse. He loved his grandfather, and he knew his grandfather would be sad if he refused.

“That would be cool,” Stanley shouted. “Let’s go everybody.”

Stanley loved the safari park, but he had been there many times. He couldn’t concentrate on the animals. He was thinking about the map and the treasure. And so were his friends.

They spent three hours at the safari park, and then it was time to go home.

While they were saying goodbye to each other in the evening, Stanley said, “I have an idea. Let’s spend two weeks on my grandparents’ farm together. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind. Let’s ask our parents for permission. We will have time to study the map and look for the treasure. What do you say?”

“Yes, Boss,” they all cried out as one. All the parents agreed. They were glad that their children

were going to spend some time in the country. A few days later, the five friends arrived on the farm

again. They were very happy and excited. The biggest adventure of their life had begun.

62


tools

unwrapped

basement

permission

excited

country

spend

spread

1. The sword was wrapped in the cloth. Stanley wanted to

see the sword. He unwrapped the sword.

2. Stanley unfolded the cloth and put it on the floor.

He ____________ the cloth on the floor.

3. The rooms of a house that are underground are

often called the ____________.

4. Stanley’s grandfather had a hammer, pliers and other

things in the basement. He had many ____________.

5. The parents were glad that their children were going to

a farm. They were glad they were going to

____________ some time out of the city.

6. The parents allowed their children to go to the farm.

They gave them ____________ to go.

7. It was good for them to spend some time out of the

city and stay on the farm in the ____________.

8. Stanley and his friends were thrilled.

They were ____________.

63


What do you mean

so were his friends

wouldn’t mind

be cool

1. Stanley didn’t understand what Warren was trying to

say. “____________________?” he asked Warren.

2. Stanley thought it was a good idea to go to the safari

park. He thought it would ___________________.

3. Stanley was doing the same thing as his friends were.

He was thinking about the map and the treasure, and

____________________.

4. Stanley was sure his grandparents would have no

objections, that they ____________________. III. Answer the questions. 1. How many things did Stanley think were in the chest?

2. How many things did Warren think were in the chest?

3. What was in the chest?

4. What was on the cloth?

5. What did Stanley recognize on the map?

6. Why didn’t the friends have time to study the map?

7. Where did Grandpa take the children?

8. Why couldn’t the children concentrate on the animals?

9. What did Stanley suggest to his friends?

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You can download a free audio version of the book at

www.easy-reading-esl.com/freedownload5273224.html

65

NOTES

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the brotherhood of the magic sword

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