Word has it that there was once this magnificient Land of Luana. Luana was the name of an old wise man who used to reign the land and a fortress. He knew the cure for death, a cure connected to the healing springs in the area.

  But unfortunately, his land was attacked by a seven-headed dragon that destroyed everything in its path. The dragon had seven heads which threw burning flames from its nostrils.

I must try and save the villagers! I am their only hope!

Școala Gimnazială nr 7, Buzău, Romania 

      Somewhat similar to snakes but bigger, more cunning and agile, the dragon roamed the land next to waters.  It was known to do quite a deal of mischief. It lurked in rivers and lakes or he brought heavy and dark thunder clouds.  It even stole a whole well and left the entire village in despair without water.  But, in fact, it was the guardians of the gates to other world. 

   Back then, the villagers thought they would never defeat the beast. However, one person started to believe in his power to change something: Arbănaș. 

One day some children managed to convince Arbănaș to come with them to the lake of the eagles so they could show him the dragon that was hiding there. 

     All of a sudden, the dragon showed his seven heads out of the ground. He was so fierce that the children ran  away as quickly as they could. 

The dragon mutilated by Arbănaș had not perished for good. His terrible breath made the earth tremble and volcanoes burst into flames from time to time. Arbanas wanted to destroy the dragon once and for all. From one of the eagles, he learns of a witch hidden in the mountains who holds the secret to annihilating the dragon that still shakes the earth.

Secondary School 

no 2

Comarnic  RO

Arbănaș decided to go to the witch. On his way, he meets a beautiful girl whose father was old and sick and wanted to get better and be immortal. „ Please, said the beautiful girl, mankind must regain the cure for eternal life. Good people don't have to die anymore. Goodness should be the only condition for eternal life. Arbanas, if you can, do this good for all the people who are suffering now...”

„What's your name, beautiful girl? ”Arbănaș asks.

„My name is Anais”, she says. „My father is a good man, but he suffers from a terrible disease. Only the cure from the springs can save him from destruction. On your journey to the mountain witch, I give you this magical stone. When you are in danger, hold it tightly in your hand and think of someone you love. The magical stone will protect you.”

Arbănaș takes the stone that didn't seem enchanted, just for the sake of the girl.  Arbănaș had to leave in search of the witch , saying goodbye to the girl he wanted to see again someday. He had fallen in love with her....At one point, Arbănaș hears a voice from the coat pocket where he had put the stone he received from the girl.: „Hey, Arbănaș, ask me what you want! I know all the secrets of the universe.”

Arbanash grasped the magic stone with trembling hands and took a deep breath. The surface of the stone shone like a sky trapped inside. He whispered in a low voice: “Show me where the witch is.”

The surface of the stone suddenly took on the colors of flames and an old voice echoed from within it: “Go to the Forest of the Lost. You will find her in the cave where even the shadows fear to whisper.” Arbanash raised his head, his eyes filled with fear mixed with determination. He had to find that witch to obtain the secret of eternal life.

Bilfen Florya Primary School

He set out into the night. The moonlight illuminated the path with a pale light. After several hours of walking, he finally reached the entrance to the cave. The cave was pitch black, like the mouth of a gigantic creature. When Arbanash stepped in, a humming sound emerged beneath his feet. It was as if the cave itself were breathing. As he went further in, he noticed ancient symbols on the walls in the dim light. He knew they were related to magic, but he could not understand their meaning. At that moment, a muffled laugh rose from the depths of the cave. “Who would disturb my peace?”

Arbanash followed the voice and came across an old woman sitting in front of a large stone throne. “I have come to learn the secret of eternal life” he said bravely. The witch smiled slightly. "Eternal life is not a gift to easily give.”

Arbanash took a deep breath. He would not back down. “What do I have to do?” The witch narrowed her eyes at him.  “Immortality is only possible when you can pay the price. Are you ready to do that?”

As Arbanash thought about what to do, he felt as if the walls of the cave were filled with eyes watching him…

Arbanash stood tall before the witch. "I want the secret of eternal life and I am not giving you anything!" he said with determination.

The witch smiled, her eyes sparkling. "You were brave to come here so I will tell you: Eternal life is for those who can deceive time." She took a small black stone in her hand and offered it to Arbanash. "Throw this stone into a body of water where the moon rises. You must find what is left to unchain time." Arbanash took the stone in his hand, took one last look at the witch, and left the cave. The secret of eternal life was now hidden in his own journey.