Peter and the Wizard
Peter was an orphan and lived alone in the house his parents had left him. It was not much of a house really but it was all he had. Being a little boy of 14 in a big city was tough, but he managed. He had a good heart which earned the trust of everyone and he made a living as a grocer’s boy. His master was unkind to him. The country was ruled by a kind wizard who looked after the people as if they were all his children. So the people led blissful lives.
Then one day, Peter was about to lock up the day at about 7 p.m. when he saw an old man at the door. He thought it was a last minute customer and went up to him. The stranger asked for a drink. Peter took one quickly and handed it to him which he drank greedily. After he had drunk, the man said he had no money to pay. Peter locked expectantly at his master, the grocer. The grocer led out a string of abuse at the old man and Peter felt sorry for him. Quickly, he dug into his pocket and paid for the drink. The grocer grumbled but kept quiet. Peter locked up and walked home.
After he taken a few steps on the road, he saw the old man huddled in the corner of the sidewalk. Peter walked up to him and asked if he could help. The old man said that he was dispossessed. Immediately, Peter invited him to come and stay with him. He explained that he was an orphan and there was a place in his house for one more person. Then, Peter helped the man to his feet and took him home. At home, Peter shared his meal with him and then prepared the best room in the house for him. The old man took a bath and went to bed. Peter explained that he was welcomed to stay with him and that he would look after him. Peter was sincere and the old man went to sleep with a smile on his lips.
Next day, when Peter woke up the man was gone. Peter felt bamboozled and went off to work, thinking that perhaps the man would come back later. At the shop, he worked as hard as usual. The suddenly, at about 10.00 a.m., a carriage drew up outside the shop. A large crowd gathered immediately. Tom was fascinated and joined the crowd. Then the Wizard stepped out. All the people cheered. Suddenly the Wizard called Peter. Peter was scared and came forward trembling. The wizard put his hand on Peter’s shoulder and spoke to the people.
“As you all know, I have no children. This boy is now my son. He is the kindest boy in the country. He will be the Wizard after me. I will teach him everything I know.”
Peter was shocked and then suddenly, the Wizard turned into the old man the day before. Everyone gave a gasp as they recognized him.
Will Peter became an excellent wizard? What would happen to Peter?
“As you all know, I have no children. This boy is now my son. He is the kindest boy in the country. He will be the Wizard after me. I will teach him everything I know.”
Peter was shocked and then suddenly, the Wizard turned into the old man the day before. Everyone gave a gasp as they recognized him.
Will Peter became an excellent wizard? What would happen to Peter?