PollyStop
C1 · Stretch yourself 316 words · 4 min

The Whispering Fountain's Secret

Polly and Fatima, guided by a mysterious map, uncover a hidden courtyard in Marrakech. They decipher an inscription and explore the courtyard, discovering clues about a legendary sanctuary, deepening their connection to the city.

Illustration for The Whispering Fountain's Secret

Before you read

Before you read

Listen to Polly read it
English voice

Within the serene confines of the forgotten courtyard, Polly and Fatima stood captivated by the inscription they had deciphered. The words, though faded by time, alluded to a legendary sanctuary, a place of repose and enlightenment for weary travelers. Polly, whose adventurous spirit was as vibrant as her plumage, pondered aloud, "What wisdom might this oasis have once held? Perhaps the very walls here could speak if only we knew how to listen."

Encouraged by the mystery and the gentle rustle of the wind through the vines, Polly and Fatima began to explore the courtyard more thoroughly. They soon noticed a series of intricate tiles that paved a mosaic pathway leading to the fountain's edge. Each tile bore a distinct pattern, a tapestry of symbols that hinted at stories long since forgotten.

As they examined the tiles, Polly's keen eye caught sight of a familiar emblem—a crescent moon entwined with an olive branch, identical to the one on the map. "This must be the key to unlocking the secrets of this place," Polly chirped with determination.

Fatima, inspired by Polly's unwavering enthusiasm, traced her fingers over the tiles, feeling the cool, smooth surface beneath her touch. "These patterns might not just be decorative," she mused. "Perhaps they're part of an ancient language or code."

Together, they pieced together the clues, their minds as one with the courtyard's enigmatic spirit. With each discovery, they learned not only about the oasis but also about themselves—their courage, curiosity, and capacity for wonder. The courtyard, once forgotten, now stood as a testament to the timeless allure of discovery.

As the shadows lengthened and the call to prayer began to echo once more, Polly and Fatima emerged from the courtyard, their hearts full and their minds enriched by the adventure. The streets of Marrakech seemed even more enchanting, as if the city itself had whispered its secrets to them.

That's the story.

Your AI tutor

Now say it out loud. Talk about this story with Polly.

Polly is PollyStop's voice tutor. She talks with you about stories like this one, out loud.

Get PollyStop free.

  • A new graded story every day, with audio.
  • Save the words you meet and practise them later.
  • Speaking practice with feedback.
  • Polly, the voice tutor, is opening up to more learners.

Read this story in another language.

Same story, different language. Compare the shape and rhythm without losing the plot.

Keep learning in PollyStop

Listen, save words, practise

Get the app