Heros Journey - Stage 3 Comp - A Call To Adventure - Comprehension Pack.pdf

STAGE 3 Unit focus: A Hero’s Journey Text focus: Narrative Chapter 1 - A Call To Adventure Somewhere in the fields behind the walled city of Handel, a young girl nestled amongst the tall...

STAGE 3 Unit focus: A Hero’s Journey Text focus: Narrative Chapter 1 - A Call To Adventure Somewhere in the fields behind the walled city of Handel, a young girl nestled amongst the tall grass. She was content with her life. The crickets sang their summer song and she listened to the birds chattering away overhead. She knew her mum wouldn’t approve of her wasting the day like this. Her mum didn’t approve of anything other than working on the farm. Pendril didn’t want to work on the farm for the rest of her life. She wanted adventure. “Pendril!” Her mum’s shrill voice shook the grass and caused the birds to erupt into the sky. She sighed and made the short journey back to the farmhouse. It was small and squat and in the shadow of the city. It was big enough for the two of them, though. They hadn’t needed much space since her dad went to work one day and never returned. The mine he was working in had collapsed. Now, it was just Pendril and her mum. “Look at your clothes,” her mum chastised her when she finally stepped into the farmhouse. “I need you to head into Handel and fetch us a roll of fabric. Red for preference. We both need some new clothes.” Her mum looked Pendril up and down. She shuddered at the sight. Pendril sighed, but inside she was leaping with joy. She loved the city, with its bustling markets and vibrant smells. She couldn’t let her mum know that, though. She pulled on a light jacket and set out. The farm sat behind the northern city walls. In places, the fields seemed to hug the walls for protection. There were city walls where tomato plants grew so high up the brickwork that they peeked over. Children inside the city had been known to climb up and harvest them. It wasn’t a long walk to the city, but it took Pendril past the Temple of Souls. The temple had long been abandoned and left to the ghosts and it filled her with dread. She picked up her pace whenever she felt its shadows creeping over her. Something was happening in the city. A long trail of people snaked out of the front gate and down the surrounding hills. Pendril didn’t bother to wait in line. She was short enough to sneak past without too many grumbles. Within minutes she found herself inside the packed market square. Instead of the usual selection of stalls selling everything from exotic fruit to rare potions, she found a single long table. A dozen of the emperor’s best soldiers were sat on one side, and the people in the queue were presenting themselves on the other. all resources ©2023 Literacy Shed http://www.literacyshedplus.com “What’s going on?” she whispered to a young man who stood patiently in the queue. He batted her away and said nothing. Ever curious, Pendril sauntered over to the table for a closer look. Most of the people lining up were young men, but there were a few older men and several young women dotted about. Each one approached the table when they were called and spoke to one of the soldiers. After a few seconds, the soldier would either nod or shake their head. If they nodded, the person would walk past the table and disappear into the castle beyond. If the soldier shook their head, the person left the city. She couldn’t work out which seemed to be the worse result. Everyone appeared equally unhappy. Just as she was considering what all of this meant, the soldier closest to her grabbed her chin and swivelled her face round to meet his glare. “You don’t look very strong,” he said. “But, you do seem wiry. We need people who are quick. You’ll do.” “I’ll do for what?” Pendril asked, stepping back from his hand. “You’re part of the Handel Army now! We’re leaving tomorrow to fight the almighty blue dragon that’s been terrorising the Drailands. Head back there and get your equipment!” RETRIEVAL FOCUS 1. What is the city called where Pendril lives? 2. What did her mum think Pendril should be doing? 3. Where did her dad work? 4. What did the market stalls usually sell? 5. Where has the dragon been spotted? VIPERS QUESTIONS V What does the word “chastised” mean? I Where was Pendril scared of visiting? I How did Pendril know that something was happening in the city? V Which word in the text gives you the best impression of the line of people? S How did Pendril end up joining the army? all resources ©2023 Literacy Shed http://www.literacyshedplus.com