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Secret Scrolls of the Silk Road
by My Book Hub Team
An illustrated historical book for ages 9-12. Read the first pages free, then join to read it all.
Genre: historical
For ages 9-12
A peek inside
Frost glittered on the wooden gates of the caravanserai as dawn painted the sky pale gold. Twelve-year-old Temur tightened the fur trim of his coat and checked the small leather pouch hidden beneath his sash. Inside rested a sealed scroll carrying an imperial decree meant for a distant trading post along the Silk Road. His pony stamped softly, breath rising in white clouds. Temur felt both proud and nervous. Messengers his age rarely rode alone with such important words. He whispered a quiet promise to himself that he would deliver the message safely. The road ahead stretched through snowy hills and busy way stations where travelers from many lands gathered. With one last look at the waking courtyard, Temur swung into the saddle and set off toward the first rise.
By midday Temur reached a second caravanserai half buried in drifted snow. Merchants unloaded spices and silk while cooks stirred steaming pots of stew. Near the well he noticed a girl about his age wearing layered robes and a traveler’s scarf. She moved with quiet confidence, eyes sharp as she watched every new arrival. When their gazes met she gave a small nod. Her name was Borte, she said later by the fire, and she too carried messages for the great routes. Temur felt relief wash through him. Traveling together would be safer and far less lonely. They shared dried fruit and spoke of the frost-covered passes still ahead. Borte kept one hand near a slim dagger hidden in her boot, more habit than threat, a tool for cutting ropes or opening stubborn knots on the trail.
