Adventures in a Snail Shell

“Don’t tell me? How are you going to stop me?” the witch smiled cynically. “My wickedness has no limits!”

“It is where good is indolent and cowardly that evil has no limits,” responded Luz fi ercely. “I am going to show you that there is a limit! I propose a deal: If you are brave and, as you say, wickedness has no limits, I will accept your evil; but I know that deep inside you are a coward.”

“What did you say? Insolent! I accept any challenge. I am invincible! With what weapon will you defeat me?”

“With abundant love!”

“Ha! Love . . . ! That word does not exist in my ‘dictionary of the murky depths’.”

“We will have a three day truce. After that, if I do not defeat you in that time, the girl and these captives are yours. But if I succeed, you will have to set them all free.”

“Love, love! What kind of a weapon is that?” repeated the annoyed witch. “It is the most powerful weapon that ever existed!” affi rmed Luz valiantly. “Get out quickly! Time has already begun to count! Now begins the fun.” Liliana took out a crystal ball through which she could see the mermaid’s path. She was very intrigued by what the mermaid would do.

Our heroine swam rapidly towards her father’s castle, in search of the crown of wisdom. It was made of coral and pearls, with three corners holding three lights that transmitted knowledge when lit in unison. She took it carefully and put it on her head, but she could receive no signal. After a while she began to despair. Her father, King Kubarauco came to her rescue. Taking her by the hands he brought her in front of a mirror and asked:

“How many lights do you see shining?”

“Only one” she responded sadly.

“Feeling love is not enough to light all three. One must be confi dent in oneself and also be brave. This is how you will achieve your wishes. Remember that the lives of that girl and all the other prisoners are in your hands.

You have been chosen from among my daughters because of your good heart and your intelligence. You have always known that the meaning of life is to love and to share. You will succeed!”

He had not fi nished speaking when the three lights began to glow; then Luz heard a voice saying:

“You will have to cross the seven seas and arrive at the Beach of Shells. There you will fi nd a magical black pearl that will tell you what to do next. You will face many dangers, so consider well your decision. Once you leave you cannot turn back.” “How will I know where to go?” the disoriented Luz asked.

“Follow the voice in your heart. If you decide to depart, at the exit of the castle, you will fi nd a pearl ring on top of a coral. In the event of an emergency, press it against your heart and it will know how to help you.”