JSM - Edition Two

E scape F rom P ompeii Suddenly the ground began to shake and tiles started slipping off roofs, crashing to the ground. The tiles sent pots flying into the air, increasing the already upheld panic. Suddenly an idea sprang into Tranio’s head, so together he and Dion dashed towards the harbour, wishing to escape. Horrified villagers darted in every direction, unsure of what to do. Boom! Unexpectedly an archway crashed to the ground behind them, trapping many citizens of Pompeii. Just then Tranio noticed a voice ring out above all the terrified screams and all the barking dogs. “The gentle mountain is angry, I fear the God of Fire has something to do with this – we must flee!” the person spread. Then Tranio remembered he was a politician, they were in the Forum. Tranio and Dion followed the trembling crowd for the harbour. Sparks were flying everywhere caus- ing extreme panic. As they reached the harbour Tranio noticed that many of the pots had cracked and various oils and spices now littered the once sparkling bay of Pompeii. Tranio scanned the bay searching for a boat. There! Tranio spotted one. It was only a ship but it would do. He and Dion raced towards it, gasping for air as pumice and ash clouded the city. “Liv, over here!” Tranio cried desperately and Livia only just dived in as the choppiness of the waves carried them out to sea. They all gasped as a sea of orange lava cascaded down the mountain. As the sea rocked the little boat dangerously onto its side, Tranio wondered whether he would ever see land again. Immediately, a lightning bolt struck the ground of the wooden stage. The curtain erupted in golden yellow flames. Tranio viewed the “Gentle Mountain” Vesuvius erupting but he had no idea what was going on! Boom! The gentle mountain roared as it spewed out some more lava/magma. The ground shook like a wild animal as a result of natural tremors. Tranio dashed for the entrance of the theatre but it was too late. The archway crumbled under the might of Mount Vesuvius. Tranio was trapped. Tranio realised the danger of just simply standing there so he started to climb to the top of the theatre’s seats. Lava filled up half of the theatre so Tranio couldn’t even jump down to the archway to move the rubble. He got his trusty pocket knife and so he started hacking at the wall of the theatre. The lava was up to the three quarter mark so Tranio started to panic. Panic welled up inside him but the panic gave him strength. He finally destroyed the wall with not a second to spare. Tranio fell. He fell straight onto a roof top. He groaned as a massive purple welt formed on his arm but Tranio ignored the pain. He had to survive! He knew jumping onto the cobblestone streets of Pom- peii would be suicide so he leaped onto another roof. Tranio continued this process until he found the docks. There was only one boat left. The boat was full. Tranio sobbed with despair as the leader of the raft un-anchored the boat. But one child spotted him. It was Livia, the baker’s daughter. She cried, “Wait! There’s another person!” The survivors spotted him so he jumped onto the boat with relief. As the boat left the harbour, Tranio saw many people being overwhelmed by magma. Lava raced after them but it was too late. They had escaped but would they survive the lava racing after them? P enelope D eacon Y ear 4F

J ames Y oung Y ear 4F

JSM Edition Two

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