Read by Michael Flamel

IIn the lush green hills of Ireland, nestled among the wildflowers and tall grasses, there lay a secret garden known only to the most intrepid of travelers. It was said that within this enchanted garden, hidden beneath the emerald leaves of the ancient oak trees, dwelled a mischievous leprechaun named Finnegan O’Flanagan.

Finnegan was known far and wide for his love of gold and his knack for mischief. Legend had it that he had amassed a treasure trove of gold coins over the centuries, hidden away in the deepest, darkest corners of the garden. Many had sought to claim Finnegan’s treasure for themselves, but none had succeeded.

One sunny morning, as the birds chirped and the bees buzzed, a young girl named Saoirse stumbled upon the entrance to the secret garden. Intrigued by the tales she had heard of Finnegan and his treasure, Saoirse ventured bravely into the garden, her heart pounding with excitement.

As she wandered among the flowers and trees, Saoirse caught sight of a flash of green darting among the bushes. Curious, she followed the mysterious figure until she came upon a small clearing where Finnegan O’Flanagan stood, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

“Ah, greetings, lass,” Finnegan exclaimed, his voice as bright as the sunlight filtering through the leaves. “What brings you to my humble abode?”

Saoirse, undaunted by the leprechaun’s antics, replied, “I’ve heard tales of your treasure, Finnegan, and I’ve come to see it for myself.”

Finnegan chuckled, his laughter echoing through the garden like the tinkling of bells. “Ah, you’re a bold one, lass, but I’m afraid my treasure is not so easily found. You’ll have to solve my riddle if you wish to claim it.”

And with that, Finnegan disappeared into the underbrush, leaving Saoirse alone in the garden, pondering the riddle he had left behind.

For days and nights, Saoirse searched the garden high and low, seeking the answer to Finnegan’s riddle. She followed clues hidden among the flowers and whispered secrets shared by the trees, until at last, she uncovered the key to unlocking the leprechaun’s treasure.

With a triumphant cry, Saoirse unearthed Finnegan’s hoard of gold coins, gleaming in the sunlight like drops of liquid sunshine. And as she counted her riches, she couldn’t help but laugh with joy, for she knew that she had outwitted the mischievous leprechaun and claimed his treasure as her own.

From that day forth, Saoirse became known as the bravest adventurer in all of Ireland, her tale of cunning and courage told far and wide. And as for Finnegan O’Flanagan, well, some say he still roams the secret garden, plotting new tricks and schemes to confound unwary travelers. But one thing is for certain—his treasure remains safe and sound, waiting for the next bold soul to uncover its secrets. ❖