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This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

When last we met in Part 25 Y-yearn: 

Forces of King Yarek and Princess Alondria gathered opposite each other, ready to fight. King Yarek called on Princess Alondria to relinquish her claim to the throne or else he would kill the family who raised her, as well as everyone who supported her. His weapon, which he takes from her, is the magic blue flower that could destroy anyone he chose. Rowan, to save Alondria, sings out the lullaby that is meant to calm her fears and give her confidence. Everyone joins in the singing. Confidence restored, she convinces Yarek that she and all her followers are evil. Egocentric person that he is, he uses the weapon to destroy all evil ones in Tirea, which works. All of Yarek’s followers turn to dust, including Yarek himself.

———–

Destiny – Part 26 Conclusion (zephyr) 

King Yarek was no more. The people of Tirea had spoken. Those who had knowingly aided in the foul deeds of the pretender King Yarek were also gone. Those who joined the fight against Yarek were spared. They were given the choice to stay in Tirea or leave and start afresh.

Now was the time to heal all the cruelty and hostility towards the citizens of Tirea. Now was the time for their spirits to be raised. They all had Princess Alondria to thank for that. Of course, she had a lot of help from others – the couple that saved her (Marco and Lidea), the family that raised her, Queen Isolara of Glandisol and her armies, the creatures she befriended along the way, and, of course, Rowan. 

It was a time for celebration, and a big one was planned. Everyone attended the coronation of Queen Alondria. Queen Isolara was there to place the crown upon Alondria’s head. The Queen had to correct herself as she said, “I now crown thee, Queen Adrian…Alondria, ruler of the Queendom of Tirea. Long may you live, and may you rule with strength, compassion, and justice. 

To make the celebration even better, Queen Isolara named Rowan as Queen Alondria’s Prince Consort, a proclamation that no one there was surprised to hear. 

Queen Alondria (better known as Adriana to her friends) stood straight and strong as she accepted the crown and addressed everyone in attendance. 

“There was a time when I thought I knew who I was and what I wanted to be. I wanted to be a princess and the future ruler of a land like the one we stand in today. This was well before I knew my bloodline and that I was already a princess. 

I was looked down upon when I chose my destiny in the country where I was raised. They did not believe it was possible. For one, I had doubts, too, but I knew what I wanted deep inside. Little did I know that my destiny was choosing me.

I stand here today as your queen. My destiny has been reached. At my side, I have my Prince. I have already befriended neighboring kingdoms and even my own country of Glendan, which is no longer skeptical of what I chose. They all wish to work in harmony with us.

As your ruler, I pledge to restore control of your lives to you. I did not know my birth parents, but from talking to the elders of Tirea, I have discovered that my birth parents were fair, loved, and supported by all. I hope to live up to the standards that they set. So, celebrate not just for me, but for yourselves too. You deserve it. You’ve struggled for nineteen years without hope.  Be well, and let us work together to build the world as it should be for all.”

With that said, Queen Alondria stepped down. There were loud cheers from all. She hugged her foster mother, father, sister, and brother, offering them all a place at her side. They all kindly refused but promised they would return often. Alondria replied that she, too, would visit them and Glendan. For Queen Isolara, Alondria also promised visits and much trade between their Queendoms. 

The people all returned to their homes, and life began anew for everyone.

Alondria and Rowan went to the palace garden early the next day. They sat beneath an apple tree in the palace garden as a zephyr cooled the air on that warm spring day, reminiscing about all the events that had transpired since her arrival. Much to be forgotten, much to be remembered, and much to look forward to. How appropriate that it was Spring, the budding of a new life, which brings an end to our tale. 

May all your destinies be as fruitful.

This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

When last we met in Part 23 – Wander: 

We found out more about Rowan’s past. Alondria and Rowan also discovered their love for each other. Now they are preparing to call in all their supporters and confront King Yarek.

Destiny – Part 24 (Xylophone)

The time had come. It was time for all the supporters of Princess Alondria to gather for the confrontation with King Yarek over the rule of Tirea. 

Alondria had a method to notify everyone, but how would they know where to go when she didn’t even know where to go herself? 

As they marched towards the heart of Tirea, villagers began to follow. Each carried whatever they could find that might be useful in case they were called to fight.

Alondria turned to Rowan and asked one of the questions that had been troubling her thoughts.  “How do we know where to find him?”

She heard a reply, but it was not from Rowan. It came from behind her.

”You must go to the center of Tirea. There is a hill there we call King’s Sleep, in honor of your father.”

Alondria turned around and stared at a man whom she did not recognize. Rowan was quite familiar with him.

”Princess Alondria,” Rowan said. “This is the man who helped me find you. I’d like to introduce you to Marvelous Marco.”

”It is an honor to meet you,” she said. “I am ever so grateful for your help. It saved my life. How is it you know where to find Yarek? And, how does this King’s Sleep honor my father?”

”To answer your first question,” Marco replied, “Let’s just say I have connections. There are those who owe me. And part of my recompense is information when needed. The information I desired was where the king was planning to meet up with you. As to your other question, King’s Sleep is where your father fought valiantly against Yarek. It was there that he was killed in battle. He was buried by his armies before Yarek could get his body to taunt the citizens of Tirea, claiming he was weak. Yarek does not know that he was buried there, but the rest of your father’s supporters do. We think of our great King Petyr as being asleep, not dead. And that some day he will awaken and rid us of this menace. We believe that you are the embodiment of both your parents, and you are here to do just that and restore the crown to him, through you.”

”That’s a lot to ask of me,” Alondria said. “But I do intend to take up that challenge. It is my desire. It is my destiny. But knowing where he’ll be is one thing. I can summon all that follow me when the time is right for that confrontation. But how will they know where to go?”

Another voice spoke up nearby. “That would be my responsibility.”

Rowan and Alondria turned toward the voice. Alondria needed no introduction, and Rowan was pretty sure who she was. 

Marco turned to them both, “Allow me to introduce you to my wife, Lidea. Princess, I’m sure you recognize her as the lady of the lake; and Rowan, I surmise from your expression that you had figured that out already.”

”It’s a pleasure to see you again, princess, and Rowan, to meet you in person,” Lidea said. “Now, before you ask, I know you have set up the code word for the group, and you know how to send the signal; that is all you have to do. If you let me hold the flower with you when it is sent, I can add a certain element to that signal that will sustain it. As long as those who hear the signal can follow it, they will arrive at King’s Sleep.”

”I don’t understand,” said Rowan. “How will they know which way to go?”

Lidea continued her explanation, “They will be following a strong sound. If they veer off course, the sound will decrease in volume. While going in the right direction, the signal remains strong.”

”That’s kind of like a game I played with my brother and sister when I was young,” Alondria said. “I would hide something, and the others would have to find it. If they were close, I would say that they were getting warmer; if they were moving in the wrong direction, I would say they were getting colder. This continued until they found what was hidden, then we’d switch roles.”

”Exactly,” was Rowan’s remark. 

“So when should we send this signal?” the princess asked.

Marco answered that one. “Now is as good a time as any.”

”So be it,” was Princess Alondria’s response. So saying, she pulled out the blue flower that Lidea had explained would send the tune. Lidea stood beside her, and they both held on to it.

”Send the message,” Lidea said.

 While holding onto the flower, Princess Alondria thought. “Play for Adriana.” 

At the same time, Lidea thought, “Come to King’s Sleep.” 

This is what was heard: (Readers, you can hear the tune that was sent by clicking on the link below:**

Alondria could tell by the expressions on the faces of those around her that her message had been received. 

Time to move on to King’s Sleep Hill and a meeting with Prince Yarek and his forces. 

And they all moved forward, heading for what all hoped was Princess Alondria’s destiny.

——

**Author’s note: If you were able to hear the tune that was played for all of Princess Alondria’s followers when you clicked on it, then you are truly a follower of the princess. It was played on a xylophone. If you are reading this and can’t click on the song or hear it, trust me, I played it on a xylophone, and deep down, you are probably not a favored friend and supporter of the princess. 

To be continued in Y – Yearn

This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

When last we met in Part 22 – Venture: 

More and more animals, birds, and people are being added to Princess Alondria’s followers. Springbounder has enlisted Queen Isolara of Glandisol, who will stand ready with her forces near Tirea. Sparrow-White and Luvtrue go to seek more bird species to join in. Princess Alondria and Rowan continue to get followers as they travel from town to town. All await the signal from the princess to assemble.

————

Destiny – Part 23 (wander)

Rowan and Alondria had been traveling for days. The followers of the princess’s cause continued to grow. But would their numbers be enough? King Yarek’s armies were well armed. They were not.

They reached a point where they decided to take a rest and sit down to talk.

“You’ve learned so much about me, of which I am very grateful,” Alondria said, “But what about you? What is your story? Besides, climbing mountains and saving princesses?”

Rowan was quiet for a moment and then began his story. 

“Many names have I gone by, but the one that seems to have stuck is my true name, Rowan. Springbounder referred to me as Rowan the Rogue, which I guess is an apt description. I was born in a place, not unlike the home you were raised in. My birth parents were not very wealthy. My mother was a very caring woman. She worked hard to get the necessities we needed to live. My father was the true rogue. He was a thief and a trickster. Somehow, any money or supplies he acquired, he would lose just as easily before we got to see any of it, which made it harder on my mother and me. 

My father took good care of me, though.  He taught me all he knew about life. How to convince others to buy his wares; How to climb mountains;  How to throw his voice, so that others felt a greater power was speaking to them, and of course, how to take things that didn’t belong to him. 

I learned quickly. 

My mother taught me things, too. How to work hard. How to care for people. How to be good.

Unfortunately, like you, both my parents died when I was young. My father was killed during one of his escapades when he was caught. My mother died from working too hard. 

Following their deaths, I was fostered to many families, none of which stuck with me. I was too rebellious. I was not helpful in the ways they wanted me to be, basically wanting me to worship them. I was too much of a mouth to feed. 

So when I was old enough to go out on my own, I did. I hired myself out to those who wanted something done. Some things I did were good, and others, I admit,  were a bit shady. I changed my name a few times so that I wouldn’t be recognized. When I left you on the mountain, it wasn’t that I didn’t want to help you. Those villagers knew me by another name. If they saw me and heard you call me Rowan, it would have gone bad for me, and probably you too, thinking you were an associate of my schemes.”

Alondria interrupted, “That would explain why no one in the village recognized your name.”

“True. I was still hired by Yarek to dissuade you from your quest. I had never hurt anyone in the things I did. My mother’s teachings remained strong in me. I knew what kind of person Yarek was, but a job is a job, and I had no idea what he had in mind for you. 

What I did know was that the moment I met you on that mountain, there was something different. You should have been just someone seeking her destiny, a job that I was being paid to do, but inside me, I felt you were more than that. I couldn’t put a finger on it then, but when I learned of Yarek’s plan, all I could think about was protecting you and being part of your life.”

“Interesting,” was her response. “When we first met, I did not know who you were, or whether I could trust you. I was very cautious as to what I asked for. I remember making you practice climbing the mountain with me before we truly ascended. But each stage of that climb, every time you grabbed my hand to pull me level with you, I felt something too. Something that I had never felt with anyone else before. When you saved me from that river, I never wanted to be parted from you ever again.” 

Neither said a word for a while. They just stared deeply into each other’s eyes. He grabbed her hands, as she grabbed his. Anyone who would have watched this moment between them would clearly see an aura of love, friendship, and caring that was boundless. Their first kiss was one that historians imagine shook the earth beneath them. 

But time was running short. There would be time for them to express their feelings for each other later. It was time to wander back to the path of reality and destiny. Time to head back and find King Yarek. Time to call in the troops.

To be continued in X – Xylophone

This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

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When last we met in Part 21 – Unique: 

King Yarek has found out some information about Princess Alondria’s past to help him in his quest to get rid of her. He now knows her background in Glendan, and of her foster parents and siblings. He also knows that she carries with her a blue flower that can be used to destroy people or things. With the help of a wizard, he abducts Alondria’s family from Glendan and is now keeping them in a comatose state until he can use them against the princess. 

Time to see what others are doing.

———–

Destiny – Part 22 (Venture)

Springbounder was given the task of informing Queen Isolara of Glandisol what he had discovered about Adriana’s past and possible future. 

Queen Isolara listened intently. “I knew King Petyr and Queen Alora. They were good people. I did not know they had a child. So, the princess referred to in the letter attached to the baby entrusted to us was indeed a real princess. I sensed in my heart that Adriana had royal blood in her.”

“So, the question remains,” continued Springbounder, “do we do anything to help?”

At that moment, Sparrow-White flew in from the balcony, where he had overheard the conversation. He spoke into Springbounder’s ear and then flew off again to inform others.

The queen, noticing the interruption,  asked, “What did that bird communicate to you?”

“The bird’s name is Sparrow-White,” she replied. “The princess saved his life, and he is loyal to her. He brings news of a way to gather a force at Princess Alondria’s call.”

Springbounder explained the code word needed and how to activate it so that one could receive the tune that would call all to her side. He also explained to the queen about Rowan and his help in finding the true story about Alondria’s life before she was given to you, and the lullaby that is the tune she is using to summon others.

“Then we must do what we can to help her. Call me Adriana,” she announced.

Now the queen was part of Princess Alondria’s force. “I will be the holder of that key phrase,” she said. “My armies will follow me and my orders; I do not want them to be confused by getting leaders mixed up. I will gather my forces and await the signal from the princess, but I will move them close to Tirea, so that we can be there when the call is given, and venture forth in time. ”

“And what of you, Springbounder? Do you stand with the princess?”

There was no hesitation in his reply. “With all my heart, your Majesty.”

“Then be off. Find more of your kind and others. We will meet at the inner edge of the Forbidden Forest, on the outskirts of Tirea, prepared for battle.”

——

Sparrow-White was also busy. Having received the information from Luvtrue, which he passed on to Springbounder, he followed the path back to his brethren to inform them of the upcoming battle. From there, he joined up with Luvtrue to inform other birds in the kingdom. Going as a team of two different species strengthened their position, as there were many different birds to connect with. 

——

 Princess Alondria’s forces were growing. All that was needed was to listen for the tune.

To be continued in W – Wander.

This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

When last we met in Part 20 – Travel: 

Rowan and Alondria have a plan; now they need to spread the word and gather supporters. With the assistance of Luvtrue (a galea bird), they are led to a village outside the Forbidden Forest where they can share their plan and code word with others, including those who must work for King Yarek, but do not support him. Meanwhile, Luvtrue will inform Sparrow-White, and together they will inform other animals and birds to join the fight in support of Princess Alondria. Meanwhile, King Yarek is making his own plans. 

————

Destiny – Part 21 (unique)

King Yarek was angry and frustrated. He could hear the undercurrents of discontent in the kingdom, which had heightened since the arrival of the Princess Alondria. His plan to burn her up in the field of blue flowers had failed, as had the quake he had created, in the hopes that some debris would fall on her and kill her, or have her buried in a fissure, equally as deadly. But what to do?

He needed to think outside the box and come up with a unique idea that no one would suspect. For this, he needed the assistance of more soothsayers and wizards. There were plenty to be had at the right price. Unfortunately, his reputation for killing anyone knowledgeable of his plans did not help find ones that were willing to assist him. 

Yarek needed more information about Alondria’s past. He needed to know where she had been for the past nineteen years. Maybe there was something from her past that would provide the solution to her disposal. 

Yarek found both a soothsayer and a wizard who would work for him. Their price was high, and the conditions of their contract were perfect for his needs. They were to be paid in advance for their work, and the results of their findings would be delivered remotely. They then would disappear from Tirea, never to be seen again. Any attempt at finding either the soothsayer or the wizard again would be dealt with magically; those involved would not see the light of day again. 

The soothsayer was the first to be given his task. His task was to find out what he could about Alondria’s past nineteen years. Who were the people close to her, and where did they live? The other task assigned to him was to determine what weapons she might have to fight with, whether they were magical or physical. 

Keep in mind that soothsayers are experts in seeing into the future, not the past. However, they can glean information from events that happen in the future to make some assumptions about the past, which is what this soothsayer did. Only, he didn’t mention that they were assumptions, but spoke of them as facts. There were also things that he saw in the future that he decided not to share with the king. 

A day after King Yarek gave the task to the soothsayer, an image of that soothsayer appeared before Yarek with the results of his search. 

The image spoke, “The family that raised her exists in a land called Glendan. They are a mother, a father, an older brother, and a sister. She was known by the name Adriana. None have the bloodline of the princess, and pose no threat to your reign. As for the weapons she might carry, she keeps a magical blue flower in her backpack that survived the Burn. It has the power to destroy. One needs to hold it high and order it to destroy whatever is named, and it shall be done.”

When the image of the soothsayer finished his remarks, it dissolved into nothingness and was gone. 

It was now time for the wizard’s task. 

Yarek ordered, “There is a place called Glendan. You are to find it and go there. You will find a family of four: husband and wife, who have two naturally born children, a son and a daughter. They are all connected to a nineteen-year-old foster child named Adriana. Transport the four of them here to me unharmed, but restrained.  

It was but two days, this time. Again, only an image of the wizard appeared before he king. On the floor in front of the king lay four bodies, in a magically induced coma.

The image spoke, “Here lie the people that you requested. They are alive and well. They will awaken when needed. Use them as you will.”

With that spoken, the image of the wizard dissolved into nothingness, and he was gone. 

“At last,” King Yarek spoke out loud, “I have what I need. Victory is mine!”

To be continued in V – Venture

This story was written for the 2025 April A to Z Blog Challenge. Twenty-six words, one for each letter of the alphabet, were pre-selected by a random word generator (MacChatGPT) and were included for each section of the appropriate letter in the Challenge. The chosen word is highlighted within the text. To start the story from the beginning, go to https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=4443.

When last we met in Part 19 – Strong: 

Alondria and Rowan had devised a plan. Together, they would seek others to join their fight against King Yarek. Anyone willing to assist Alondria’s quest will be given a code name. Alondria should be able to send a tune (Rowan’s lullaby), using one of her blue flowers, to anyone with that name as a group or any individual. Only those named will be able to hear the tune, wherever they are. 

————-

Destiny Part 20 (travel)

The first issue that Rowan and Alondria had to solve was where to go. They had both been given directions that ended at the Wiser River, but no further instructions were provided.

“Why do you think that we were both led here?” Alondria asked. 

Rowan answered, “I guess we were meant to work together at this point, and those directions did get us together again, though not the way I would have expected to meet you again.”

“Then where should we go?” 

They both thought in silence, not knowing which way to turn. It was then that Rowan heard a loud screech coming from the sky.

He looked up and immediately grabbed Alondria, placing her behind him to protect her, for flying right at them was a galea bird.

It screeched again as it flew closer towards them. Rowen’s backpack was too far away from him for him to reach any weapon. Before he could do anything, Alondria put her hand on his shoulder and said, “It’s all right. This bird is here to help us.”

“What?” he cried. 

Alondria had her backpack in hand as she picked out a blue flower and told Rowan to hold onto it.

As Rowan handled the flower, he heard from the sky, “Do not fear me, Princess Alondria and Egg Stealer, I am here at the behest of Sparrow-White, who thought that you both might need some assistance getting out of the forest.”

Alondria quickly explained the power of the flower to Rowan. It seems that once touched, you retain your ability to hear and communicate with other animals. That being understood, Rowan let go of the flower, and Adriana placed it back in her backpack.

Rowan spoke, “I apologize for the theft of your egg. However, you must understand my purpose was noble.”

“Understood,” the bird replied, “an egg sacrificed is but little to pay for the success of your venture.”

Alondria explained to the galea, whose name was Luvtrue, what their plan was.

Rowan added that if Luvtrue could guide them towards a village to start in, they could pass the word to other inhabitants and possibly build an army.”

Alondria followed with, “And, if you please, you can pass the code word to Sparrow-White so he can tell others, so that they can join us also.”

Luvtrue said, “Your wish is my command, Princess. I, too, have many that I can inform to aid your cause, for King Yarek’s rule threatens us all.”

That being said, Luvtrue guided Rowan and Princess Alondria out of the forest and to a village nearby. Their travel there was uneventful, but it did bear much fruit. 

They were able to inform those people and other villages of the code. Each village, once notified, sent out its messengers with Princess Alondria’s plan.  And word began to spread throughout Tirea.

—

In Yarek’s castle, some served him, but did not agree with how he ruled and what was done to those who opposed him. Those in opposition were either exiled or put to death. Most were too fearful of Yarek’s wrath and the consequences of speaking out against him. Each had a family to support. Their families were only protected by inaction and Yarek’s ignorance.

It was these malcontents who also received Alondria’s message from their families. They hoped that soon, they would be able to participate and do something to help Alondria’s cause and rid the world of Yarek and his minions. 

To be continued in U – Unique