M – Marvelous

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 12- Lake: 

Adriana and Sparrow-White went to seek the help of an old woman who lived by a lake. The water in the lake reacted turbulently when Adriana approached, which caused a hostile reaction from the old woman that lived there. You will have to wait until Part 16 – Peaceful to continue that part of the story. Today, we continue with Rowan and Springbounder’s attempt to find and protect Adriana.  (see Part 10 – Jump)

Destiny – Part 13 (marvelous)

Springbounder suggested that they return to the field of blue flowers and use Rowan’s tracking abilities to follow Adriana’s path. 

Rowan said, “We could return to the field, and then I could track along the path that Adriana took and try to catch up with her; however, that would take too long, and there is no guarantee I would find her. She already had far too much time; besides, Queen Isolara told her to be cautious, and she might not be as easy to find as you were.”

Springbounder asked, “Then should we split up and each travel a different path in hopes of finding her?”

Rowan replied, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. It’s too random, and should either of us find her, how would we signal to the other that she had been found? We should stay together.”

Rowan paused. “I have a different idea. You know your way around this forest well, I presume.”

Springbounder nodded yes.

“That might be helpful,” Rowan continued. “It’s better to figure out where she might be going, get there first, and backtrack to find her.”

Springbounder was quick to react. “That’s well and good, but how do we determine where she might be going?”

“You may know places,” Rowan said, “but I know people. It just so happens that we are near someone I have been known to work with on occasion. He goes by the name Marvelous Marco.”

“And what makes this colleague of yours so marvelous?”

“It’s best that you see for yourself.”

So saying, Rowan led Springbounder further into the forest, where, after a short while, they came upon an old cabin.

The cabin was made of old, rotting wood. Its window frames stood askew, and a burlap drape covered what would have been the doorway to the cabin. Outside the cabin sat a man dressed in a flowing black robe decorated with embroidered sparkling thunderbolts. The man had a long gray beard and beady dark colored eyes. He stared at the oncoming pair of seekers. 

“Welcome to the humble home of Marvelous Marco – teller of truths, finder of the lost, messenger from the almighty,” he declared. “You have finally come to your senses and sought my wisdom. I have seen it all. Let’s not waste our time; tell me that which you seek.”

Springbounder looked at Rowan and whispered, “You expect this crackpot to help us?”

Rowan just held up his hand, signalling Springbounder to keep quiet and as a formality to address Marco.

“Your Marvelousness, “Rowan began, “We seek a woman that has lost her way in these woods. She goes by the name Adriana, and we fear for her safety. Can you direct us to where she might be or where she is going?”

Marvelous Marco closed his eyes and let out a strange whistle. After a moment, he opened his eyes and spoke. “I can give you what you wish…at a price.

Rowan had dealt with Marco before, and he knew there was always a catch. “What is the price you seek, oh Marvel?”

Springbounder just stood there dumbfounded. This Malarkey Marco was clearly a con artist or a lunatic. How could he possibly help?

Marco smiled and said, “I’m sure you have heard of the gelea bird. It is a rare bird only found in this forest. Bring me back an egg from its nest, and I will share your woman’s location with you.” On saying that, Marvelous Marco disappeared back into his cabin. 

“You’re not taking this shyster seriously, are you?” questioned Springbounder. “We do not have the time to waste.”

Rowan answered firmly, “You can wander on your own and hope that you can find Adriana before King Yarek does, or you can follow me to find that egg.”

At the mention of King Yarek’s name, Springbounder’s ears perked up. “KING YAREK IS WHO HIRED YOU! You failed to mention that before!”

“You’re right.” Rowan said, “I didn’t think it was important whether you knew or not. But now, it is. I told you before that I would never have done anything to harm Adriana. Her safety is of prime importance to me. King Yarek wants her dead. Marco is a con artist, but he is very effective at getting information when needed. And he gets it quickly. Our quest for the egg gives him a little time to get answers for us, and if we return with the egg, it means a fortune for him when he sells it. With your help locating the bird’s habitat, I figure getting the egg shouldn’t be hard. This is a much better plan than wandering hopelessly around this forest.”

Springbounder was not too happy about King Yarek being involved in this, nor Rowan’s insistence that Marvelous Marco could help, but she could see no other choice.

“So be it.” was Springbounder’s reluctant response. “Climb on my back; I will take you near the gelea’s habitat. But then, getting the egg is up to you.

To be continued in N – Nest