Z – Zephyr

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.