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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 16 – Peaceful: 

Adriana discovered more about her birth from the woman of the lake. Adriana was born Princess Alondria, the only child of King Petyr and Queen Alora, both of whom were killed by a mad Prince Yarek, who now reigns over Tiria. Alondria, as she now will be called, accepts her destiny to regain the throne with the help of the old woman and Sparrow-White. She is given directions to meet up with someone crucial to her success. And that’s where we’ll leave her for now. Now, let’s return to Rowan and Springbounder’s attempt to find her as they bring the payment they retrieved to Magnificent Marco (Destiny Part – 14) to get some answers. 

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Destiny – Part 17 (quake)

It didn’t take long for Springbounder and Rowan to get back to Marvelous Marco’s cabin. They found him waiting with a backpack that looked like he was about to leave on an extended journey; he no longer wore his decorated robe.

Dismounting from Springbounder, Rowen approached Marco and placed the galea’s egg at his feet. “I have brought you what you requested; now you must provide me with the information about Adriana’s whereabouts.”

“I might,” was the reply from Marco, “That all depends on your reasons for seeking her and what you intend to do when you find her. And trust me, you had better be truthful, or you will get nothing from me, and it is you that might pay a deadly price.”

Springbounder was ready to grasp the con man by his throat and rip him apart, but was stayed by Rowan’s hand. 

Rowan chose his words carefully. “Her life may be in danger. We seek to find her and protect her from someone intent on killing her for his own gain.”

“That answer is good,” Marco retorted. “Now tell me what you know of Adriana, this nineteen-year-old woman.”

Springbounder and Rowan were taken by surprise by this comment as they had never mentioned her age to Marco.

Rowan turned toward Springbounder with a questioning glance. Springbounder nodded her head yes. 

Rowan turned back to Marco and told him Adriana’s story.

What initially looked like anger and violence on Marco’s face turned to a calm, even pleased appearance and a recognition of the truth being spoken. 

Marco said, “I appreciate you being honest with me. Had I known this when you first visited, I might have given you some of the information you sought then. Let me fill you in on some pieces you do not have about Adriana.” 

Rowen and Springbounder listened intently. 

Marco continued, “The woman you seek was born in Tiria to King Petyr and Queen Alora. Her true name is Princess Alondria. Before Yarek killed both the King and Queen, the baby was hidden away, given to a man and his wife, trusted by the Queen. When Yarek, now King, sought out the princess to have her killed, that couple, in fear of their lives, took the child to the kingdom of Glandisol. They planned to leave the baby in the Forbidden Forest in a field of blue flowers for someone else to find. But kinder hearts prevailed, and instead, they brought the child to Queen Isolara of Glandisol to raise. The couple then split up, making it harder for Yarek’s assassins to find them.”

“What happened to that couple?” Rowan asked.

“One stands before you,” Marco answered. “As for my wife, I left Lidea deep in some woods by a lake. I had not tried to communicate with her these last nineteen years. Neither of us has been discovered.”

Marco continued, “Had you intended the princess harm, I would have ensured you did not leave here alive. But now I have communicated with my wife and some Tirea villagers.  It is now known that Princess Alondria is alive and has returned. This is not a pleasing thought for our king. It was he who destroyed the blue flower field in the hopes of killing Alondria. It is now known that Princess Alondria is alive and has returned. The villagers are gathering to decide how best to protect her and take back the throne. Other assistance is needed and is also being sought. You should know that Princess Alondria is now aware of who she is. 

Let me suggest a different strategy since you both ask where to find her. Chimera, you have the ear of the Queen of Glendisol. I suggest you go to her and explain to her who Princess Alondria is and ask for her help in this upcoming fight. Rowan, I will take the egg you gave me because it is useless to you. If I had known of your mission when we first talked, I would not have asked for anything at all. As for what you should do, I have it on good authority that it is crucial for you to get to Alondria first. It has been foretold that the two of you…well…let’s just say you will work well together in this fight.”

“And what of you?” Rowan asked.

“I will return to my wife,” Marco said. “It is time for us to rejoin and use the skills we have gained in her magic and my connections to aid this endeavor.”

They all agreed to Marco’s plan. Springbounder was to return to Queen Isolara with a plea for help. Rowan got directions from Marco on where he might meet up with Alondria, and Marco would rejoin his wife.

But, before any of them could take a step in any direction. The sky darkened, and the ground shook with tremendous force. They weren’t expecting a quake. It toppled trees, Marco’s cabin imploded to dust, and all three were lucky not to have been killed. 

I guess luck was with them that day.

To be continued in R – River

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 15 – Observe: 

The scout that was sent to find the remains of Rowan and Adriana found none. King Yarek, being informed of that, screamed out, “ALORA’S CHILD STILL LIVES?” Having heard King Yarek’s rant, the scout avoids being killed and knows that Princess Alondria is still alive.  People of Tirea need to know this. – You’ll have to wait to find out what happens. 

This part (16) returns to Adriana and Sparrow-White’s visit to the old woman by the lake (see Part 12). When we last met, their appearance at the lake caused it to become turbulent. The angry woman approached them screaming, “WHO DARES COME HERE AND DISRUPTS MY PRECIOUS WATER! EXPLAIN YOURSELF!

———–

Destiny – Part 16 (peaceful)

Sparrow-White flew up to the old woman, landed on her shoulder, and whispered something in her ear. Suddenly, what had been turbulent and threatening now became peaceful and calm.

“Come here, girl, and speak to me of who you are and why you’re here,” the old woman said. 

Not sure what had just transpired that changed the old woman’s attutude, Adriana approached her and shared her story.

Similar to when Queen Isolara heard Adriana’s tale, this woman’s face displayed multiple emotions – astonishment, compassion, pride, a little anger, and definitely some sadness. 

When Adriana had finished, there was a pause before the woman spoke. She bent her head, held back tears, and said, “I must fill in some of the empty pieces to your story.  Please come into my cottage; you need to hear this.”

They entered the old woman’s cottage. It had sparse furnishings and was much in need of repair. They found a clean spot on the floor and sat. Sparrow-White perched high on the window sill close by. 

“First,” said the woman, “You should know your born name. It is Alondria. You are the only child of King Petyr and Queen Alora of Tirea. Nineteen years ago, there was a war. Your parents were both killed by a mad Prince called Yarek. No one knows where he came from. You were born just before your mother was murdered. To save your life, she had you taken away to be hidden, some distance from the palace, by a man and a woman who the Queen trusted. I was that woman. A price was put on your head. Anyone connected to your disappearance would be put to death also. 

My husband and I knew both your life and ours were in grave danger. We chose to take you away and leave you in the Forbidden Forest to be found by someone else. But we didn’t have the heart to abandon you, so we brought you to the Queen of Glandisol. The rest you know. 

Prince Yarek, now king, was relentless in finding everyone involved with your escape. My husband found this cottage and asked me to stay here while he led King Yarek’s hounds astray. That was nineteen years ago, and I have not seen or heard from him since.

I have lived here alone, studying the mystic ways of the world. I have managed to survive. I have created barriers around my cottage that warn me of intruders. The lake’s reaction is an example of one of my spells. 

Now, you are back. You are no longer a child. Your kingdom needs you, for Yarek is a cruel, uncontrollable despot. The people need hope. They need to have their lives back. The question is, is that the destiny you are looking for?”

Adriana replied, “It would appear that this destiny chose me long before I chose it. Yes, I will take it. What must I do to make that happen?”

The old woman thought for a while. “You must take back the throne, but not by yourself. There are those that will follow you, and you must call upon them to do so. Your only hope is in strength. I see much of your mother and father in you. If anyone can do it, you can.”

At this point, Sparrow-White flew down from his perch and spoke. “I can gather those from the forest and beyond that would help you. The other birds and animals will be told your story, which should be enough to gain their allegiance. None of them like what King Yarek has done; no doubt, the destruction of your field of beautiful blue flowers is a prime example. 

At hearing this, the old woman spoke up. “Those three flowers that you spoke about, may I see them?”

Without answering, Adriana handed over the flowers. 

After close examination, the old woman said, “These three flowers are magical. One you have learned about already; the other two I will explain. One can repeat a tune. Once learned, it can ring out so that only those you want to hear it can hear it. The other one is one of power. It has the power to destroy. Be careful how it is used, for it is not always predictable. 

I would also suggest that you call yourself by your true name, for your name has a power that others will recognize and support.”

Alondria, as she will now be known, was taught how to recognize the difference between the three flowers. The old woman also showed her how to replant them if she successfully took back the throne so that they could thrive again and propagate new flowers. She also gave Alondria a change of backpacks. This new one would be waterproof, for the old woman knew Alondria might need one.  

Plans were then made. Sparrow-White would fly off through the forest and seek out other birds and animals needed for Alondria’s return. The old woman would stay by her cottage and try to watch over the land and water. There were things she could do that might make it more difficult for Yarek’s armies to be successful. Alondria was given a path to take that would lead her to someone crucial to her victory. The old woman, who foresaw this person, chose not to tell Alondria who that person would be. 

To be continued in Q – Quake

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 N – Nest: 

Rowan had retrieved the egg from the galea bird through stealth and some luck. He and Springbounder were heading back to Marvelous Marco to get information about Adriana’s location. However, readers will have to wait to discover what happens next to them.

King Yarek wants Adriana dead (see Destiny—Part 9). It’s time to learn more about his story.

Destiny Part 15 (observe)

King Yarek was beside himself. He had killed King Petyr in battle, nineteen years before. The execution of Queen Alora followed that. It wasn’t until both monarchs had been disposed of that he discovered the existence of a child, Princess Alondria. The midwife, who had given the news to Yarek, was permanently disposed of. Now, the only thing left was to find and get rid of the heir to the throne. That was easier said than done.

He proclaimed, “Bring Forth the Child of the Queen, or Die.” Striking fear in the hearts and minds of those beneath him always worked for him.  This created panic, and many chose to flee Tirea. They all realized that even knowing of the child’s existence meant their death.

His proclamation didn’t work. No one came forth. So, the self-proclaimed king hired assassins to search for female babies that were recently born and to kill them.

After a short time, with no success, Yarek sought out the services of a known soothsayer. The soothsayer foretold the child’s existence and that it could not be traced. However, he did note that the child would return in nineteen years to take back the throne that was rightfully hers. 

Yarek was willing to wait the nineteen years. He promptly poisoned the soothsayer to ensure no one knew of his plan. 

Nineteen years had passed. Now, Yarek felt pleased, for he thought his problems were over. The king had made an assumption. That assumption was the Princess had died in the Burn of the Blue field and since he hadn’t heard back from Rowan, Rowan also. With the Princess and Rowan dead, he had little to worry about. 

Yarek was a stickler for proof. He sent a scout to the Forbidden Forest to retrieve the remains of those who perished in the fire. He gave the scout a magic wristband to track and communicate back to Yarek when the bodies were found. The wristband could also emit a deadly shock to the wearer when Yarek activated it remotely. 

The scout knew of the forest’s penchant to lose people permanently. In situations like this, it is best to observe your surroundings. The scout took his time wending his way through the woods. Yarek was able to direct him using the magic wristband’s tracking ability. Knowing that Yarek was observing the paths he was on, the scout marked trees on his way in so he could find his way back without the wristband. This scout was no fool. He was a young man when Yarek took control of Tirea, and he knew what happened to those with knowledge that the king did not want made public. 

Reaching the blue field, the scout searched for a long time but found no bodies. He removed his wristband and laid it on the ground when he reported his findings to Yarek. 

He heard a scream of great magnitude, “ALORA’S CHILD STILL LIVES?” The scout could feel a tremendous spark of electricity standing ten feet away from the wristband as it melted into the ground.

But the scout, who had observed well, still lived. Not only that, but he now knew that Princess Alondria was alive, and she had returned. The people of Tirea needed to know.

To be continued in P – Peaceful

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 13 – Marvelous: 

Rowan and Springbounder seek the help of a con man known as Marvelous Marco. Rowan has worked with him before. Marco will help them find Adriana as long as the duo can obtain for him an egg from a rare galea bird as his price. Reluctantly, after finding out that it’s King Yarek who wants Adriana dead, Springbounder agrees to the arrangement Rowan made, and they set off for the galea’s habitat.

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Destiny Part 14 (nest)

It’s one thing to follow Springbounder. Talons tend to leave clear tracings in the ground, similar to a walking or trotting horse. Riding her when she is in a hurry to get somewhere is another thing. There was a reason that her legs looked like springs. There are no back-and-forth alternating steps at an even pace. Instead, she leapt like a squirrel, a very large squirrel. Trees and shrubs whipped by Rowan. He did all he could just to stay atop of Springbounder. There was no way he could remember the path they took. What made it even more incredible was that she did this all without making a sound. It would be easy for her to sneak up on anyone. Rowan was determined not to underestimate this chimera again.

Suddenly, Springbounder halted. Rowan heard, in his head, “We are here, now get off. The nest you seek is beyond this set of trees. Look for a tall white birch. You must climb up to the seventh branch where her nest lies. You should find the egg you seek within. However, you must be warned, the galea is not a friend of mine. She does not like uninvited visitors. She will kill without provocation if you are caught. I will be waiting here, for a while, for your return when you succeed. I assure you I’ll know your fate should you fail. Galeas are proud of their kills and show it.  That being the case, I will seek out Adriana myself, no matter how many paths I need to follow.”

With that word of encouragement, Rowan dismounted and went forward through the trees, just short of the opening where he would have been spotted. He glanced up at the white birch no more than 50 yards from his position. He could see the nest on the seventh branch. The tree looked easy to climb. The galea was perched right on top of the eighth branch, looking away from Rowan’s position, making low squawking sounds. It was not a little bird. It had broad red wings, a sharp hooked beak, and formidable talons. It would not take much to rip a person to shreds. So much for it not being hard to get the egg. 

Rowan figured climbing the tree and retrieving the egg would take at least ten minutes. Then, he would have to get down and return to Springbounder before the galea knew what had happened. That didn’t take into account that the galea was there and watching over her eggs. Retrieving the egg from the nest would require skill and luck.

What Rowan needed was a distraction, something that would draw the momma bird away from her nest. He had skills that might work in his favor. One, was stealth. Springbounder may have been quiet as she hopped through the woods, but Rowan could be quieter. The other skills were mimicking other sounds and the ability to magically throw his voice over large distances. 

His first task was to find a spot far enough away from the nest that the galea, when there, would not be able to see nor hear anything going on at the nest. 

It didn’t take Rowan long to find such a place; it was well hidden and had enough brush coverage that he wouldn’t be heard. The next step was to create something the galea would be drawn to. Fire and another galea would be the answer to that. 

Rowan positioned fallen branches from trees to look like something was trapped underneath. He then cleared away enough of the brush surrounding the area so that the fire he would create would not catch fire to any other trees around. He then set a small fire ablaze under the branches that he had set up. 

He timed the fire so it would be big enough when the galea approached that it wouldn’t be able to see anything underneath it. 

Back at his hiding place near the nest, Rowan began to make the sound of what he thought a baby galea would sound like in distress and threw that sound to where his burning branches were. 

In an instant, the galea, hearing the frightening sound of a baby galea in distress, flew off to seek it out. 

As quickly and as quietly as Rowan could go, he went to retrieve the egg in the nest. He hoped he could do it and get back to Springbounder before the galea put out the fire and discovered his ruse. 

Luck was with him that day. The egg was retrieved, and Springbounder was still waiting. Rowan leaped on her back, and they bounded away to the sounds of a very angry galea.

Springbounder was duly impressed. 

To be continued in O – Observe

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

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 11 – Kind: 

After the destruction of the field of blue flowers, Adriana tries to find her way out of the Forbidden Forest.  She has no luck. Exhausted, she spent a restless night in a hollow tree, haunted by strange dreams. Finding some stale bread in a tree cache the next day, she hoped it would help her survive until she could find a way out. She never gets to eat it, as she encounters a bird, Sparrow-White, trapped under a fallen tree. She saves the bird, feeds it the bread, and it offers to help her when needed. She seizes the opportunity and asks for help getting out of the forest. 

—————

Destiny Part 12 (lake)

Sparrow-White flew up to Adriana’s shoulder. Perched there, it asked her why she was in the forest to begin with. 

Adriana related her story. She told of the destiny she had chosen, the magic that transported her here, how she found her way to the queen’s palace, the story that she was told about her origin, and lastly, the events within the Forbidden Forest that led her here. 

Sparrow-White listened intently. When Adriana had completed her tale, it spoke. “I have heard of such a baby. The story you speak of has been passed on through our family. No doubt, some relatives of mine helped guide you to Queen Isolara’s palace. You could not talk to each other since you did not have the blue flower of speech yet. I am pleased that they found a way to communicate with you.” 

Adriana quickly responded, “It’s the blue flowers that make it so I can understand you?”

“Only one of them,” Sparrow-White replied. “The others may have different qualities. Not knowing which ones you picked, I cannot say what they do or if they do anything at all. I recommend taking good care of them and being careful who you share them with. Certain blue flowers can be deadly.”

Sparrow-White paused for a moment in thought. He continued, “Guiding you out of the forest is not a problem. The question to answer is where to guide you to. Those flowers you carry have limited worth, as they will lose whatever power they may have sooner than later, as they are no longer being nourished by the field they grew in. If they are important in this quest, and I believe they are, we must make haste.”

“I don’t think returning to Queen Isolara would be a good use of time, then,” Adriana said. “There must be more here that I need to learn.”

“I agree,” said Sparrow-White. “There is a woman who lives nearby. She is very knowledgeable about events of the past. Perhaps she will be able to help you. She is somewhat of a recluse.”

“Then lead on,” Adriana said. “I appreciate anything that you can do for me.” 

Sparrow-White took off into the air. As he floated down one path or another, Adriana followed. It wasn’t long before they came to a lake. 

It was a clear, calm lake, but as they approached it, the water became turbulent, though the skies remained clear blue. An old bent-over woman hobbled out of a worn-down cottage by the lake towards them. 

Seeing Adriana walking towards the lake, the old woman yells, “WHO DARES COME HERE AND DISRUPTS MY PRECIOUS WATER! EXPLAIN YOURSELF!”

To be continued in 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 10 – Jump: 

Rowan and Springbounder have met, and both are determined to help Adriana. Adriana, having survived the burning of the field of blue flowers in the Forbidden Forest, has taken a different path from Springbounder. She has three blue flowers that are all remain from the destroyed field. She was told she needed to pick the right flowers. She hadn’t had time to determine which flowers were right or what they were supposed to be right for. She thought about giving up her quest, but Queen Isolara’s voice inside her head told her to give it time.

————

Destiny – Part 11 (kind)

Adriana had had help when she found her way to Queen Isolara’s palace. The Queen herself gave her directions on how to find the Forbidden Forest. Adriana’s goal had been to find the field of blue flowers. She had marked lots of the trees in her quest to find it.

Now, the field had been destroyed. Having escaped the Burn, Adriana needed to move on. But where to? There were too many paths, and she could not remember where she had come from to backtrack out of the forest.  It was times like this when Adriana could use some help, and Springbounder was nowhere to be seen, for Springbounder had disappeared, and there was no other person in sight. 

Adriana placed her three flowers into her backpack, took out her knife again, and chose a direction to go in. As she passed trees, she again began to mark them. Occasionally, she would come upon a marking that she had already made. Not sure whether it was a new marking or one she had etched before when finding the blue field, she kept taking different routes. 

It seemed that she was getting deeper and deeper into the forest. Was there any way out of it? Slowly, it dawned on her that this might be why the forest was forbidden. Going into it without knowledge of its pathways might lead one to be lost forever. Forever can be very short if you can’t find food, water, or shelter.

As night fell, she approached a large tree with a gaping hole in its base. The hole was large enough that she could fit inside and rest and, at the same time, be hidden from any that may be pursuing her. Queen Isolara had said that Adriana should be cautious. 

Adriana was exhausted from the day’s events. It didn’t take long for her to fall into a restless sleep. Images kept flashing through her mind. A baby in a field, a woman wearing a crown in tears, a man and a woman stopping by the field of blue flowers, Queen Isolara’s face looking distraught, images of her parents, sister, and brother in Glendon, Springbounder, and one of Rowan near the field of blue flowers. 

When she awoke, it was a new day, and she was far from refreshed. She needed to find something to eat and some water, which were essential for her survival. 

She continued on her way through the forest. It wasn’t long before she found another tree similar to the one she had slept in. The hole in this one was not large enough to get into but was large enough to hide something within. A sunbeam, making its way through the upper trees, shone upon the opening, where Adriana could see the small package within. Hesitantly, she put her hand into the opening and retrieved the opened package. 

She discovered a few pieces of stale bread. This hole must have been a cache for food, and this was all that was left. It would not sustain her for any length of time, but it was better than nothing. She was about to eat the bread when she heard a small voice calling, “HELP ME.”

Adriana put the package in her backpack and followed the voice to its origin. It was only a few steps further from where she had been standing. There, across her path, was a fallen tree. Trapped beneath one of its branches was a small bird with black and white stripes on its head, brown wings with white stripes, and a light grayish body. Its legs were tangled up. It looked just like one of the birds that danced on the rock.

“Help me,” it pleaded. 

Adriana didn’t hesitate and used her knife to cut away the vines and twigs that bound the bird. 

“Thank you,” said the bird. “I’ve been here so long, you wouldn’t have any food to share with me?”

Adriana thought hard. She needed to find her way out of this forest. She needed whatever food she had to survive, too. Her mind was in turmoil as to what to do. This bird needed help to survive. Then she remembered what her father had taught her so long ago: “If you are kind to those less fortunate than you, you will receive inner peace.”

She took the meager bread from her backpack and gave it to the bird. 

The bird accepted the offer with gratitude, “Thank you for your kindness. My name is Sparrow-White. If ever you require assistance, I will do what I can to help you.”

Before Sparrow-White could fly off, Adriana said, “Wait, don’t go yet. I could use help finding a way out of this forest.”

To be continued in L – Lake

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 I – Idea: 

Rowan discovered King Yarek planned to kill Adriana, not just to have her dissuaded from her quest. Now, Yarek also had his sights on Rowan. Knowing that Adriana and the chimera had survived the deadly fire Yarek had created, Rowan destroyed the trackable watch that Yarek had given him, hoping he would think all three of them had died in the fire. Rowan uses his knowledge of tracking to follow the chimera. He needs to know whether or not the chimera is working with Yarek before he tracks down Adriana to warn her. 

————-

Destiny – Part 10 (jump)

If someone is not expecting to be followed, they don’t care whether they leave clues about where they are going. Following the chimera was easier than Rowan expected. Its talon footprints, even on hard ground, were easy to see.

Most people who enter the forest for the first time without guidance never find their way out, which is why the Forest was declared Forbidden; too many lives were lost. With guidance and time, one could learn the Forest’s ways. Rowan was such a person, as it would seem the chimera was, too. The chimera’s path led directly to the exit nearest the kingdom of Tirea. 

This concerned Rowan. He didn’t want to jump to any conclusion, but it certainly was strong evidence that the chimera’s allegiance was to King Yarek. 

As Rowan got closer to the forest’s exit, the tracks disappeared. Where could the beast have gone? Rowan became very alert. Unfortunately, not alert enough.

Rowan felt strong vise-like pincers grab him around his neck. Without having enough time to catch his breath, Rowan fell to the ground, unconscious.

 When he awoke, he found himself lying on his back, looking up at the cat-like face of the chimera, and she wasn’t looking very happy. 

“Why were you following me?” Springbounder wordlessly said into Rowan’s mind. “I saw you there at the field just before the fire came. Are you the one that caused it?”

Rowan had hoped that it would have been the other way around, that the chimera would be the one caught, and that he, Rowan, would be doing the questioning.

“I am Rowan,” he said. “And I would ask you the same: Are you the one who created the fire? Who are you, and what is your connection to King Yarek?”

“I am Springbounder, loyal subject to Queen Isolara of Glandisol. I connect to no king, especially not the usurper King of Tirea! I have answered your questions, so now answer mine, Rowan the Rogue, as you are known by most. Why are you following me?” it said quite emphatically.

Rowan was torn as to what to say. Springbounder certainly said the right words; however, was she to be believed? But, Springbounder had recognized who and what Rowan was. Springbounder was capable of knowing whether or not Rowan was telling the truth. And, in Rowan’s position, Springbounder was certainly a danger to his health. He decided to play it safe. 

“I was hired to find Adriana and try to dissuade her from completing her quest. At the time, I had no idea who she was or what her quest was to be.”

Springbounder’s sharp eyes stared deeply into Rowan’s eyes. “Continue.”

Taking a deep breath, Rowan went on. “I found her and helped her on her way. Later on, I discovered more about her birth and followed her here to the Forbidden Forest, hoping to fulfill my task. That’s when I found both of you in the field of blue flowers. Before I could approach her to try and convince her, the fire appeared and destroyed everything. I didn’t know if you both had survived or not.”

Springbounder seemed to accept Rowan’s explanation. However, he still hovered over Rowan with a glaring eye. “That may be well and good,” Springbounder’s voice came in Rowan’s head, “But that doesn’t explain why you followed me, and not her, as she went along a different path. EXPLAIN!”

There was no getting around it. Springbounder held all the cards. With one swipe of its legs, Rowan was a goner. “I have since discovered that the one who hired me intended more than just to have Adriana dissuaded. He meant to kill her, and probably me, too. We all were supposed to be caught in that hellfire that destroyed the field. Having survived, I hoped that if Adriana had survived also, I could warn her of his intent. I may be a rogue, but I’m no murderer. I found both sets of tracks but chose to follow you first because I didn’t know your intent, for if you intended her harm, I might have reconsidered my morals about killing anyone.”

Springbounder smiled for the first time. “It would appear we have the same goal. Having seen you in the distance at the field, I purposely took a different path from Adriana, leaving plenty of trail markings, hoping you would follow me. For you see, I do not have the same morals as you say you have. I would have no hesitation in killing you if you intended to harm her.”

“Then, if we have the same goal, we have both made the mistake of leaving her unprotected. We must get to her before something bad happens,” Rowan said. 

“Agreed.” was Springbounder’s reply.

To be continued in K – Kind