An Ordinary Day?

Posted on June 19, 2025 by hdh

The writing prompt for this piece was Luck, Destiny, or Second Chances.

The book referred to in this piece is my favorite book of all time, both for adults and children. If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend you do. Some parts of this writing are taken directly from the book.

 

An Ordinary Day?

It was an ordinary day. Marc woke up, got dressed, washed his face, brushed his teeth, and went downstairs for breakfast. 

It was a Wednesday, so that meant it was oatmeal day. He made a cup of tea and sat down for his breakfast. 

“Middle of the week,” he said to himself. “A hearty breakfast and it’s off to work I go.”

Making sure that the cats were fed, he headed off to work. Marc was a fifth-grade teacher at the local elementary school. Today was his favorite day. Today was the day he read to his class. He was to continue a new book that he had introduced to his students the previous week, his favorite book, The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster. The story of Milo, a boy who is bored with his life, and receives a mysterious package of a tollbooth, which takes him to “The Lands Beyond,” where he experiences all kinds of adventures involving a lot of word play and learns that life is not as boring as he believed. 

Things did not go as expected when he got to school. Everyone was in a rush, for today was the day the President of the School Board was visiting his school. 

Everything had to be perfect. 

Marc didn’t care about the observer in the school. Board members had been there before, but in each case, the principal of his school was with them to mediate, explain, and defend what was going on, if a Board member didn’t understand something. 

On this day, the principal was out sick, and there was no one to mediate any observation or interpretation the Board president made. 

The president walked into Marc’s classroom while Marc was reading a chapter from The Phantom Tollbooth. It was the section where Milo and Tock (a watchdog) meet the Humbug and the Spelling Bee at the Word Marketplace. Humbug and Spelling Bee get into an argument, call each other names, and a scuffle breaks out, disrupting the whole market. Everything gets bollixed up, with carts, stalls, words, and letters all thrown in disarray. Officer Shrift, who is very short, arrived and decided that Milo was the cause of the disruption. “After all,” Short Shrift said, “Boys are the cause of everything.” Both Milo and Tock were arrested, found guilty, given a short sentence (‘I am.’  which was the shortest sentence the Judge, also Short Shrift, knew), and an additional 6 million years in prison. They were taken away to a dungeon to serve their sentence. 

That was all the president was willing to hear. He stopped Marc mid-sentence.  “Who allowed you to read this subversive political propaganda to these innocent children?”

”This is a very popular children’s book,” was Marc’s reply. “It was published in 1961. It’s about curiosity and understanding that there are so many things in this world to experience. Life doesn’t have to be boring.”

”That’s not what I heard,” the president shouted. “Policeman arresting a child and a dog, no real trial, a sentence of 6 million years. Who would ever do such a thing? We have laws, you know! This book should never be allowed in school. I’ll see that it and any other book that Justin Norter fellow wrote is banned. As for you, I’m sure the board and district will want you suspended or fired.”

With that said, the president grabbed the book and stormed out of the classroom. 

Marc turned to his class and quietly asked the students to take out their math books. 

At the end of the day, Marc received a call from the district office, informing him that he was being temporarily relieved of his classroom duties until the board and district could decide on a course of action. The district superintendent, although concerned, was fully supportive of Marc. The Phantom Tollbooth was also her favorite book.

Marc wondered on his way home.”I hope this works out for me. I wonder if I should have chosen another book to read, or just said something else to the Board President?” 

———

Meanwhile, when the Board President arrived home, he was greeted with a surprise upon entering his garage.  

There in front of him was an enormous package. Attached to one side was a bright-blue envelope which said simply: “FOR THE BOARD PRESIDENT WHO HAS PLENTY OF TIME”

In the package was “ONE GENUINE TURNPIKE TOLLBOOTH. EASILY ASSEMBLED IN YOUR GARAGE.  AND FOR USE BY THOSE WHO HAVE NEVER TRAVELED IN THE LANDS BEYOND.”

The president, though very opinionated, was very curious. He had already forgotten the day’s events. He had to go through this tollbooth and prove there was nothing beyond the tollgate.

It was easy to set up. He backed his car into the garage and set up the tollbooth in front of it. There were three signs, included in the package,  that he had also placed there.

SLOW DOWN APPROACHING TOLLBOOTH

PLEASE HAVE YOUR FARE READY (a coin had been included in the package)

HAVE YOUR DESTINATION IN MIND (a strange map showing all sorts of roads, towns, cities, etc., was also included in the package)

“Booksforallofus” read the President, “What a strange name for a place. I might as well go there as anywhere. It’ll only be to the end of the driveway, and then I’ll go after the one who is responsible for this charade.”

He drove slowly up to the tollbooth and deposited his coin. As he passed the tollbooth, he thought, “I’ll definitely find the person who wasted my time.”

But the end of his driveway was not where he found himself. After passing through the gate, he found himself speeding along an unfamiliar country highway. Looking in his rearview mirror, the tollbooth was nowhere to be seen. 

 

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A Decision Made

Posted on June 14, 2025 by hdh

This week’s writing prompts were picture driven. The Story Spark was: Male Energy. It began with a comment by novelist Ann Tyler during an interview with Robert Costa on “CBS Sunday Morning” on 5/25/25 “I’ve been looking at men closely and appreciating them all my life.” 

Here are the pictures I chose:

         

A Decision Made

  

He stood outside his workshop, staring into the distance. “Was it real, or just my mind playing tricks on me?”

He remembered that day. It was a day on which he had had enough. The lake was calm. He knew he couldn’t swim. All that was needed was to wade out and keep walking. That’s all. It would be over. 

He began his slow walk to complete his end. The water was now up to his waist when he saw it. He had to blink several times to determine if the image that had implanted itself on his retina was real. 

I mean, the monster was a myth. It was a tale told by seekers who wanted to believe that dinosaurs still existed. 

But he was determined. This was to be the end. That was, until that beast turned to him and spoke.

“You do realize that what you are doing is a permanent solution to a temporary problem?”

“What?” he said. “You can’t be real. What do you know about me?”

“I am very real, and though I may not know you personally, I can sense who you are.”

“Then tell me,” the man replied. “Who am I?”

“Though you are one with hardships and troubled thoughts, you are a good man. You are one who cares for others and strives to do your best.”

“Then why does everything I try to do fail? Why is it that the people I love get hurt by others? Why am I unable to keep them safe?”

“Because you are human,” was the monster’s reply. “Because you have a strong heart that is filled with compassion and empathy. Because you are good.”

“So what? Where will all these failures get me? What makes it so important that I survive?”

“Because you are you, and you are what is needed right now in these turbulent times. Because you know in your heart and soul that even with the little you can do, you will eventually make a difference.”

The man stopped mid-lake and watched as the creature dove beneath the waters and disappeared. And thought about what was said. He chose to return to life.

So, there he stands outside his workshop, staring into the distance. Was it real, or just his mind playing tricks on him?

He said out loud to himself, “The monster was right. Feeling there is little I can do is no excuse for doing nothing. And giving up my life would be worse than doing nothing. I will persist. I will do what I can to fight the wrongs in this world. Let others see what I do, and perhaps they will join me as well.” 

We can make a change. 

 

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Off and On

Posted on June 7, 2025 by hdh

The writing prompt for this piece was the word Off.

Off and On

 

You know if it’s off, you just have to turn it on. 

 

Sometimes you have to. I mean, lights, who likes to walk into a dark room?

If she’s sleeping, that might be a problem.

How do you cook when the stove or oven is not on? 

You make gazpacho, of course.

That grass ain’t gonna’ grow if the sprinklers aren’t running.

Isn’t that what rain is for?

It’s not like the car can run itself when you want to go somewhere.

Try walking or using a bike. You’ll be much healthier.

How do you watch the news without the TV on?

Try newspapers, and, better yet, avoid watching the news altogether. It will improve your mental health.

How do I find out things if I can’t turn on my iPhone, iPad, or computer?

I believe it’s called the library?

And my books? That Kindle doesn’t work unless I turn it on.

See my last answer. They will refer you to something called a hardbound book.

 

I’m beginning to see a pattern here. It seems we never should turn anything on. We should just leave things on all the time.

I wouldn’t try that with your stove, unless you have good fire insurance.

 

So we should always keep everything off?

Now you’re on.

I believe you’re off.

That makes sense. It supports my position.

Now, I get it. This whole conversation is a joke. I’m on to you.

Exactly what I said – You’re on.

I’m going to try to forget the conversation ever happened. I’m out of here.

Actually, you are in here at this moment.

 

Out-In, Off-On. NO!!!!!!

So glad we could have this chat.

 

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Passing Thoughts

Posted on June 1, 2025 by hdh

The story spark was Trees. I took the writing prompt: Scientists have discovered that trees communicate through networks of fungi below the ground. Tell us what you think they are saying to one another. 

Passing Thoughts

“Not again!” the old oak passed along through its roots, “I can hear the buzzing in the background. Who is it this time?”

As I walked through our neighborhood with my wife, I could hear the sound of falling trees. “What are these people thinking?” I said to my wife.

“I’ll tell you what we’re thinking,” the old oak passed along. “You’re kind are murdering innocent living things for the sake of misguided beauty.”

My wife responded, “They’re not thinking, they are just interested in how beautiful their lawns must look. Trees are but a nuisance, and serve no purpose.”

“No purpose, indeed,” the old oak responded. What about the shade we provide on hot days, the homes we give wildlife, the fruits of our flowers? Tell me where you think you get your apples, pears, and cherries from.”

“I agree,” I reacted. Some people don’t think of anything but how much they will be able to sell their house with a well-manicured lawn. They only want small trees, or evergreens that don’t let leaves cover the ground every fall.

The old oak went on, “Yes, those leaves that we shed. The ones that provide shelter for those animals and insects that live here, too.  Insects and worms not only refurbish those precious lawns and gardens, but also provide food for birds and other animals. What would you do without them?”

“I wish there were a way we could get people to understand the beauty of all living things,” my wife said. “All the benefits we get from nature and native plants.”

“It’s interesting how you talk about native plants,” the old oak commented in response to my wife’s statement. “You talk like having a diverse culture is a bad thing, yet that is what you profess as a good thing in your human existence. At least most of you do.”

As we came to the end of our block, we noticed the destruction caused by the new neighbors who had just moved in. A barren landscape, with many trees in their front lawn destroyed.  We both looked at each other and said, “So sad.”

We were not privy to the tree network, as they communicated anger and sadness alongside us. 

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Make Room

Posted on May 21, 2025 by hdh

The writing prompt for this piece was the phrase – Make room.

Make Room

The jobs are scarce, Mine taken away. There was no choice.

Make room for me.

Their card is green. He said too bad. You don’t belong.

Make room for us.

My ice is less. The waters rise. My earth feels hot.

Make room for life.

Some people lie. To serve themselves, And we all lose.

Make room for truth.

The Rich get breaks. They make new rules. So Poor must pay.

Make room to choose.

War brings us death. No thought of life. They will not stop.

Make room for peace.

There’s those that hate. They just breed fear. But most want good.

Make room for love.

A race is different, A language too. A gender neutral

Make room for all.

 

Compassion, trust, empathy, respect.

Listen, hear, believe, speak out

Call, petition, rally, rebuke.

Make room, it’s there, just have to look

 

And don’t accept, the things that fail

We’re in the right, we will prevail

Let’s work together. As one, we’re strong.

We’ll make this change and right this wrong.

Make room in heart and also mind.

Just don’t sit back and you will find

That when you start. Get off your duff.

Stand up and say, “We’ve had enough.“

Shout out and fight. Reclaim our laws.

We’ve had our fill of all your flaws.

It’s time to let the world all see.

We are the land of liberty.

In the words of that well known song:

We shall overcome!

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What’s in a name?

Posted on May 17, 2025 by hdh

The story spark was Girl Power. I chose the writing prompt “Her parents named her Harmony .” We had 20 minutes to write. 

What’s in a Name?

Their life was in turmoil. Lack of income made living hard. Add to that, she was pregnant and soon would give birth to another mouth to feed. 

The world itself was also in turmoil. Despots ruled, wars continued, there was no right or wrong. Chaos was the order of the day. 

Then came the birth. A child, new to this bedraggled earth. And she was beautiful. 

They asked, “What should we name her?”  There were plenty of ancestors’ names that could be used. There were also plenty of popular names thought of.

But they decided that this child needed to be named something that expressed the needs of their culture, a goal to strive for, a name that could bring this crazy world to its senses. 

Hope was the first name they thought of, but it was discarded. Hope means a wish for an unknown future. We need something that represents a future that will exist, not one to wish for. 

Destiny was another name considered. Again, it was rejected. Destiny means a foregone conclusion, but it doesn’t mean that it will be a good one. 

What we need is a name that represents a world that works together as one and is a better place to be.

Both called out the word ‘Harmony’ at the same time. 

A smile appeared on both their faces as the child before them gurgled in harmony with their pronouncement.

“We name you Harmony,” they said. “Let you be the guiding light in our future. Let you be the bringer of peace and contentment. We will be by your side forever. Let our love carry you through life’s adventures. 

————

Fast-forward 40 years. Harmony was a true beacon in the world. She was a powerful teacher. Through her powerful writing and sharing, others listened, and there was change. Her parents’ prophecy became a reality. The world became one of compassion, responsibility, empathy, cooperation, thoughtfulness, and love. 

And both parents lived long enough to see it happen. 

 

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The Challenge

Posted on May 16, 2025 by hdh

The writing prompt was to pick something from the list of words/phrases that the happiest people have in common, and then write about one of the happiest times in your or a character’s life.  I chose the word – Challenge. We had 20 minutes to write.

The Challenge

 

I love a good challenge, whether a word puzzle, a hidden treasure, or a daring adventure. I love them all. That is why I decided to partake in the challenge that was presented online by Diputs, Inc. It only cost me $100.00, and I had to act right away.  Why not? It was on the internet, and it must have been vetted before it was posted.

Here’s the deal. After using my credit card to give them the money, I was to follow a set of screens that would lead me to a winning mega lottery ticket. It specifically said that the odds of winning were .0001000000%. 

Wow, I thought, a million percent, that’s more than 100%. Who could ask for better odds? 

My first step in this challenge was to log onto another site and sign in. If I didn’t have an account, all I had to do was create one, which I did. They asked for my name, address, birthdate, and the first nine digits of my Social Security number. They didn’t even want me to have a password. How awesomely secure is that? I hate trying to remember passwords. 

I was hesitant about entering my Social Security number, but as I started typing it in, asterisks appeared for every number I typed, so I knew it was safe and no one could read it.

Next, I was sent to another site where I was given riddles to answer, like, “What bank do you use?” “What are your parents’ names?” and stuff like that. That was not much of a challenge. I knew all of those answers. I just wondered how they would know if my answers were correct.

The final thing I had to sign digitally was a non-disclosure statement. I guess they didn’t want anyone to know about this great challenge, like some unscrupulous individuals who might use the game to trick people into giving them money. 

Now it was time for the challenge.

I had to answer a math question. It was a simple one.

How much is 5 + 5 x 0 = ?

Could it get any easier than that? The answer is *Zero. Everyone knows that any number times zero is zero. 

It didn’t take long for them to respond that I answered correctly and that I had won. They would be sending me the check.

I gave them my phone number and address and am still waiting for all that money. I’m a little surprised it is taking so long—it has been over three weeks. 

The funny thing is that I just got my bank statement, and for some reason, the statement says that my account is closed and was zeroed out. 

I guess I’ll go to the bank tomorrow and straighten this out. I know for a fact I had at least $300,000 in savings alone. Clearly, there has been a clerical error. 

 

————

 

*Author’s note – 5 + 5 X 0 = 5 (look it up)

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A to Z Blog Challenge 2025 – Reflections

Posted on May 6, 2025 by hdh

A to Z Blog Challenge 2025

Reflections

I have completed my 10th year of the A to Z Blog Challenge, and this one was one of the most intensive ones I’ve attempted. 

Following the idea that D. B. McNicol used last year of generating 26 random words, one for each letter of the alphabet, to write a 26-part serialized story, I took the plunge. I had Mac ChatGPT generate 26 words, one for each alphabet letter, that were either a noun, verb, or adjective. The words that were generated were Apple, Bright, Climb, Dance, Elegant, Forest, Grow, Happy, Idea, Jump, Kind, Lake, Marvelous, Nest, Observe, Peaceful, Quake, River, Strong, Travel, Unique, Venture, Wander, Xenia, Yearn, and Zephyr.

I made two changes to the words in the list. The adjective Bright, I changed to the adverb Brightly, as it worked better in the story, and I had ChatGPT regenerate another word for X, as I didn’t think many people would know what Xenia meant, being a scientific term. The new X word was Xylophone, which had its own issues, which I’ll describe later.

Having all the words, I then wrote a sentence for each word, such as A – Apple: “It was an ordinary apple, or so she thought.” and B – Brightly: “The moon shone brightly upon the barren landscape.  Suffice it to say, I had a sentence for each word. Was it a story? No. But it did have the air of a fantasy one. All I needed to do was come up with a starter, and using the sentences, incorporate them into whatever letter day it was. There were a few sentences that I had to change when writing the actual story, but most of the sentences I created that first time fit into each part. 

I had Apple as the first word, and the sentence, The inspiration for Part 1 came in January at a writing group I was in. The writing prompt was “Beginnings,” with a quote by Meister Eckhart: “And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.” We had 20 minutes to write.

I ended Part A with a cliffhanger; from there, I just made up the story as I wrote it. In my writing notebook, I made lots of notes. The story begins with the main character turning 19 years old. So at one point, I needed to write the backstory to that character, which I did, not to post, but so I could add pieces of her backstory in the other pieces I wrote and did post. Knowing where she came from helped me guide her, and then about ? of the way through writing, I decided to write the Z part, so I knew how the story would end and could guide her to it. 

As I continued to write, I constantly revised earlier pieces so that what I was writing made sense.

As more characters got involved in the story, I chose to make the story non-linear so I could jump between different characters and what they were doing while the main character was doing something else. 

The Xylophone became an issue since this type of folk/fantasy tale doesn’t lend itself to a xylophone being mentioned. It would have been out of place. I did find a workaround for it. I included the word in an author’s note at the end of the X part, and within the piece, I worked in an audio clip of a tune I needed, and played it on a xylophone. The fact that I needed a xylophone in the story made me create a song earlier in the piece, which became essential to the plot. 

My favorite comments were many. One person was so enamored of the story that they would comment after every piece, yelling at the characters and what they should do or what should happen to them. D.B. McNicol’s idea from 2024 spurred me on to do this, and her comments throughout my writing, including the last one with the suggestion that I publish my story, were much appreciated. 

I posted my writing on my blog and shared the link daily on Facebook, Bluesky, LinkedIn, and Substack. I’m not sure who read it from the links on any of those. I switched my Facebook sharing from Friends to Public. What I noticed was that there were a lot of bots that started, and I have continued reading random posts on my blog site. I’m not sure if that was due to my going public.

Even though I started writing this in January, I didn’t finish the last bit until the night before Y was posted. This left me little time to read anyone else’s posts. I did read D. B. McNicol’s and enjoyed it. With this over, I hope to read more during the A to Z Roadtrips. 

I learned a lot about writing this year. I wrote a 26-part story in 2023 (https://www.hdhstory.net/Storyblog/?p=3431), which worked similarly to this. However, I had control over which words I could use for that one. And since I was the main character, it was easier to write.  This year, there was a lot more writing.

I’ll do the A to Z challenge next year. I enjoy doing it, and I’m always trying to devise a different way to write about things, so I’m unsure what my theme will be. You’ll have to wait and see. 

For those of you who want to read “Destiny,” this year’s story, I suggest you start at the beginning, Destiny—Part 1, though going to any letter starts with a link you can choose to get to Part 1. Don’t go to Y or Z first; they’ll ruin all the fun.

Until then, I’ll see you on the Road trip.

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Z – Zephyr

Posted on April 30, 2025 by hdh

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Y – Yearn

Posted on April 29, 2025 by hdh

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 X – Xylophone: 

Using the magic power of the blue flower, Princess Alondria summoned her forces utilizing the lullaby tune of Rowan’s childhood. King Yarek, too, summoned his forces and had a surprise awaiting Alondria before any kind of battle could take place. 

 

————-

 

Destiny – Part 25 (yearn)

 

Rowan and Alondria stood at the bottom of the hill. Behind them stood the people of Tirea, the creatures and birds of the Forbidden Forest and Glandisol. Approaching from the other side of the hill marched warriors, led by Queen Isolara. 

King Yarek stood confidently at the top of the hill, his armies encircling the middle part of the hill, facing the gathering of the princess’s forces. 

All Alondria could see was the upper half of Yarek standing atop the hill. This would be a horrific battle. 

Yarek called out, “Child Alondria, this battle is between you and me alone.” It was then that Yarek ordered the men directly between himself and Alondria to part and leave a passage for her to him on top of the hill. “Stop all this futile bloodshed and relinquish your inheritance.”

Alondria turned to Rowan and said, “Leave me to go up alone. I can deal with this.”

Rowan made to protest but was stopped by Princess Alondria, “That is my command. I will not permit this needless slaughter.”

And so, she ascended the hill and approached Yarek.

All could feel the confidence she carried with her as she met with him. But then something changed. 

When Alondria reached Yarek, he said, “And here’s a little insurance to see that you comply with my demands. He stepped aside so that Alondria and all could see those lying on the ground behind him. 

Alondria gasped seeing her foster mother and father, as well as her brother and sister, comatose on the ground. 

Yarek continued, “You may be willing to sacrifice those who follow you, who are not even known to you, but are you willing to sacrifice these four, for it is they who will die first?”

Alondria fell to her knees in tears.  This was not supposed to happen. All was lost. 

 

Rowan could see what was happening. He felt, as most did, Princess Alondria’s fear and loss of confidence. He had to do something, but she was too far away. So, he sang out a familiar tune, only with different words this time. 

 

“Be strong our princess

For we are all here

We’ll be there with you 

To comfort your fear

 

The love in our hearts

Will grow as you do

So follow your dreams

And we’ll follow you.”

When he was done, he sang it again and again. He was joined by Marco and Lidea, who walked up beside him. Queen Isolara added her voice, as did Springbounder, Sparrow-White, Luvtrue, and the others who followed them. Soon, the people from the villages picked up the new lyrics and joined in, as well as those who served Yarek, who were opposed to his command. 

 

Adriana’s foster father once taught her that when you yearn for something hard enough and follow your dreams with passion, that which you seek reveals itself. Princess Alondria stood up with newfound confidence. She went to reach into her backpack for the blue flower, but she was not quick enough. 

Yarek, sensing her plan, snatched the backpack from her before she could get it. He reached into it himself and pulled out the blue flower, holding it high over his head. 

“You think I don’t know of this flower and the power it holds? You never had a chance. You’ll lose just as your weak parents did. It is I who rule here, and always will. No song will change that.”

But the song continued to be sung. And as more and more joined the chorus, Alondria had an idea. 

“Look around you,” she shouted. “You will never win. Even some of your supporters seem to be joining in. It is you and your minions who believe in all your lies and broken promises that will suffer. We are not the evil here.”

King Yarek just laughed. “I beg to differ. I am the greatest thing that has ever happened to this land, and I will make it greater still. I am not the evil one; it is you and your followers that refuse to see my greatness that are the evil ones.”

“Then do what you must,” the princess said, “use that power and see how well it works for you.”

King Yarek’s bravado got the best of him. He never gave it another thought. He raised the blue flower above his head and called out, “Destroy all these evil ones in this land. Make it quick. Make them all turn to dust.” 

All watched as the flower in Yarek’s hand turned to crystal and then shattered. Following that, there were those within the ranks of Yarek’s troops and elsewhere within the kingdom who vanished, leaving behind piles of dust. 

Yarek refused to be defeated; he pulled out a knife from his belt and raised it high, intending to thrust into the princess’s heart, but he, too, turned to dust as the knife dropped to the ground. 

The fight was over. 

 

To be concluded in Z – Zephyr

 

Posted in A to Z Blog Challenge 2025, Original Song, Original Stories, Writing | Tagged , , | 1 Comment