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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 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. 

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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. 

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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

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.

————–

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