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 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