T – Travel

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.

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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