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.
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When last we met in Part 21 – Unique:
King Yarek has found out some information about Princess Alondria’s past to help him in his quest to get rid of her. He now knows her background in Glendan, and of her foster parents and siblings. He also knows that she carries with her a blue flower that can be used to destroy people or things. With the help of a wizard, he abducts Alondria’s family from Glendan and is now keeping them in a comatose state until he can use them against the princess.
Time to see what others are doing.
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Destiny – Part 22 (Venture)
Springbounder was given the task of informing Queen Isolara of Glandisol what he had discovered about Adriana’s past and possible future.
Queen Isolara listened intently. “I knew King Petyr and Queen Alora. They were good people. I did not know they had a child. So, the princess referred to in the letter attached to the baby entrusted to us was indeed a real princess. I sensed in my heart that Adriana had royal blood in her.”
“So, the question remains,” continued Springbounder, “do we do anything to help?”
At that moment, Sparrow-White flew in from the balcony, where he had overheard the conversation. He spoke into Springbounder’s ear and then flew off again to inform others.
The queen, noticing the interruption, asked, “What did that bird communicate to you?”
“The bird’s name is Sparrow-White,” she replied. “The princess saved his life, and he is loyal to her. He brings news of a way to gather a force at Princess Alondria’s call.”
Springbounder explained the code word needed and how to activate it so that one could receive the tune that would call all to her side. He also explained to the queen about Rowan and his help in finding the true story about Alondria’s life before she was given to you, and the lullaby that is the tune she is using to summon others.
“Then we must do what we can to help her. Call me Adriana,” she announced.
Now the queen was part of Princess Alondria’s force. “I will be the holder of that key phrase,” she said. “My armies will follow me and my orders; I do not want them to be confused by getting leaders mixed up. I will gather my forces and await the signal from the princess, but I will move them close to Tirea, so that we can be there when the call is given, and venture forth in time. ”
“And what of you, Springbounder? Do you stand with the princess?”
There was no hesitation in his reply. “With all my heart, your Majesty.”
“Then be off. Find more of your kind and others. We will meet at the inner edge of the Forbidden Forest, on the outskirts of Tirea, prepared for battle.”
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Sparrow-White was also busy. Having received the information from Luvtrue, which he passed on to Springbounder, he followed the path back to his brethren to inform them of the upcoming battle. From there, he joined up with Luvtrue to inform other birds in the kingdom. Going as a team of two different species strengthened their position, as there were many different birds to connect with.
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Princess Alondria’s forces were growing. All that was needed was to listen for the tune.
To be continued in W – Wander.
