The Literal Challenge’s, Like the Prose, began on June 1st. Thirty stories to complete in thirty days. Piece of cake, right? I had good intentions on doing a blog post per day but became bogged down doing some other very important things on top of writing a short story per day. So here I am on day eleven and finally found some time to share one of my short stories.

Yesterday we were given the task to write a trilogy. Yesterday part one was due, today part two, and tomorrow part three. I decided that it would be an amazing idea to finally share my Alexia story with the world. It is a story that I came up with during NaNoWriMo in November 2019 and one that I never got very far with.

So, without further ado, I present to you, Alexia Chronicles – Part One. Read, enjoy, and leave a comment letting me know your thoughts!

Cheers!!

Alexia Chronicles – Part One

“ The birds will sing their songs,

Playing all day long.

When strangers reach the bay,

Will the children start to play? “

     The ride out to Ravenshire was a little choppy. The winds were blowing east to west creating a slight ripple on the water’s surface. Alexia stood close to Bastion as he navigated their way through the open waters. It wasn’t that long ago that the two of them had taken an excursion visiting all of the islands. All of them except for Ghost Island; the island of exiles who fled the Aardsmen way of life. Those Aardsmen rescued their wives and littles from the ruins of Del Plazo and sailed into hiding never to be heard from or seen again. Ghost Island, as the name suggests, is said to be haunted by those that lived here, before, which is one of the reasons they never stopped to visit, Bastion was always afraid of running into a ghost or worse an encampment full of angry old men.

Alexia remembered asking Bastion if they could just sail close enough to see it but he said it would be too risky. They may be seen by the guard or worse; caught in the in-flow and get sucked into the bay unable to emerge. Alexia always thought that he said that to scare her, and it worked. She had no desire to visit the dead.

 Timm stood next to Alexia, “You look concerned.”

“Bastion is thinking that the storm of the Vallejo may be making an early appearance this season.”

“I was thinking the same thing. The winds coming in from the East was a major sign of changing weather patterns.”

“Do we need to change our plans?” Alexia looked to Bastion.

“We will need to head to Plazo after we send the letter. We can’t risk it. We need to get the supplies back to Sparrow Island before the storm sets in. If it’s starting early who knows how long it will last this time.”

The first time the Rolle family ever experienced the Vallejo, the winds, and rain pounded the islands for nearly five months. At the time, we were living on Del Plazo and had access to plenty of supplies though we were without electricity and water. It would be a disaster if this Vallejo were to last that long and Sparrow Island not have the supplies they would need to survive.

“How much further?” Timm asked.

“According to the maps, another hour or so.  With the easterly winds at 40 knots, and waves over the bow, we need to take it slow and steady. You know these schooners can’t handle more than that.” Bastion responded as he held onto the wheel with a tight grip. 

“We are in good hands and I know that you will get us there in one piece.” Timm said reassuringly. 

Alexia smiled and squeezed Timmy’s hand letting him know how much she appreciated him. “I’ll check on Calvin. I want to make sure he is handling the ride.” Alexia gave Timm a quick kiss, “Keep Bastion company while I’m gone?”

“Absolutely.” 

Down in the sleeping quarters Alexia found Calvin the monkey eating Mangoes while relaxing on a pink bean bag chair. “Hey buddy,” Calvin looked up briefly, waved hello, and went back to eating Mangoes. 

 It had been quite some time since Alexia had been down in these sleeping quarters. She found everything to be unchanged. Bastion had let Alexia and her sister Sarai decorate every square inch of the space almost a decade ago and he did not touch a thing. The walls were still purple and pink with an array of posters dotting the walls. Alexia found her favorite poster of, “Paisley the Purple Elephant,” still displayed above the bunk beds. Purple comforters laid atop each of the beds, neatly made with pink throw pillows. Most of Alexia’s stuffed animals were still down here. Almost as if time had stood still. 

“We are almost to Ravenshire. I should probably prepare the note,” Alexia knew that she would be the one to write the note, Have you seen my bag? Alexia asked Calvin. “We’re almost to Ravenshire and I need to prepare the note.” Calvins ears perked up at the call of his name. He pointed to the storage closet as he continued slurping the last of his mango. There was her bag, safe and secure. She smiled at him with gratitude, thankful for him and knowing she could always rely on him. “Why don’t you finish up your mangoes while I write this letter and we’ll go up deck together.”

Alexia sat down at the captains table and began to write. 

Dear Mom and Sarai,

Bastion decided that we should take a quick detour to Ravenshire and send a bird letting you know that I am safe. I am truly sorry for just taking off like that, but I did consult with Sarai prior to making my final decision. A decision that I stand by.

I am sure that the twins have made it back to Sparrow by now, so I am hoping that they relayed the message to you that I plan to continue on with the charter and will return once we have purchased enough supplies to make it through the next Vallejo. 

The waters seem to be getting rough leaving us to believe that the Vallejo  is arriving early. We will most likely head on to Del Plazo from here so that we can make it home before it gets too choppy to travel.

Please give Gram and Papa my love and let them know that their cottage has been repaired as they had requested. I will see you all so soon. 

Sending all of my love,

Alexia (and the boys of course!) 

Alexia re-read the note, tucked it away into her bag, and headed back up to the deck with Calvin in tow. The boat swayed from side to side with the increasing winds causing Alexia to lose her balance as she stepped on the outer deck. She grasped the hand rails as she struggled to stand.

“We may need to stay in Ravenshire for the night and head back out in the morning when the waters will be calmer. I have a feeling this is just a burst storm that will last through the night and then clear out tomorrow” Bastion shouted. 

Ravenshire’s bay was filled with shallow sandbars and rocks that jutted out of the water’s surface. There would be no reason to risk running into one of those causing a delay and potentially stranding them for who knows how long. 

“I agree and I am sure Allister would say the same.” Alexia grabbed onto Timm’s hand to steady her balance.

“Do you think it’s safe to stay the night?” Timm asked.

“Safe? Why wouldn’t it be?” Bastion asked

“Allister told Finn and me the story about how the two of you got spooked and left after hearing whispers.” 

Bastion belly laughed, “Allister swears he heard whispers – I didn’t hear anything. He even ratted us out to Papa, asking about the history of Ravenshire. Papa made us swear we wouldn’t pull a stunt like that again.” 

Ravenshire was an abandoned island that used to be a bustling stop along the trade routes before the storms of the Las Vallejo ravaged and destroyed most of the town, taking almost all of the islanders with it. Those that survived fled the island and rebuilt elsewhere. Today the island is used to send carrier birds and a resting point while traveling. Some say the Island is haunted by those that died in the Las Vallejo, Papa believes this to be true.

Bastion shifted his attention as they approached the bay, slowing the vessel down as he  navigated the unsteady waters. After 45 minutes of clenching the wheel Bastion finally docked and was rooting around in the cooler for something cold to drink, “Did you pack cold drinks?” Bastion asked, coming up empty.

“That’s the food cooler, Dad.” Alexia opened their other cooler and pulled a bottle of water out and handed it to Bastion. 

“Thanks. Hopefully, Allister isn’t too far behind. We will wait for them to dock and then head in to send the bird.”

“It wouldn’t hurt to forage. You never know what we might find in there.” Alexia looked towards the forest lined beach and imagined what lurked behind that wall of trees. To her an exciting adventure awaited them. Somewhere new.

“I think I will hang here and keep watch.” Timm said scanning the shore.

“We always could use a look out. I highly doubt anyone is willing to risk the waters today to make their way to Ravenshire, but if you are too scared, then by all means hang back.” Bastion clapped Timm on the back, hoisted himself out of the boat and then onto the dock just as Allister approached. “Why don’t you help me get Finn and Allister tied off… that should help keep your mind off all of the whispers that are bound to start.” Bastion said with a laugh.

“Bastion with the jokes. Very funny.” Timm said as he climbed onto the dock to help Bastion tie off Allister and Finn.

“While you boys are fooling around, Calvin and I are going to explore a bit. Promise not to go too far.” Alexia said as she began to head down the dock towards the sand.

“Don’t stray too far and keep your walkie on.” Bastion yelled. 

Alexia gave him a thumbs up and headed onto the beach and then into the dark woods ready to explore.

Song Birds, Trinkets, and Broken Pieces

      Alexia stepped into the woods and onto a weathered red brick path feeling safe with Calvin by her side. She surveyed her surroundings and found the wooded area to be filled with song birds of all colors, flowering bushes, tall grasses, interesting trinkets and cottages. Some of the cottages were still standing while others had been completely destroyed to a pile of rubble. 

     Reaching down, Alexia picked up what appeared to be part of a dragonfly pin. The green wings shining in the sunlight reminded Alexia of the pin her grandmother always wore. Alexia placed it in her pocket and began to head up the path minding her footing. The bricks were uneven with green and red ground roots sprouting up between them. Alexia knew she shouldn’t stray too far so she chose the nearest standing cottage and poked her head inside the open door.

     The small cottage was almost empty and dark as a cave. The curtains were still drawn, with the sun just shining through where the seams created a part. Alexia flipped on her flashlight to find swirls of dust filling the musty room as she made her way to what had been the living area. Nothing remained but cracked wood floors where the mud below had begun to seep through. 

      Alexia began to venture a little further in when she heard her name being called just outside. “I guess we should head out to let them know where we are,” Alexia said to Calvin who was still huddled by the front door. 

     Stepping outside into the bright sun was somewhat blinding after being inside the dark cottage. Alexia brought her hands up to shield her eyes and found Bastion and Allister making their way towards the cottage. 

     “Already exploring, I see. Just like your Dad. Always up for an adventure, or as Papa likes to say, always looking for ways to get us in trouble.” Allister said with a laugh.

     “Doesn’t hurt to forage a bit. You never know what you might find.” Alexia said, pulling the beautiful blue dragonfly pin out of her pocket to show them both.

     “Looks like something Mom would wear.” Bastion said. 

     “Exactly why I put it into my pocket. See, you never know what you might find. Plus it would be good to stock up on some fruit.” Alexia looked down at Calvin who had found a banana to eat. Alexia opened her bag and pulled out an empty bag handing it to Calvin, “Can you fill that up with more bananas while we go and send the letter?” 

     Calvin nodded and headed off on a mission. 

     “Let’s get this bird sent and back to the boat before it starts to get dark. Finn and Timm have been tasked with catching fish and making dinner.” Bastion said as he walked toward what must be the bird keep. 

     Alexia followed behind Bastion and Allister keeping her eyes peeled for anything shiny or even just interesting looking. A couple of blue stones, and worn glass later they made it to the bird keep. Most of the birds were singing and flying about with only a couple perched on a branch. 

     “Roll the letter up, tie it with a string, and then just secure it to a leg.” Bastion instructed.

     “Any of them?” Alexia asked.

     “Any of ’em’ but the mean looking one.” Allister laughed, “Kidding of course.”

     Alexia pulled the letter out of her bag, rolled it up, and secured it with some string. She headed over to the most colorful bird, tied the loose string around its leg, and stepped back. The bird sat there uninterested and didn’t seem intent on moving. “Now what?”

     Bastion approached the bird, “334 Sparrow,” Bastion said and then pointed east.  

     The bird seemed to recognize the instructions and took off into flight due east. 

     “That is our address.” Alexia said. 

     “The postal system of the old days. That is why addresses have never changed. I am almost certain that Ila Grimm will come here when new homes are added and teach the birds.” 

     Ila Grimm was a sage that had special powers, so it’s not surprising that she is the one that comes and trains the birds. When Alexia was a little girl, Ila had told her that she  was going to be something great when she grew up. That there was a special light inside her that only a Sage could detect. Ila also told Alexia that she needed to guard that special power and to make sure she never revealed it to anyone, especially the guard. If they found out her safety would forever be compromised.

     Alexia had yet to discover what special powers she may have. She could definitely run faster than anyone she knew, she was pretty strong, and had an intuition that never ceased to fail her. 

     Just as they were about to head back Calvin came bounding down the path with a bag full of bananas, mangoes, and some strange looking trinkets, most of which were broken.

     “You’ve got quite the haul little buddy. This should be enough fruit to get us to Del Plazo. Good job.” Alexia said as she grabbed the bag from Calvin. “Shall we all head back. The sun is going down and who knows what creatures will be lurking in the dark shadows.” 

     “Just like your father trying to give us a fright. No wonder why Timm and Finn stayed at the boat.” Allister said walking back down the path towards the dock.

     “All in good fun. They are just scaredy cats like their dad,” Alexia loved to poke fun at Uncle Allister. 

     Allister laughed all the way back to the docks. It was nice to be able to explore a bit and hang with the boys. They arrived back to the beach to find the boys pulling the fish off the makeshift grill and filling plates for dinner. Once they all had a plate filled, they took a seat around the fire, and talked about tomorrow’s plans. Everything from the route they would be taking to making sure they stayed hidden from the guard.

    It had been such an amazing day and Alexia planned on enjoying every moment, because she knew that once they reached Del Plazo everything would be different. She could sense that they would be in danger and she would need to do everything she could to keep them all safe. For now, even though there was worry in the back of her mind, she planned on enjoying the journey ahead.

The End.

Hope you enjoyed the first part. I will post part two tomorrow. If you have read this far, I thank you very much. If at all interested check out The Literal Challenge’s webpage for more information on their organization and the challenge’s they run at: https://www.theliteralchallenge.com/