The sound of birds singing blended with the gentle rush of the river intensifies further out into the huge forest. The river's surface reflects the surrounding forest with its warm blue glow—until a fish broke the stillness, sending ripples through the image. There stood a bridge, an ancient, cracked bridge that faintly glowed. It looked as though it was held still in time, Each stone held together with magic.
In that moment the sound of hooves striking the earth mixed with the creaking and jingling of a wagon silenced a small area of the forest. Out from the shadows came a small horse drawn wagon pulled by a big grayish-white horse. The wagon rushed into the small clearing towards the stone bridge.
The sky slowly drained in color with dark heavy storm clouds forming. The clouds glowed with energy running through it. With the wagon passing over the bridge the air above started to crackle. The crackling air started sparking a bright blue color before an arc of energy struck the bridge. The bright blue glow seemed to hang in mid air.
The wagon came to a stop with a man stepping out. The man was an older man with brown hair and a short beard. He wore a long white coat with a hood. The coat was adorned with gold and red detailing.
"Finnaly here I see", the man said, "luckily I didn't have to wait long".
The crackling air got louder, with the rolling of thunder in the distance disturbing the forest. The man scowled, as if he was preparing for the worst. The bridge that the wagon had crossed just a minute ago was now starting to glow as if it had its own energy. It pulsed with a bright blue energy throughout the pattern that ran across making it stand out more than anything around the clearing. With a deafening roar, the storm clouds burst, unleashing a massive bolt of lightning that targeted the bridge with pinpoint accuracy. The crackling energy surged through the structure, illuminating the surroundings in a blinding flash. As quickly as it came, the tempest dispersed, leaving the bridge standing defiantly, seemingly untouched by the powerful force of nature.
Undeterred by the display of elemental fury, the man ascended the bridge, his footsteps echoing against the now calm surroundings. There, lying unresponsive, was a young girl. Concern etched on his face, the man approached her, deciding to offer assistance and ensure her well-being in the aftermath of the storm.
"At least it's easier since you're unconscious," the man sighed.
The man looked down at the girl, eyes narrowing. The storm had passed—He lifted her gently, placing her in the wagon. Wherever she came from, she was far from her home.
Becky awoke to nausea and the creaking rhythm of wooden wheels. For a moment, she believed she'd escaped her dream—until the shaking continued, joined by distant sounds of bustling activity. She could feel the world shaking. Her eyes fluttered open to a blur of green and gold. As her senses adjusted, she realized she was aboard a wagon, gliding through a vibrant forest. This one was alive, bright, untouched by the mist and monsters of her dream.
Becky's heart raced, where am I, she wondered nervously. Becky looked around only to find herself lying in the back of a wagon, wrapped in a thin blanket. Across from her sat a man she didn't recognize, his focus absorbed in a weathered map. He hadn't noticed her yet.
"Where am I?" Becky's voice broke as she sat up, gripping the side of the wagon. "How did I get here?"
The man flinched slightly, caught off guard with Becky's words, regaining his composure; He folded the map and looked at her, his eyes calm but alert. "I found you unconscious near the woods," he said. "Didn't seem right to leave you there alone."
"But how did I end up in a forest like this?" she asked, her voice rising. "I was just in… I mean, I dreamed I was running—and those things—those things were chasing me—"
Her words tumbled over each other, panic spilling from her chest. "Am I on another planet? Why does this keep happening to me?"
Zephyr's gaze softened. He reached for the reins and guided the horse gently before replying. "I'm not sure what you saw. But this place… it tends to pull people back in. Especially those who don't quite belong where they were."
Becky wiped at her eyes, not even realizing the tears had welled. "So what—am I stuck here?"
"Maybe not," Zephyr said gently. "But sometimes, being lost is the first step toward finding something more important."
There was a silence between them—quiet, but not uncomfortable.
Becky looked at him again. "I'm sorry. I haven't even told you my name. I'm Becky. And… Thank you. For helping me."
The man smiled warmly. "Zephyr. And like I said, no trouble at all. I was due for something unexpected."
Still, something in his eyes unsettled her. Kind, sure—but how much did kindness mean when you had no choice but to accept it?
As Becky gazed out of the wagon, her eyes back to the forest, the world outside shifted into focus. She was met with a landscape straight out of a fantastical dream. Magnificent waterfalls cascaded from shimmering cliffs, painting the world with a breathtaking array of colors. The trees, vibrant in shades of bright and dark greens, swayed gently in the cool wind.
For a moment, Becky forgot everything—her dream, her fear, her confusion. Then the weight returned.
"I need to figure out how to get home," she whispered.
Zephyr nodded, his tone neutral but kind. "One step at a time. For now, let's just get to Silverwood. You might find more answers there than you expect."
Becky was left to her own thoughts. She couldn't help but worry. I don't know where I am or how to get home. I don't even know who's sitting next to me. I had to put faith in a stranger who didn't know me and probably didn't care what happened to me as long as it was convenient for him.
Becky felt like everything was out of place, as if she shouldn't be where she was. Yet, she held onto the hope that by staying level-headed, she might find something or someone to answer her questions.