Terrible Tragedy #AtoZChallenge 2025 fantasy

[Story scene post]

"The new level ones. Did any survive?"

The Black seems to concentrate for a moment before replying. "I cannot tell. The BirthPlace is too difficult to read. I know they are not alive anywhere else." 

We make our way out of the cavern. Piles of bodies await us. I fall to my knees. Hot tears flow down my cheeks. 

"How can this be? What do we do? It's all so terrible. Perhaps Jaildarn should have driven me to level five, too." 

"It is rude to say such words in their presence." The Black grabs my arms and hauls me up. "Keep focus on the ones who need you. Belp, you were second in command of this village. Now, you are the leader." 

I wave my arms wildly, "leader? No one is left!"

The Black grabs my chin. "You are the only living leader of our kind on all of Darterra. Find our people. Gather them. Lead them. I feel their fear, but I am unable to help." 

I take a deep breath. The Black releases my chin. I wipe my face with my sleeve. "How do I find them? I have never left this village." 

It takes time, but we prepare for my journey. The Black helps me learn to navigate, to pack, and to follow his map. "Just help one individual at a time. In the wake of this terrible tragedy, do your best." 

"Funny enough, a Gold would be best suited for this." 

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Key dramatic question that will take whole story to answer:

Could Belp have prevented all this death, how, and if so-- why didn't he?

And what led Jaildarn to become the cause of such annihilation? 

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QUESTION -- Are you celebrating World Book Day, and how?

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My A to Z 2025 theme is a fantasy story. (And some of the process of writing it as well.) 🕮

- J (he/him 👨🏽 or 🧑🏽 they/them) ~ Speculative Fiction & Reference Author and Co-host of the April Blogging #AtoZchallenge

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