Chapter 1

Once there was a man named Algar who had to take a long journey, and when he was saying his goodbyes to his daughters; Linda, Liese, and Lilli; he asked what gifts they wanted him to bring back.

Linda said, “I would like any type of pearl jewelry you pick, father.”

Liese said, “Father, any kind of diamond jewelry you find.”

And the youngest Lilli said, “Dear father, I would like a singing, soaring lark.”

Algar smiled and said, “Very well, I will make sure you have your gifts.” And hugged all three and set off on his journey. 

Linda, Liese, and Lilli all watched their father leave until they couldn’t see his carriage anymore.

Linda claps her hand and says “Alright, what do you guys want for dinner?”

Liese and Lilli both excitedly say, “Your famous beef stew!”

Linda smiles and says, “Alright, let’s go inside and start cooking.

While Algar, his servants and bodyguards were on their journey. Algar had no trouble finding the perfect pearl necklace and diamond bracelet for his eldest daughters, but he couldn’t find a “singing, soaring” lark anywhere. 

Algar worryingly says, “Where could a lark be? I didn’t think it would be so cumbersome to find.” 

Alfonso, Algar’s servant, hoped that they could find a lark in the forest, since there were none in any bird or pet shops they traveled to.

And tiredly says, “Hopefully, there are some... or at least one in the forest.”

Almost 5 minutes later, just before anything else was said. A quiet melody was heard further down the forest road. They listened quietly to the melody to search for the source, and then they reached the end of the forest road. Algar suggested that he, Alfonso, and two guards go the rest of the way on horseback, leaving the rest of the guard troops to guard the merchandise in the carriage. As they went deeper into the forest they had to turn on their lanterns, because it was getting so dark that it was like nighttime during daytime.

Algar was amazed and said, “It’s like night has fallen.”

Alfonso though was worried and said, “ How can a forest be so dense to make it so?”

And one of the guards was on high alert and said, “I will keep a firm look out.” 

The lark's melody continued to grow louder, then they reached a tree where the top was hidden in darkness. One of the bodyguards believes that the lark was at the top of said tree.

Algar smiled and said, “Finally, I have come across you in the nick of time.”

To reaffirm Alfonso said, “So, we found it?”

Algar happily responded with, “Yes! We’ve found the singing, soaring lark my youngest wanted!”

Algar then ordered one of the guards to climb up the tree to catch the lark, while the other stood guard. As the bodyguard dismounted and tied his lantern to prepare for the climb, A Lion then sprang from the darkness and stood down in front of the tree, and roared so loudly that the trees and the ground trembled. After standing in shock, both of the bodyguards ran and stood in front of Algar and Alfonso.

One of the bodyguards says in shock, “I wasn’t expecting a Lion in these woods.”

Algar frighteningly says, “A- A Lion!?”

Alfonso also frighteningly says, “W-What’s a Lion doing in a forest!?”

The Lion stood tall, staring down at the trespassers with his sharp purple eyes.

Then the Lion spoke angrily, “Who dares to steal my lark? I will kill the thief.”

-End of Chapter 1