Chereads / THE LOST CITY / Chapter 2 - A Race Against Time

Chapter 2 - A Race Against Time

The chief's best friend, a skilled doctor, burst into the house, his face etched with concern. "How is he?" he asked, rushing to the chief's side.

Stella's mother explained the situation, and the doctor quickly examined the chief. His face fell as he diagnosed the rare disease that threatened the chief's life.

"We must act fast," the doctor urged. "The only cure lies in the forbidden city, where a rare herb grows. We must retrieve it before it's too late."

Stella's mother and the doctor argued over the plan, but Stella intervened, determined to save her father. "We have to try," she said, her voice firm. "I'll go with you, and together we'll find the herb."

The doctor nodded, a look of hope on his face. "With Stella's knowledge of the jungle and my medical expertise, we might just succeed."

Stella's mother reluctantly agreed, and the trio set out on their dangerous mission, racing against time to save the chief's life.

Stella stood at the door, her backpack strapped on, heart heavy with emotion. She hugged her mother tightly, tears streaming down her face. "I'll be back, Mother," she whispered.

Her mother held her close, eyes brimming with tears. "Come back to me, Stella. Come back safe and sound."

Her father, weak but determined, raised his hand in blessing. "May the gods be with you, Stella. You must do this."

Stella nodded, her resolve strengthened by his words. She knew this journey would change everything, but she was ready to face her destiny, uncover the truth about her past, and save her father's life.

With a final wave, Stella turned and followed the chief's best friend into the unknown, leaving behind the only home she had ever known. Her mother watched, fear gripping her heart, afraid that Stella might not return.

"First Night in the Jungle"

Stella's thoughts wandered back to her parents as she trekked through the dense jungle. She wondered what they were doing at that moment, whether her mother was worrying about her and whether her father's condition was improving.

Smith, her father's best friend, noticed her distraction and offered words of encouragement. "We'll get through this, Stella. We'll find the herb and save your father."

As night began to fall, Smith busied himself with various gadgets, setting up a makeshift camp. Stella watched with curiosity, asking, "Have you done this before? Do you have any experience with this kind of thing?"

Smith smiled, "You can call me Smith, by the way. And yes, I was there the day your father found you. I've been on many adventures with him."

Stella's eyes widened in surprise, "Really? Why are you doing this for my father?"

Smith's expression turned serious, "He's my best friend, Stella. If I were the one sick, he would do the same for me."

As the darkness deepened, Smith gestured to a small clearing, "Let's get some rest. We'll resume our journey at dawn."

Stella nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Smith. Despite her exhaustion, her mind raced with questions, but she knew they would have to wait until morning. With a sigh, she settled in for the night, the jungle sounds providing a strange lullaby.

"The Unwanted Follower"

As dawn broke, Stella and Smith prepared to continue their journey. But Stella's sharp eyes detected a suspicious figure lurking in the shadows, watching their every move. She nudged Smith, whispering, "We're being followed!"

Smith's expression turned calm, "Act natural, Stella. Let him follow us. We don't want to arouse suspicion."

Stella nodded, but her mind raced with concerns. Another day passed, with the mysterious follower keeping a distance. As night fell, Stella's anxiety grew. "Smith, how much longer until we find the herb? My father's life depends on it."

Smith's face turned solemn, "I don't know, Stella. But we must find it fast. Time is crucial."

Stella's voice dropped to a whisper, "Do you know the way to the lost city?"

Smith's smile hinted at a secret, "If I knew the way, I wouldn't call it the lost city. But we'll find it, together. And when we do, we must be cautious."

Stella's eyes locked onto the darkness, her thoughts fixed on the follower. "What about him? What do we do?"

Smith's reassuring tone soothed her worries, "Sleep, Stella. It's completely safe. I'll keep watch."

With a deep breath, Stella closed her eyes, trusting Smith's words. But her mind remained vigilant, ready to face whatever dangers lay ahead.

"The River Encounter"

As dawn broke, Stella and Smith resumed their journey. Halfway through the day, Stella's thirst became unbearable. "Smith, I'm thirsty," she said, her dry lips cracking.

Smith nodded, "There's a river not too far from here. Let's head towards it."

Stella sighed, her eyes scanning the surrounding area. As they approached the river, she felt a sudden presence behind her. She spun around, ready to defend herself, until the stranger shouted, "I come in peace! I mean no harm!"

Stella's eyes locked onto and for a moment, they just stared at each other. She was taken aback by his piercing gaze and chiseled features, but she quickly composed herself, remembering her quest. "What do you want with me?" she asked confidently. "And why have you been following me?"

his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I'm Clever from the land of Reichtum," he introduced himself. "And forgive me for asking, but who has the amulet you're wearing?"

Stella's hand instinctively went to the amulet, her heart racing. How did he know it was an amulet? And what did he want with it? She hesitated, unsure how much to reveal. "It was given to me by my father," she said finally. "Why do you ask?"

Clever's eyes locked onto Stella's, his gaze intense. "Do you have a birthmark on your palm?" he asked, his voice low and reverent.

Stella's heart skipped a beat as she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I do. How did you know that?"

As soon as the words left her lips, Clever bowed down, his head touching the ground. "Greetings, Your Majesty," he said, his voice filled with reverence. "The prophecy is coming to pass."

Stella's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling with confusion. "What prophecy? What's going on?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.

Smith's eyes narrowed, his brow furrowed in skepticism. "Boy, don't play around. What prophecy are you talking about?"

Clever's smile was filled with hope and confidence. "Let's make a fire, and I'll tell you the story. It's getting dark, and I can't take you back to my place. It's not safe."

As Clever began to gather twigs and leaves, Stella's mind raced with questions. What prophecy was he talking about? And why did he seem to think she was some kind of queen? She exchanged a skeptical glance with Smith, but Clever's enthusiasm was infectious. She found herself wanting to hear more, to understand the strange and ancient words that seemed to hold so much weight.

Clever's eyes sparkled with intensity as he gazed into the flames, his voice weaving a tale of ancient betrayal and royal bloodshed.

"In the land of Reichtum, where I grew up, a king and queen once ruled with wisdom and justice. But the king's brother, consumed by jealousy and ambition, conspired against them. He sought to kill them and claim the throne for himself."

Clever's voice dropped to a whisper, his eyes glinting with emotion.

"The king and queen, with their young daughter, fled into the forest, seeking refuge from the treacherous guards sent to slay them. But alas, they were outnumbered, and the royal couple fell victim to the assassin's blade. Their daughter, however, vanished without a trace."

Clever's gaze locked onto Stella's, his eyes burning with conviction.

"The prophecy foretells that the princess will one day return, to avenge her parents' death and free the city from the evil reign of her uncle, King Author. And I believe, Stella, that you are that princess."

The fire crackled, casting eerie shadows on the surrounding trees, as Stella's mind reeled with the weight of Clever's words. She felt a shiver run down her spine, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. Could it be true? Was she the long-lost princess, destined to fulfill an ancient prophecy?

As Clever bid them farewell, promising to return in the morning, Stella turned to Smith with a look of uncertainty. "What do you make of this, Smith? Can we truly trust him?"

Smith's expression mirrored her doubts. "I'm not convinced, Stella. This tale sounds far-fetched, but Clever's conviction is persuasive."

Stella nodded, her mind racing with questions. "I agree. We need tangible proof to support his claims."

Smith's eyes narrowed, determination etched on his face. "I'll dig into Reichtum's history and royal family. Maybe we'll uncover something that validates Clever's story."

Stella's eyes locked onto Smith's, her resolve strengthening. "I'll do the same. And tomorrow, we'll press Clever for more answers."

As they settled in for the night, Stella's mind refused to quiet, her thoughts consumed by the enigma of Reichtum and her potential destiny. A mix of trepidation and excitement simmered within her, hinting that her life was on the brink of a profound transformation.