NEW RELEASE
A Path Toward Home:
The Annals of Avonea 1
The Annals of Avonea 1
by Heather
R. Lorenz
Description
Constance waited
eagerly for her mother’s vivid bedtime stories. They were truly children’s
literature in action and told so convincingly of a magical land that Constance
could almost believe her mother had been there and returned. If they had been
put in writing, there is no doubt they would be children’s classics. By age 6
Constance was living with her Aunt and Uncle in Canada and struggles for a
time. Travel adventures are not her lot as uncle is a very contented homebody.
A teenager now, she
no longer reads children’s fantasy books for kids. By age 9-12 she had in fact
given up believing in fairy tales and fantasies. Life in Saltwater is routine
and boring when her best friend moves away. One day she was swinging on her
mother’s old swing ….when suddenly it was dark with whispering voices in the
background.
When she next opened
her eyes, where in the world was she? Living In some children’s adventure
books? By age 9-12 she had put such thoughts behind her. Now she wasn’t so
sure. Soon she meets her rescuers who concoct a plan to take her home. Will it
be successful and what about her uncle? He must be frantic with worry.
Meanwhile there are things to do and places to go.
Prince Drinian and
his trusty mentor Woodphere are determined to help her return to her world. Barely
into the journey, Constance encounters a young man who says an alternate route
which will be much faster. Who should she believe? Constance learns that even
close friends may disagree especially when they are exposed to the harsh
realities of nature. They are able to resolve their difficulties and forge
ahead. Soon she finds herself in a competition not of her choosing.
Scary terrain, a
near fatal injury and a mysterious manor lie ahead. What secrets are behind
those doors and can the secretive old man give them the answers they seek? Just
ahead lies enemy territory and a princess with an attitude. A close encounter
with thieves and robbers hastens their departure to the young prince’s boyhood
home.
But for Constance
the journey is not finished. Join her and her newfound friends as they embark
for their destination: The Circle of Return.
Excerpt
Moolow’s manor loomed before them, dark
and mystical. Constance, Drinian, and Woodphere strode up the dark marble steps
to the huge bronze door. As Woodphere pulled on a long rope near the door, a
gentle sound like wind chimes played, as the door creaked open.
“Have
you ever been here, Drinian?” Constance asked.
“No,
I haven’t. Moolow always came to my father when we needed him,” Drinian
replied.
The
door was now completely open, and much to Constance’s surprise the interior was
not dark and gloomy. Instead, it was very elaborate with marble stairs that led
up to the second floor, red carpet and light wood furnishings.
“It's
beautiful in here!” Constance exclaimed, as she looked up at the thousand
diamond chandelier that hung from the ceiling.
“Indeed,”
Drinian replied, in awe.
An
old man was standing at the foot of the stairs. He was dressed in a long red
robe, and his long white beard hung to his waist.
“Greetings
to you travelers,” He said in a deep raspy voice.
Woodphere
and Drinian bowed and Constance curtsied as best as she was able.
“Your
clothes are shabby and you look in need of a refreshing bath.” Moolow said with
a kind smile.
“Thank
you sir, but we can’t stay long and it is very important for us to talk to
you,” Drinian said.
“We
will conduct business after you bathe and change your clothing, Your Majesty.
Now, follow me.”
Moolow
headed up the winding staircase to the next floor, and led each to private
rooms where a bath awaited each of them.
After
Moolow closed the door, Constance wondered, how
could the old man have baths awaiting them, when he didn't even know they were
coming?
Constance
glanced about the darkened room at the pulled curtains and the three flickering
candles. The steaming tub of bubbly water in the corner looked delightful. But what
was that bulge on the far wall? Constance picked up a candle holder, walked
briskly to the wall and gave a firm push. With a sharp creaking sound the wall
opened, revealing a secret opening.
Constance
eyes were wide with excitement as she entered, candle in hand. It was a long
hidden passage that reminded Constance of the old castles she had read about.
The stone walls were musty and damp and felt cold against her hand as she
guided herself along the wall.
It
seemed that she walked for hours until she reached a dead end. Why would a tunnel come to a dead end?
Constance lifted her candle against the wall to see if she could find a handle
or lever. Spotting an odd looking torch above her head, she seized it in both
hands and spun it downward as the wall opened! She hesitantly entered a massive
round room with shelves reaching as high as 40 feet with bottles and books
neatly arranged on them.
Constance
stepped up to a round table with bottles of all shapes and sizes. Was this the lab of some mad scientist?
She picked up a container with green liquid and read, a potion to make your freckles disappear. Next, she picked up a
bottle labeled, the potion to regain arm
strength, and another for growing a
thick beard. I don't think I would like that one, Constance thought,
glancing about the room. A book that lay open on a small table gave
instructions for creating potions. One line read, use lemon, lavender and clover to get rid of warts.
“This
is amazing! How in the world did Moolow come up with all these concoctions?”
Constance whispered aloud.
“It
took me many years,” boomed a voice from behind her.
“Oh
Moolow, I'm sorry. I should not by prying.”
“I
don’t mind, as long as you can keep this place a secret.”
“I
promise, I won't tell anyone, not even Drinian or Woodphere.”
“I
believe you. Now what can I get you? You surely do not need a beauty potion.”
“No,
I don't need anything. But how did you invent all these potions?”
“I
experimented on many different people,” Moolow replied. There are over 2,000 remedies
here.
“How
do you get away with doing that?”
“I
tell people that I am trying a new experiment. If it works, I start selling it
and they get half the profits. So they let me do it.
I
did feel bad one time when I was creating a potion to grow hair. A bald old man
was the guinea pig and it ended up turning the top of his head blue!”
“Oh
my!” Constance exclaimed smiling.
“Actually,
you would be perfect for my next experiment. I want to see if my potion of
changing hair texture works.”
“No
thank you. I don't want to end up bald like Woodphere.
“Very
well then. But perhaps you could use a poison snake bite healing potion?”
“How
did you know about my snake bite?”
“Drinian
told me and wondered if there was anything I could give you. And over here's
just the thing,” Moolow said, as he walked over to his desk and picked up a
clear bottle with red liquid.
“Thank
you, Moolow. How much should I use?” Constance asked as she took the bottle
from him.
“Take
it with you and apply it every two hours. Within three days your leg should be
as good as new, without even a blemish.” Come, you should get changed before
dinner.”
“Alright,”
Constance replied, following him out of the circular room.
Once
Constance had made her way back to her room she went straight to the closet
which was full of many beautiful dresses. Constance chose a violet color dress
with delicate cream lace around the sleeves, hem and neckline. She quickly put
on the dress, combed her hair, put it into a neat bun before stepping into the
hall where she was met by Moolow.
“Please,
follow me Constance. Drinian and Woodphere are already waiting in the dining
room for us,” said Moolow.
Constance
followed him downstairs into a large dining room. The table was very long, and
could sit at least ten people on either side.
Drinian
and Woodphere both stood when Constance entered. They were both wearing dashing
white shirts, with red vests and brown trousers.
“You
look quiet elegant, Constance,” Woodphere said approvingly.
“Indeed
you do,” agreed Drinian.
“Why,
thank you! You two look quite handsome yourselves,” Constance replied.
“Please
be seated and I shall bring out the food,” Moolow said, as he exited the room.
Soon he returned with steaming platters of poached eggs and toast. After they
had finished, Moolow passed his guests a brimming plate full of cheeses,
crackers and meats for their enjoyment.
“Moolow
we must speak to you,” Drinian said, taking a sip of juice.
Review
By Rachel Stone
A Path Toward Home resembles the
Narnia stories, in that the story is for kids, however entrances those of all
ages. The main character is a young lady named Constance who is whisked away to
the world of Avonea. The characters are very vivid and believable throughout
the novel. This is a great story of adventure, fantasy, mystery and suspense in
one tidy little bundle.
About the Author
Sixteen year old Heather R. Lorenz writes fantasy and adventure for
children ages 10 and up. She is inspired by The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis.
Links
