Stamen Glowbright's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Stamen Glowbright traced a finger along the faded map, their antennae curling forward with focus. The oldest untold tale existed somewhere in Lumen, guarded by a fae scholar who never stayed in one place. Stamen had searched every library and asked every storyteller they could find. No one knew where the scholar was now. But today felt different. Stamen walked through the market square and spotted a tree glowing in the distance. Its leaves pulsed with soft blue and green light. Paper notices covered the trunk, fluttering in the breeze. Stamen hurried closer and read the messages about strange travelers and wandering fae. One notice mentioned an ancient tree where the elders lived. The paper was old and torn at the edges. Stamen's wings buzzed with excitement. The elders might know where the scholar hid. They pulled the notice free and tucked it into their satchel. The ancient tree wasn't marked on any map, but the note described glowing roots and silver bark. It had to be somewhere deep in the forest. At sunset, Stamen found a clearing filled with dragonfly people. Their wings shimmered as they gathered in a circle, sharing stories under the dimming sky. Stamen landed at the edge of the group and listened. An elder spoke of a scholar who visited fifty seasons ago, carrying books bound in starlight. The scholar had mentioned returning to the ancient tree when the moon turned full. Stamen looked up at the sky. Three nights until the full moon. Three nights to prepare. The oldest untold tale was finally within reach.