Constant Wistlebrook's Arc

Chapter 1 of 4

Constant Wistlebrook wiped flour from her hands and glanced at the worn map on the bakery counter. She needed to find all five Melody Stones before the Shadow Choir did. Her little sister Ember was counting on her. The stones held ancient magic that could protect Ember from the curse slowly draining her voice. The bakery wouldn't work as a base. Too many customers. Too many questions. Constant folded the map and tucked it into her apron pocket. She locked the shop door behind her and walked through the forest path toward home. The elven dwelling sat nestled between two oak trees, its woodwork carved with protective symbols their grandmother had etched years ago. Inside, Ember would be safe while Constant searched. The walls were thick. The windows small and high. No one from the Shadow Choir would find her sister here. Constant pushed open the carved wooden door. Ember sat by the fireplace, humming softly. The sound was weaker than yesterday. Constant's chest tightened. She pulled the map from her pocket and spread it across the table. Five locations marked in faded ink. Five stones hidden in dangerous places. She would need supplies. A lantern to mark safe paths through the wild territories. Something to help her listen for the stones' magical hum. She climbed the stairs to the storage room. Dust covered old trunks and wooden boxes. Her grandmother's tools filled the shelves. Constant found a brass lantern with delicate metalwork that would burn bright enough to guide her home. Behind it sat a strange device covered in cloth. She pulled the fabric away. Metal patterns caught the light, forming circles and spirals. A detector. Her grandmother had used it to find magic in the deep woods. Constant tucked both items under her arm and descended the stairs. Tomorrow, she would begin the hunt.