Zerenda: The Celestial Forest

Chapter 1

"Guys, look, a madrone tree!"

One young lumberjack pointed to a curved tree in the distance, its view partially obstructed by the numerous pines and maples scattered before it. The other lumberjacks immediately halted and turned to look at the majestic figure, uttering a gasp as they recognized the unique twisting pattern of the tree's trunk and branches.

The lumberjack who spotted it leaped in the direction of the tree, the dozen others following quickly behind. They were in disbelief to find such a rare sight in front of them, as all residents of Janthia knew the tree was a one-in-a-million.

"What are you waiting for, Hugh! Go and chop it down!" one of the older lumberjacks exclaimed in delight.

Hugh took another good look at the tree, feeling it was almost a pity to bring the tree to the ground. He stepped up to the trunk, raised his axe, and swung at the trunk. Right then, he could tell it was a sturdy tree as the axe barely made any break to the bark. He swung a few more times with increasing force, but still made little progress. Soon enough, he was panting and needed to rest his arm down.

"Let's give you a hand, Hugh." The other lumberjacks chimed in, all swinging together from different angles. Still, after several minutes, the trunk would not give way.

Hugh stepped away to take a break, wiping his forehead. He looked around and said, "Hmm, haven't seen Tae around. Where is he when we need him the most?"

The other lumberjacks heard Hugh's remarks and stopped to look around as well.

"Tae!" the lumberjacks yelled, sending echoes through the lush forest.

"Over here!" a familiar voice called from behind. The lumberjacks signed in relief when they saw the youth carrying an already piled bundle of firewood on his shoulders. He had curly, caramel brown hair that hung down to his shoulders, and a blue headband wrapped over his forehead. He was dressed in a matching blue tunic, his sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He greeted the others with a charming smile as he made his way towards them.

Tae was the most favoured of the lumberjacks, despite his young age, due to his skill and agility that far surpassed his companions. He was always the first to complete his work, making the others admirable and envious of his abilities. However, he was a kind-hearted man, always offering to stay behind to help the others with their tasks so that they could return to the palace together.

Tae placed his firewood on the ground and joined the other lumberjacks beneath the madrone tree. "What task did you have for me now?" he teased the others.

"It's a madrone tree, Tae! The first we've seen in a decade! But it sure is a sturdy one, even the six of us here can't bring it down."

"Let me give it a try." Tae took out the axe that was tucked in his belt and held it up with both of his hands with a relaxed but firm grip. He examined the trunk and identified a point where it curved, then aimed at the spot. With his first swing, the axe chipped away at the bark, leaving behind a small crack. The other lumberjacks watched in awe as he made successive swing, each cutting deeper into the trunk. Eventually, the tree began to let out a creaking sound, which was a signal that warned the others of its imminent fall. They all moved out of the way as the tree crashed to the ground, letting out a loud Boom!

"Hooray!" the lumberjacks cheered as they ran up to the tree to investigate the prize.

"Tae, this tree is yours! Madam Rosella will be so pleased!"

Tae grinned and replied, "Well, now that it's down, why don't we all share the load and bring it back to the palace? Then you can all have some of the credit!"