𝐀𝐋𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐑𝐀 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝟏- 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐇

CHAPTER 20

In the early morning, they all set out. As the sun began to rise, Allie finally noticed the thick forest they were passing through.

"I haven't heard anything about the Kingdom of Maru for a long time. This is what has become of the once-peaceful kingdom," Maia said beside her.

They emerged from the thick forest and were greeted by a wide expanse of green grass. In the distance, there were mountains that were a vibrant green color.

"Are those real?" she pointed to the mountains.

"Yes. The Maru Kingdom is known for its breathtaking mountains. Just like the Chocolate Hills in Bohol, there are also Green Hills in this kingdom."

She wanted to laugh at the name "Green Hills," but it was true that the green mountains were beautiful to behold. She looked into the distance and saw trees swaying in the strong wind, but when she observed the other plants, they remained still.

"Stop!" she suddenly shouted.

"What's wrong?" Maia asked as Rollieh stopped the vehicle.

The following vehicle also came to a halt.

Allie got out without a word. She ran toward the lined-up trees. There was something wrong with the trees.

"Allie, what is it?" Maia asked as she chased after her.

Their companions followed as well. She examined the trees. They looked normal, but she couldn't shake the feeling. It was as if something was pulling her closer to them, similar to the souls of the babies she had saved.

"There is something wrong with the trees," she said.

Zen also inspected the trees for any issues. "They look normal," he said after a moment.

Allie touched one of the large trees. Suddenly, a human face appeared. Maia quickly pulled her away.

"What was that?" Jhosie asked in shock.

"Allie, be careful. You might get hurt."

But she did not feel any danger. All she felt was a plea for help from whoever was inside these trees. She reached out and touched the tree again, ignoring Maia. The face emerged once more from the tree.

"Who are you?" she asked it.

The face looked at her, not responding as if it recognized her.

"I am Alessandra," she introduced herself.

"She is Princess Amirah's daughter," Maia added.

"Hello, Princess Alessandra. Welcome back. I am King Marc of the Maru Kingdom. I have been trapped here with my whole family. I can't even count how many years we've been here," the man said.

"Why are you trapped here?" Allie asked.

She tried to think of a way to free him from within that tree.

Gradually, apart from just the face, his hand emerged, followed by his feet until his whole body was finally free.

Her companions helped him. They seated him on the grass. Allie bent down to speak with him.

"No foreigner has noticed our pleas for help. Only you. Only you, Princess Alessandra. Thank you very much," the older man said. Allie looked at the other trees.

"Rollieh, Zen, and Lloyd, help me," she called to her companions.

Maricar and Rainier followed as well. Merideth and Kim supported the king, who was still struggling to stand.

"How did you know?" Maia asked as she joined her.

"I can feel them, Maia. I can feel almost everything and everyone. And I can't ignore them."