Lost in the Wilderness - The Forest of Evergreen Book 1
Page 1
Contents
Praise for Lost in the Wilderness
Copyright
Title Page
Dedication
Author's Note
Acknowledgements
Quote
Map
Prologue
Chapter 1: The Vabuerettis
Chapter 2: The Prom Night
Chapter 3: A Visit to Forest Green
Chapter 4: Treasured Memoirs and the First Encounter
Chapter 5: The Resemblance
Chapter 6: The Return of the Past
Chapter 7: Forget Me Not
Chapter 8: The Melodies of Yesterdays
Chapter 9: The Battle of Kravena
Chapter 10: The Night
Chapter 11: The Cry of Hearts
Chapter 12: The Sun Still Rises
Chapter 13: Cocoon
Chapter 14: The Awakening
Chapter 15: The Blood Compact
Chapter 16: Unbending
Chapter 17: The Visit
Chapter 18: The Artist In Her
Chapter 19: Remember Me
Chapter 20: Your Song, Our Song
Chapter 21: Through It All
Chapter 22: Always One Step Behind Your Silhouette
Chapter 23: Hold On
Chapter 24: Come What May
Chapter 25: The Miracle Plants
Chapter 26: Struck With His Eyes
Chapter 27: Confuse Me Not
Epilogue: Leaving the Fate Behind
Appendix A: Definition of Terms
Appendix B: Illustrations
Appendix B: Illustrations
Appendix B: Illustrations
Author Updates
About the Author
Praise for Lost in the Wilderness
FROM READERS’ FAVORITE®
“The Forest of Evergreen is brilliantly written, in a blending of young adult coming of age with fantasy that will have readers anticipating the next installment.”
“It is an exciting teenage fiction fantasy story with a main character whose inner struggle to put her past to rest and find a sense of belonging with her family will tug at your heart.”
“The narration is detailed and descriptive, making the book very visual and clear.”
“The book is original.”
“Teresa Bandiola does a superb job of telling the history of the Pacific island nation of the Great Archipelago of Philipdomia. She was able to explicitly describe all of the characters’ emotional turmoil, especially Sophia’s, as well as the wonder of her laying eyes on paradise.”
“I believe this is a great story that can help readers to get away from the day-to-day complexities of life and be transported to another world.”
“The Forest of Evergreen is a beautiful story.”
“The book had a unique plot filled with layer upon layer of more exciting developments.”
“It takes readers on a whimsical journey through the Evergreen Forest.”
“The characters are portrayed well, especially the character of Sophie, which has many shades and layers to it.”
“The twists and turns in the plot keep readers glued to the story as it progresses.”
“What made Sophia a very intriguing and interesting character was how the author combined the usual teenage traits with something deeper and more gripping in her spirit. Her sombre personality fitted in very well with the theme of the story.”
“Sophie’s pain, grief, and loss after the accident is palpable and readers actually feel sorry as her memory is lost.”
“The calm depiction of the Evergreen Forest provided a serene setting for the story, and the use of unique terms made the story feel more surreal, intriguing, and fun.”
“As the author weaves back and forth between the human and fantasy aspect, it allows the readers to begin to visualize the essence of the story.”
“It is a magical story that will take readers on an adventurous journey filled with love and fantasy.”
“I enjoyed the whimsical plot.”
“I enjoyed the story thoroughly.”
“I did like her character (Sophia) and would like to see where else she goes in other books.”
“The open ending will make readers wait eagerly for the next volume to learn more about the characters and their journey.”
“If you like romance and fantasy, pick up a copy of The Forest of Evergreen: Lost in the Wilderness by Teresa May B. Bandiola.”
All of the characters, places, and incidents in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental and not intended by the author.
Copyright © 2014 by Teresa May B. Bandiola
Appendix B Illustrations by Phil Dominic B. Bandiola
Map by Teresa May B. Bandiola
Cover Design by Tania Arpa
All rights reserved.
ISBN: 1511580070
ISBN-13: 978-1511580076
No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission of the copyright owner, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
Purchase only authorized editions.
THE FOREST
OF EVERGREEN:
Lost in the Wilderness
Book One
Teresa May B. Bandiola
In memory of my brother
SALVADOR “JAY-JAY” B. BANDIOLA III
________
SEPTEMBER 9, 1983 - SEPTEMBER 1, 2003
and
my grandmother
DR. ROSITA “INSING” Q. BANGAOIL
________
JUNE 30, 1939 - OCTOBER 5, 2013
Dear Reader:
Some of the places in the story, particularly the mythical country I used, do not actually exist. They are all products of my imagination. Since the aforementioned country I created is found in the Pacific Ocean near the equator, the seasons are the same as those in tropical countries where only dry and rainy seasons occur.
The characters’ surnames and some of the terminologies used were also created by me, though they may sound strangely familiar to you.
I sincerely hope you will enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed researching, and writing it.
Happy reading,
T.M.B. Bandiola
Acknowledgements
For the most part of everything, I thank You, Almighty Father, for giving me the wisdom and enthusiasm to finish the story. Lord, You placed me in a family filled with love and talents that turned me into someone who I am today. You are my Light in the darkness, my Everything. Thank You for giving Your only begotten Son to save us all, and for that, all humankind is eternally grateful. All glory, honor, and power are Yours, Lord, forever and ever!
My wonderful parents, Buddy and Tessie—for your endless love and support. This book is my form of apology and unfailing love for you. You guys, are the best! I love you!
My handsome and cool brothers, Paul John and Dominic—for surrounding me with your everlasting love, support, and protection. I always feel like a princess everytime you are around. I love you, guys!
My sister-in-law Michelle—for being always there for my brother and our family.
All my relatives especially Aunt Grace and Jeslen Tesoro—for your encouragement, ideas, and support. Hugs and kisses I offer you!
Uncle Melchor Bangaoil and Aunt Letty Bangaoil—for always receiving me everytime I needed a shelter.
My comical editor Ma. Evelyn Diaz Vergara—for your excellent suggestions, wit, and patie
nce so as to improve the storyline. You have enriched this book beyond anything I could ever conceive. You are the best editor an author could ever have, and because of that, I will forever be thankful. I hope other people could see how much of an asset you are. God bless you in every way.
Layla Amar and Tania Arpa—for your expertise and brilliant efforts that got this whole thing off the ground.
My best friends, Glaiza Ignacio and Lynie Alilis-Saboy—for always being there for me. You never fail to understand and support me. I’m glad I have met people like you. You are a drop in the ocean. I love you, mi amigas!
My godmother Gloria Illustre-Bayeng—for being the best godmother who I’m very sure is even better than Cinderella’s. You’re always there for me since I was born. You never fail to show me your love. I wish you and Kuya Manny endless love and happiness.
My godson Justin—for being a part of my life, as I am to yours.
Ma’am Maritess Abad and Kuya Nani Abad—for helping me find the Way, when I was lost and naive. God bless and strengthen you more!
Ma’am April Lingat—for giving me a notebook that pushed me to grab a pen and write down a story, which is now this. I could never find the right words to express my deepest gratitude to you. I love you, girl.
Ailu Sitti Lucman—for being a big sister to me. The sisterhood we share is exceptional and priceless. I love you, sister.
Ma’am Imma Navarro—for having the interest to read the first chapter of this book and because of that, you are the first person to take a glance at it.
My big bosses, Dean Olive M. de Vera and Ma’am Juneve F. Tejada—for always understanding me and giving me countless chances, in spite of my shortcomings. (Laughs)
Lastly, all my former and current students and co-faculty members at the College of Pharmacy of Our Lady of Fatima University—for helping me grow as a person and making me feel loved and valued.
I love you all! Cheers!
Three things will last forever⎯faith, hope, and love⎯and the greatest of these is love.
- 1 Corinthians 13: 13 NLT
Prologue
The Great Archipelago of Philipdomia and the Vangkekans
In the North Pacific Ocean, between Guam and Hawaii, there lies a prosperous and powerful democratic country known as the Great Archipelago of Philipdomia. The archipelago is made up of four major islands known as Eser, Mindo, Palulu, and Sador. Several atolls, numerous smaller islets, and undersea seamounts also compose the country, which all contribute to its world famous beauty and richness. Its capital city is Orlando while its most populous city is Isset, both situated at Sador, the largest major island followed by Eser, Mindo, and Palulu.
The Great Archipelago of Philipdomia’s tropical splendor includes colorful plant life, beautiful beaches and waterfalls, and extinct volcanoes. The cool Pacific winds keep the archipelago pleasantly mild all year around making the country a perfect tourist destination and the ultimate surfing spot.
For more than three centuries, Philipdomia was controlled by Spain when King Charles I (also known as Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire) sent explorers to sail the Pacific to establish a permanent foothold in the East Indies, which was near the Line of Demarcation between Spain and Portugal under the Treaty of Zaragoza in 1529.
Similar to the Philippines, Ruy López de Villalobos gave Philipdomia its name, after calling the four islands Nueva Islas Filipinas (while Las Islas Filipinas was used for the Philippines) in honor of Philip, the Prince of Asturias at the time, who later became Philip II of Spain. The country ultimately changed its name to Philipdomia after adjoining Domia, the name of the native chief who killed the earliest set of Spanish invaders.
It has been said, although no historical record as to its veracity exists, that the country was originally discovered in 1521 by Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer under the sovereignty of Spain in search of a westward route to Moluccas or the “Spice Islands,” before he reached the Philippines and was killed in the Battle of Mactan.
The islands, primarily Sador, were important stopovers for the Spanish Manila Galleons that crossed the Pacific until the Mexican War of Independence ended Spanish access to Mexican ports. No records in the archives, however, confirm this. Akin to Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad in Umatac, Guam, the Spaniards built a number of garrisons such as Fort Aquilina to guard these Pacific fleets. These forts are still standing today and considered to be one of Philipdomia’s main tourist attractions.
The archipelago was a site for exile, for the revolutionists under the Spanish Crown in the Philippines, including Cuban revolutionists, during the Little War from 1879 to 1880. Filipino deportation here was extended until 1901 following the Philippine-American War. But unknown to the world, it was also here where some Puerto Ricans who protested against the American territorial acquisition of Puerto Rico were deported.
The year 1898 marks the end of the lengthy and vicious Spanish rule in Philipdomia, when it was surrendered to the United States of America during the Spanish-American War and later formally ceded as part of the Treaty of Paris. But during World War II, it was captured by the Japanese, the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombing, the archipelago was subjected to fierce fighting with the help of the American troops.
Identical to the Philippines, the country was offered by the United States of America to be one of its states but Sebastian Ignacio, then the country’s leader, declined.
Today, the Great Archipelago of Philipdomia is one of the first-world and English-speaking countries in the Pacific Ocean that is not under the US territory, having oil industry and glorious tourism as its major sources of income.
Five hundred kilometers north of Orlando City is the Province of Orstia. In Orstia, a remote town known as Forest Green is renowned for its remarkably rich Spanish heritage.
However, by the mountainous northeast of Forest Green, there is a mystic wilderness called the forbidden Forest of Evergreen. The people, at one point in the distant past, believed that creatures of utmost peculiarity existed there. They have heard of the stories from their forefathers, stories of terrifying deeds and darkness. But as the lengthy years went by, such stories became mere folktales and went unheeded as time embraced modernity, and such anecdotes are, by now, deemed of no account.
There in the vastness and thickness of the dark forest was the world of the Vangkekans.
The Vangkekans were outlandish creatures, fractioned into five tribes: the Kravena, the Fegratu, the Sulabun, the Asuldan, and the Kumanggi.
The Kravenas were distinguished by their gigantic and bright feathered wings; the Fegratus, their lustrous and reddish wings; the Sulabuns, their frail yet fear-provoking dusky ones; the Asuldans, their serene olive greens; and the Kumanggis, their velvety browns.
The Kravena Tribe was the realm of Datu Ilak. The Kravenas lived in the foothills of Yandal near the Pacific Ocean, and to their west is the deep River of Samo that passes through the other tribes and ends as estuary. North of the tribe lies the magnificent Falls of Harem.
Farther north was the Sulabun Tribe, led by Datu Karok. They had smaller wings than the Kravenas and they preferred to dwell in flat lands rather than highlands.
Across the Samo River was the Fegratu Tribe, headed by Datu Saak. They were smaller ones but fast and vigilant. They lingered by the banks of the river, and fishing became their primary source of food.
Not too distant from the Fegratus was the Asuldan Tribe, ruled by Datu Intal. The Asuldans were friendly Vangkekans and were fond of hunting wild animals. Their wings had the same size as the Sulabuns but appeared to be much weaker. They were lovers of woodlands and they preferred to live in the highlands.
Right next to the Asuldan was the Kumanggi Tribe, guided by Datu Uliman. The Kumanggis had the smallest size of wings but they were the tallest Vangkekans. They were lovers of trees and woodlands, and the hillsides became their habitation.
The Vangkekans were, once, immortals. However, i
t was discovered that they could be killed by the strike of an arrow dipped in the hot spring secreted by the Mountains of Yandal. But only those who were brave enough could go through it. At the other side of the Yandal Mountains lies the magical Falls of Ovaweh in which water served as the antidote for the deadly arrows.
The Vangkekans’ immortality vanished when the Ovaweh Falls ran out of water.
To represent ideas and sounds, the Vangkekans used picture symbols. Primarily, they used stone monuments but sometimes, banana leaves were used as writing sheets and permanent plant pigments as ink. The inscriptions were written or carved by highly trained ones called suratos, but as time passed by, every Vangkekan learned to write and read them.
The male Vangkekans wore wide and thick breechclothes, or wang-gis. These were made from flayed tree bark, brown in color with red ocher, but some were woven of cotton thread by the female Vangkekans. Likewise, the male Vangkekans were topless to reveal their masculine bodies.
On the other hand, the female Vangkekans wore bark-fiber skirts called kul-pas, which were worn after putting on a tight girdle. Their skirts were also brownish but with red stripes down each side and through the middle. Their skirts were extended from below the navel to near the knees which opened on the sides, and were frequently so scant and narrow that one leg was exposed when walking. As well, a series of woven bands of about five inches wide—passing through beneath their wings at the back—were wrapped around their bodies to cover their breasts.