Hello and welcome to Rood Bridge Park. This is a spin off story from the universe of Tyrone and Matt. It is not necessary to read the first two Tyrone and Matt books to read this story, since this is a stand alone story that explores the world of Rood Bridge Park.
Get to know this place before Tyrone and Matt, and learn about the hidden world within the green state of Oregon and beyond. Rood Bridge Park is lighter in tone than the Tyrone and Matt stories, however this story has moments that may trigger some readers. Rood Bridge Park contains scary situations, racial discrimination, an outbreak of a disease, some mild language and themes regarding death and loss.
This is the first story in a trilogy that will move on alongside the Tyrone and Matt stories. Enjoy!
The sun was rising up into the sky as a new day dawned upon Rood Bridge Village, a beautiful and prosperous yet humble village located in the center of Rood Bridge Park. It was a region full of wonder, mysteries and creatures big and small. From the biggest Mammoth, to the smallest field mouse, it was home to many creatures thought to be mythical and extinct. It is a world hidden from the harsh real world, the world dominated by Humans. Of course, humans did live in Rood Bridge Park, but they were sworn to secrecy and some of them worked hard to make sure the world stays hidden forever.
On that new day, Queen Imani stood before her people, holding the Flower of Hope, a symbol of peace and tranquility in Rood Bridge Park. Everyone in the village applauded the Queen's royal presence. She was a slender young woman in her mid twenties and she had beautiful glowing brown skin. She wore a hijab that was pink, decorated with gems. She did wear a crown, but it was small, symbolizing humility with a small red gem on its center. She wore a purple dress with floral decorations and her smile was shining with her pearly white teeth.
Everyone loved Queen Imani. She was strong, powerful, and very firm, but she ruled with an open mind. Along with the help of her loyal and trustworthy advisers, they made laws that were fair and easy to follow for Rood Bridge Park citizens. Unfortunately, not everyone agreed to certain laws and there were those who opposed Imani. One such anarchist was the legendary Captain Joshua. He was once a general for Imani's royal army, protecting the citizens of Rood Bridge Park from the forces of the Dark Impulse. However, something terrible happened and Joshua turned his back on Imani and the kingdom of Rood Bridge Park. Ever since, Joshua has been MIA for some time. No one knows where he is, or what became of him. But there were rumors of a revolutionary group against Rood Bridge Park, and many feared that it could have been led by Joshua himself. No one knew for sure, and many took it as rumor. Nevertheless, Imani always had her guard up, in case of an attack by Joshua or someone else who is far more dangerous and deadly.
The day Imani showed the flower was supposed to be a harmonious day. It was a day of celebration and there was a party in the village. Friends from the Sasquatch Tribe arrived, selling goods and food from their neck of the woods. The Deer Folk, the Fairies, the Fauns, and even Merpeople attended the events and the celebrations. It was to be a time of joy.
After her presentation, Imani went to her throne room, to witness the large reception there. When she arrived, she sat on her throne as instructed by her hand maid. She sat down and the maid gave her the royal staff for her to hold. She took it and glanced at her people, dancing and having a wonderful time. She sat back with a big smile knowing that at least for tonight, things will be calm and easy. That is until they all heard the heavy footsteps of a stranger.
At first, Imani thought it was a Mammoth. However, the footsteps she heard were more like hooves than mammoth feet. She stood up firmly with her maid by her side. Everyone in the throne room stopped dancing and they all stared at the smelly and large stranger who arrived.
Everyone gasped at the sight of him, for everyone in the throne room knew who this was. It was none other than Moss the Wendigo. He was a savage warlord who lived in the darkest areas of Rood Bridge Park, the farside where the fierce and dangerous creatures lived such as Goblins, Earthworms with sharp teeth and the Wendigo folk.
Everyone feared Moss, for he was large, powerful and very savage. He had a very terrible temper and a foul breath that reeked of fish and rot.
"Queen Imani!" he said aloud with a booming voice which echoed the walls of the throne room. Everyone there covered their ears. Imani stood her ground and respectfully greeted the beast.
"It has been a long time, Moss." said Imani in a very firm voice..
"Indeed it has you, witch!" said Moss, only he didn't say "witch."
Everyone in the throne room gasped, but Imani didn't say a word. "Just say what you come here to say and get out of our village." she said.
"I've come to declare war on you! And your precious village! In fact, your village is now under attack as we speak!" declared Moss.
Everyone started to scream and Imani folded her arms, shaking her head. Her calm demeanor put everyone else at ease somewhat.
"Then if we are under attack, why don't I hear battle cries or people running to the castle for shelter? You are clearly bluffing." said Imani.
"On the contrary Imani. The type of war I'm declaring on your precious village isn't a violent one. No! This is a different type of attack. One that will tear families apart!" sneered Moss.
Imani didn't say a word and Moss continued with his monologue. "I think most old folks remember this, but many years ago, during the formation of the villages, there was a virus that was affecting people all over the village." said Moss.
"You didn't." said Imani, showing signs of worry.
"Indeed I have my dear. I have found the Anti-Cough Drop virus! Stupid name for a disease I know, but I have released the germ into your water wells, since this virus was known for being found only in water!" announced Moss.
Everyone once again gasped and spoke among themselves. Imani clenched her fists and shook her head.
"You are bluffing. The virus was destroyed by the merpeople." said Imani.
"And so it was! But I managed to save a sample on the day the merfolk were cleansing the lakes and ponds. I worked on it in my secret lab, and it has become a powerful bug! No one could stand a chance! Of course, it will only affect children for now, but soon I'll make a much stronger one that will KILL adults as well!" screamed Moss.
"You're a monster!" cried Imani.
"See for yourself "Princess!" Look outside your cushy castle and you will see that children are frolicking to the hospitals as we speak! No one will stand a chance! Rood Bridge Park is doomed!" declared Moss as he cackled and coughed in delight and danced around in his giant and smelly fur coat.
"Seize him!" cried Imani to her Sword Warrior Guards. About five men quickly ran up to Moss, pointing their spears at him.
"Stand back, you fools!" he cried as he opened up his coat and pulled out a vial with a purple substance. He threw it on the ground and the room was full of purple gas. The wicked Moss made his escape under everyone's noses.