The Peculiar Zoe Barlow and Her Misadventures: Intro

In a house there lived a snooty, nippy imp named Zoe Barlow. Not a tattered scrawny, scheming house, filled with charms and a derelict smell, nor yet a beautiful, cold, noisy house with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was an imp-house, and that means shelter.

One day, after a troubling visit from the goblin Christian Wu, Zoe leaves her house and sets out in search of three solid spells. A quest undertaken in the company of teens, old folk and wild men.

In the search for the goblin-guarded spells, Zoe Barlow surprises even herself with her kindness and skill as a mage.

During her travels, Zoe rescues a kettle, an heirloom belonging to Christian. But when Christian refuses to try helping, their search is over.

However, Christian is wounded at the Battle of Four Armies and the two reconcile just before Zoe engages in some serious magic awesomeness.

Zoe accepts one of the three solid spells and returns home to her house a very wealthy imp.

One of her potions hits the ground as Zoe stares at the motionless body of the girl at the front porch of her home.

The Peculiar Zoe Barlow and Her Misadventures: Part 1

The forest was dark and dense, with tall trees that blocked out most of the sunlight. The leaves rustled in the wind, and the air was filled with the sounds of birds and other animals.

In the distance, a small group of royal soldiers could be heard approaching. They were clad in shining armor and carried swords and shields. They were on the hunt for a magical imp that had been causing trouble in the kingdom.

As they moved deeper into the forest, they suddenly heard a high-pitched cackle. The imp had spotted them and was now darting between the trees, trying to stay out of reach.

The soldiers gave chase, their armor clanking as they ran. The imp was fast and nimble, but the soldiers were determined to catch it.

They chased the imp through the forest, over fallen logs and through brambles. The imp was taunting them, darting out of reach and then disappearing into the underbrush.

But the soldiers were skilled and experienced, and they were not about to let the imp get away. They continued to pursue it, their swords and shields at the ready.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the imp was cornered. It snarled and hissed, its eyes glowing with a fierce, magical light. But the soldiers were not afraid. They surrounded the imp, their swords raised, and prepared to end its reign of terror once and for all.

But before they could strike, a loud horn sounded from the distance. The soldiers looked up in confusion, and saw that a large group of reinforcements had arrived. The imp saw its opportunity and bolted, disappearing into the forest once again.

The soldiers cursed and sheathed their weapons, knowing that the imp would not be so easy to catch next time. But they were determined to track it down and bring it to justice, no matter what it took.

***

Zoe: Hey there, little girl. I was almost caught this time because of your shenanigans

Lost Girl: I'm sorry. I was out picking berries and I must have wandered off.

Zoe: Oh dear. Well, don't worry. I'm an imp, and it just so happens that I know this forest like the back of my hand. I can help you find your way out.

Lost Girl: Really? That would be amazing! I've been wandering around for hours and I'm starting to get scared.

Zoe: Of course, my dear. Just follow me and I'll have you back to your friends in no time.

Lost Girl: Thank you so much, madam. You're very kind.

Zoe: Think nothing of it. It's the least I can do to help a lost little girl like yourself. Now, come on. We don't want to dawdle too long in this place. It can be quite dangerous if you're not careful.

Lost Girl: I'll be careful, I promise. Let's go.

Zoe: What is your name, i want to be able to call to you if we are separated.

Lost Girl: Robin

Zoe: What an interesting name, I’m Zoe.

The Peculiar Zoe Barlow and Her Misadventures: Part 2

Zoe skipped ahead, her small frame practically floating over the forest floor, while Robin struggled to keep up with her long strides.

Robin huffed, her voice tinged with frustration. "Zoe, slow down! I can't keep pace with your tiny legs."

Zoe turned around, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Oh, come on, Robin! Where's your sense of adventure? We're on a quest through this magical forest, and you're letting a few trees slow you down?"

Robin shot her a playful glare. "Easy for you to say. You practically live in this forest, flitting around like a woodland sprite. But I, my dear imp, am not so graceful."

Zoe giggled, her laughter tinkling like wind chimes. "Grace may not be your strong suit, but you've got strength and determination in spades, my tall friend. Besides, it's my duty as an imp to guide lost souls like you through these woods."

Robin smirked, folding her arms across her chest. "Lost soul, huh? Well, I'm glad I have you, the expert guide, to prevent me from becoming permanently tangled in thorny bushes."

Zoe's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, don't worry, Robin. I'll make sure to keep you on the path. Just follow my lead and trust me."

Robin sighed, her frustration melting into a hint of a smile. "Alright, Zoe. Lead the way, but please warn me before we encounter any more mischievous creatures or treacherous pitfalls."

Zoe clapped her hands together, excitement radiating from her. "Deal! And don't worry, I'll do my best to keep you safe. After all, you're my fearless companion on this grand adventure."

Robin cautiously navigated the forest terrain while Zoe flitted ahead, scouting for any potential hazards. Their banter and camaraderie filled the air, intertwining with the whispering leaves and rustling branches.

Zoe paused, her keen senses picking up distant sounds of rustling leaves and faint voices. She turned to Robin, her eyes filled with concern. "Robin, we need to be cautious. I hear soldiers nearby. They may be getting closer."

Robin's face paled, her heart racing with a mix of fear and determination. "We can't let them catch me, Zoe. I don’t know what they’ll do to me or why they are chasing me."

Zoe placed a reassuring hand on Robin's shoulder, her voice calm yet determined. "Fear not, my brave friend. I won't let them lay a finger on you. We'll find a way to elude them, just like we've done before."

They quickly retreated deeper into the forest, their movements silent and calculated. Zoe led Robin through hidden paths and secret clearings, using her knowledge of the forest to their advantage. They ducked behind ancient trees and huddled in dense foliage, their bodies blending into the natural surroundings.

As they stealthily moved through the forest, Robin couldn't help but admire Zoe's grace and resourcefulness. "Zoe, how do you do it? How do you navigate through this dense forest so effortlessly?"

Zoe flashed a mischievous smile, her emerald eyes twinkling. "My dear Robin, I am a nymph—a creature of the forest itself. These woods are my home, and they whisper their secrets to me. They guide my every step, allowing me to dance between the shadows."

Robin's gaze softened, filled with awe and gratitude. "I'm lucky to have you by my side, Zoe. Without you, I'd be lost, both in this forest and in life."

As Zoe and Robin cautiously made their way through the dense undergrowth, the forest seemed to grow eerily quiet. The distant sounds of the soldiers chasing them had faded into the background, leaving behind an eerie stillness.

The air hung heavy with anticipation as they rounded a bend in the path, revealing a small clearing bathed in dappled sunlight. And there, nestled in a bed of moss beneath a towering oak tree, lay a figure dressed in weathered armor, their breathing slow and steady.

Zoe stopped at an alarming speed and tried to quiet Robin before waking the man. “Do not move, that man there, I have heard stories of him from the other forest creatures. He is more dangerous than the soldiers we are running from.”

“Who is he?” Robin asked while trying to catch her breath and whisper at the same time.

“My name is Helmund, or as most of my posters say, the Outlaw of the North.”

Zoe and Robin both looked to where the soldier was laying and saw that he was no longer there, but before they could run they found themselves at the mercy of the soldier and his sword.

“Who sent you and how did you find me!” he demanded.