Under The Oak Tree Book 2 Novels & Stories

There was somebody underneath OUR tree. The tree that Nana and Papa called symbol of their love. It will be mine one day... and I will care for OUR tree... Oaktree. The tree was here before Papa brought the land. The government was distributing land at a very low rate on the side of the hill, so Papa seized the opportunity without asking his angry parents. This is a euphemism because it was on the schedule area with few local tribes nearby to communicate. This is how Nana and Papa meet.

“Well, looks like we’re stuck here together for now. We need to figure out how to get off this place.” Nora nodded weakly. “Do you think anyone’s coming for us?” “I don’t know,” I said honestly. “But we can’t sit around waiting.” I got to my feet, my legs were shaking but I tried to maintain composure. “Let’s find food or water. We’ll need strength to survive.” I offered her a hand, and she took it, her grip surprisingly firm. I scanned the horizon, my eyes settling on a cluster of trees swaying gently in the breeze. My heart lifted at the sight of their green foliage, dotted with vibrant red fruits.

With that, he turned and disappeared into the trees, leaving River and Thane to navigate the fragile bond forming between them. River guided the wheelchair beneath the sprawling canopy of an ancient almond tree, its gnarled branches stretching towards the sky like nature's own cathedral. The warm sunlight filtering through the leaves cast dappled shadows on the ground, and the sweet scent of blooming almonds wafted through the air. She settled onto one of the tree's massive roots, the rough bark pressing against her skin as she faced Thane. From her bag, River retrieved a worn leather-bound book, its pages yellowed with age. As she opened it, the musty smell of old paper mingled with the alm

But as she moved closer, her stomach churned. One of the trees was sick. Its bark was blackened and cracked, seeping a tar-like substance that dripped onto the glittering ground. Its leaves were brittle, some falling in slow, sorrowful spirals. Dark veins twisted around its roots, choking it as they spread outward, threatening to poison the other two trees. The second tree pulsed with life but seemed strained, its light flickering as if struggling to keep the corruption at bay. The third tree stood strong, radiating a golden warmth that gave Zoe a fleeting sense of comfort.

The path beneath their feet grew uneven, the forest growing thicker and more ancient as they walked, until they arrived at the base of the oldest oak tree in Valenwood. The massive oak towered above them, its gnarled branches stretching out like protective arms, creating a canopy that filtered the moonlight. Caius stopped beneath the tree, his shoulders tense as he exhaled a slow breath. Lira stood beside him, unsure of what to say, the weight of the prophecy hanging between them.

I doubled down by crying out, “Would he give you a happy pat on the back if you allow something to happen to his unborn pups due to too much heat?” “No please, go on please. But at least let me escort you to make sure you're safe.” He offered. I bent over and cried out again, adding some convulsive shakes to the drama. “Ah, please just go quickly!” He conceded. I smiled out of the corner of my mouth as I left him. Fool. It wasn't such a long walk before I saw the oak tree described by the note-sender. I couldn't see anyone there. I went closer till I got to the tree itself. I stood there, looking around.

I have been wearing more shorts or leggings since my usual pants haven't been fitting me lately. I pulled my hair back in a tight bun, I didn't want to get frustrated with it and I wanted to be comfortable. It seemed like every time I looked down my belly grew even more. When I walked out of the bathroom Tye was standing at the end of the bed. I tilted my head to the side to see a tray behind him, "What do you have there behind you?" I asked. "Well everyone else is eating in their room and I thought you would be a little more comfortable in here and you can open the book if you'd like." Tye said, walking over to the shelf to pull out a medium sized book with a white envelope taped to the fro

I feel the dangerous desire to reach out and touch his face, to trace the curve of his lips with my fingertips. I cover that up with sarcasm too. “Oh, so you listen to me only when you want to. Got it,” I say, giving them a thumbs up and an eye roll. Kian’s lips press into a firm line. “Can we focus, please? We don’t need to deal with anybody else willing to sell us out to the highest bidder. But we need to find this tree. Any bright ideas are welcome.” Frost turns back around and dusts his hands off. The door is settled back on its frame, albeit somewhat precariously. Anybody else who wanted to kick it in could do so easily. “Books. There’s a library upstairs.”

I was feeling a burning sensation all over my body and couldn't wait to get home. I began to make my way through the woods, careful this time to avoid the bush and instead pushing them away to make way for my movements. I came to a big oak tree that I had not noticed earlier in my flight through the bushes. This was where I usually always found Flora with her notebook scribbling away. “What are you always writing in there?” I would ask. “Things you would never understand Ari”, was always the reply. I would pretend to be hurt by this and sometimes even attempt to pull the book away from her but I didn't really care. I just found it fun.

While I contemplated my options, Sarai’s voice flooded my consciousness. “Meet me at the heart of the forest…” Suddenly, it felt like I’d struck gold - The heart of the forest, the heart of the farmland. I couldn’t forget that if I tried. Careful so I don’t get followed, I hurried towards the heart of the farmland, dragging my book and shovel along. I got to a point and looked up - A white oak tree stood before me. Without a second thought, I walk towards it and dig a pocket hole - big enough to size the book. I marked the spot on the tree and returned the same way I came - praying no one saw me.