Lost in the Wilderness - The Forest of Evergreen Book 1
Read Lost in the Wilderness - The Forest of Evergreen Book 1 Online
Authors: Teresa May B. Bandiola
Praise for Lost in the Wilderness
Chapter 3: A Visit to Forest Green
Chapter 4: Treasured Memoirs and the First Encounter
Chapter 6: The Return of the Past
Chapter 8: The Melodies of Yesterdays
Chapter 9: The Battle of Kravena
Chapter 12: The Sun Still Rises
Chapter 20: Your Song, Our Song
Chapter 22: Always One Step Behind Your Silhouette
Chapter 25: The Miracle Plants
Chapter 26: Struck With His Eyes
Epilogue: Leaving the Fate Behind
Appendix A: Definition of Terms
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
I
n 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 patience 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.