When Something Scary Isn’t What It Seems: Lyrion’s Journey – Episode 5

As children grow, there will be moments when curiosity leads them toward something that feels uncertain—or even a little frightening.

Our instinct may be to protect them from every unknown. But sometimes, growing up means learning how to move carefully through uncertainty rather than avoiding it altogether.

In Episode 5 of Lyrion’s Journey, Lyrion follows a mysterious sound deeper into Glimmerwood. What he and Zilphia discover becomes an unexpected lesson about courage, compassion, friendship, and looking beyond what initially frightens us.

As you read together, consider asking your child: “Have you ever been afraid of something—and later discovered it wasn’t what you thought it was?”

Their answer may lead somewhere unexpected. Because sometimes courage isn’t about being unafraid—it’s about being careful enough to recognize when someone else needs you.

 

That morning at breakfast, Lyrion sat quietly staring at his food. His mother raised an eyebrow, but waited to see if he would start the conversation first. He didn’t.

“What are you thinking about, Lyrion?”

“Things.” He pushed the food away without taking a bite and rested his elbow on the back of the chair. “Mom…”

“Yes, son.”

“I’ve been hearing strange sounds in the forest.”

She pulled out her chair and sat down. “Really!?  When?”

His big brown eyes met hers. “I’ve heard them several times.”

“That’s why you’ve been so distracted.”

He nodded.

“I want to go see what’s making those sounds.” He anxiously rubbed his arm because he knew she would object. “I promise I’ll be careful. I’ve asked Zilphia to come and she said yes.”

His mother sat still for a moment, then leaned forward towards him. “You’re older now and I know you love the forest. We’ve talked about how beautiful it is, but…”

“I know… it can also be deceiving.” Lyrion dropped his head and slid down into his chair. He was certain she would say no.

She looked at him with concern and gently lifted his chin. “Promise me you’ll be careful.”

His eyes sparkled with joy as he hugged her. “I will. I promise.”

Lyrion jumped up from the table and grabbed his satchel. His mother handed him his bow and arrows as he ran for the door.

“Thank you!” he whispered as he quickly kissed her cheek.

Zilphia was waiting for him by the Tree of Wisdom.

“You two are up early. Let me guess… you’re going on an adventure.”

“Yes,” she said softly while shaking the morning mist off her wings.

“The forest can be uniquely dangerous as you venture to the far side of Glimmerwood. Be cautious and stay focused.” The tree winked at Lyrion and smiled with approval. “I’m glad you’re with your friend.”

“So am I,” he replied before saying goodbye.

Lyrion marched confidently through the forest, stepping over tree roots and dodging low-hanging limbs.

“You’re walking as though you know where we’re going.”

“Sort of,” said Lyrion. “Let’s just say I have a hunch.”

They traveled deep into the forest to another area Zilphia had never seen. They were farther than the homes of the older bear, the young moose, or the hedgehog. The dense trees blocked the late morning sun the farther they walked, and the forest became very quiet. Zilphia could no longer hear the birds or the chirping crickets. She became very uneasy when the path led through a dense thicket.

“Lyrion!” She stopped and looked around. “Where are we?”

“Trust me, Zilphia. I think I know where the growling sound came from.”

“Trust you? We don’t even know what’s making the sound.”

Lyrion turned to her. “I know. But we have to find out. I can’t stop thinking about it.” His eyes seemed to plead with her.  “When we find what’s making the sound… we’ll leave.”

Zilphia walked nervously behind him through the dense thicket. She stopped to examine the deep scratches in a tree.

“Did you see this?”

Lyrion rubbed his fingers over them, then turned to continue walking.

“I’m scared. What do you think made those marks?”

“I don’t know, but I’m going to find out.”

Zilphia had never seen him so determined. She wanted to go home. But they had gone too far, and she didn’t want to leave her friend alone… especially deep in the forest with…

A low growl spooked her. Zilphia stopped and flew into the air to look around. She landed in front of Lyrion with her hands on his shoulders.

“It’s time to go home.”

“We can’t go now. We’re too close.”

“But… too close to what?!”

Another growl echoed through the trees. Lyrion sensed something was different about it. He walked around her and stood still, facing the direction of the sound.

“Please, Zilphia! We are so close. I know it. Once we find out where the sound is coming from… we’ll go home.”

She nodded slowly, unsure if they were making the right decision. She thought about the Tree of Wisdom’s warning: “The forest can be uniquely dangerous as you venture to the far side of Glimmerwood. Be cautious and stay focused.”

As they walked around a blind corner, the thicket opened to a steep ridge. Below it, in a clearing, several forest animals were gathered around something leaning against a fallen log. They slid down the rocks and carefully approached them.

Lyrion smiled. He recognized the deer and squirrels. The birds he played his flute for were there too. They moved back when they saw him coming.

A loud growl filled the air, followed by a slow painful whimper. Next to the log sat a cyclops. One of his legs was pinned under the log and he couldn’t get free.

Lyrion walked closer to get a better look. “Hello. My name is Lyrion.”

The cyclops roared out loudly in pain, but his voice was weak when he tried to speak. “I’m Carwyn.”

Zilphia looked around the ground next to him. There were half-eaten berries and fish bones. The animals had been bringing him food to help.

Lyrion gently examined his leg and realized it was broken. “We’ve got to get this log off of you. My friends can help.”

“What friends?” The cyclops looked confused. “I only see the little fairy.”

Lyrion proudly pointed at the forest animals. “They are all my friends,” he smiled. He went into the forest and brought back a long, thick vine.

“I can help,” said Zilphia as she curled the vine in a pile and sprinkled it with pixie dust. “Now, it’s as strong as iron.”

They wrapped the log near Carwyn’s leg with the vine and pulled. All of them pulled—the deer, the squirrels, even the birds—until Zilphia was able to free him.

Carwyn stretched out on his back and sighed deeply with relief. His leg still hurt, but he was happy to finally be free.

“How did you find me? I was sure no one except the forest animals would come this far into the forest.”

“I heard your growls and I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I had to find out what was making that sound.”

“I was scared,” said Zilphia. “But I’m happy I trusted my friend because we would have never found you.”

Lyrion looked around the clearing. “Where are your family and your friends?”

“The forest is my family. The trees and the animals are my friends.” Carwyn tried to stand, but the pain was unbearable. His low growl startled the birds.

Lyrion gathered two sturdy branches and made a brace with vines. Carwyn hobbled around with the aid of a large stick. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked.

“Thank you!” Carwyn groaned as he looked at the sky. “It’s getting late. You two need to get home.”

“What about you?” asked Zilphia.

“I am home,” smiled the cyclops. “I’m right where I belong.” He hobbled away slowly as the animals followed.

On the way, Lyrion carefully thought of the cyclops and their adventure. “It’s okay to be afraid, but if you are cautious and stay focused… facing your fear might just lead you to someone who needs your help.”

 

Thank you for visiting the Glimmerwood Kingdom, one of the many magical places within the Starlight Realm, where every adventure helps courage, kindness, and imagination grow.

Discover what awaits deep within the forest in next week’s brand new adventure.

 — Written with care by W. L. Shaw, creator of Fanciful Tales