Dream Mountain

By Charissa Taylor Lees

Have you ever wondered where dreams come from?
Now you can find out in this short story.The mountain has been dormant for years, lying silent and waiting for someone to awaken it again. The forest has grown cold and haunting as it prays that the song will search out the destined one who can clear the mist from the mountain and bring it back to life. For the mountain has a job to do and until it is awaken, dreams everywhere lie in peril.
The song inside of Grace’s heart forces her into a world she knows nothing about. Everyone she meets is not who they seem, including the horse who claims she was made for Grace and the boy who is searching for his lost family. They all guard a secret so closely, and though the song urges her to understand, no one will give her the answers she needs. Now, she must plunge into the heart of the mountain and the sky above to discover her true destiny in a world where dreaming is everything.
Join Grace and Hunter as they discover where dreams come from.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Charissa Taylor Lees
• Release date: Mar 15, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476057583

Charissa Taylor Lees

I have been writing fiction since my homeschooling days. I love coming up with new places to visit and stories to tell. Reading has always been a favorite pastime, along with acting and that love of imagination has become a way of life for me. I usually write in the fantasy, action/adventure, and romance genres.I grew up in a Christian home and graduated from Philadelphia Biblical University. I have also served in the US Army National Guard and recently got married. I found many adventures in life, yet still love to escape to the world of writing. I hope you will enjoy going on that adventure with me!

Book preview

DREAM MOUNTAIN

By Charissa Lees

Copyright © 2012 Charissa Lees

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

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Table of Contents

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Epilogue

About the Author

More Books by Charissa

Connect with Me Online

Excerpt from Lil’ Sherwood

Dream Mountain

Prologue

The mountain stood as a single sentinel, tall and proud. No one would dare burst his solemn reign for to do so would be to disturb something sacred; something that existed beyond space and time. The mist surrounded the mountain as a silent mystical guard. Legend told that those who entered the mist never returned, yet whether that was because they died or found something to wondrous to return from no one knew.

The mountain and his mist partner stood there long before any humans had stirred in the forest lying before it. Only the creatures of the forest could tell the mountain’s true story. And they weren’t talking. No one would have believed them for the story, the true legend, was almost too wondrous for even them to believe. Yet, they did, for that mountain and his story held the only key for their survival.

The creatures, great and small, stopped their reminiscing as the soft footfalls echoed in their forest. Humans rarely came to this side of the forest where the animals took up a forced residency, for it was too close to the mountain and his mist, which lapped at the forest’s edge. Yet, footfalls echoed as some of the creatures sprang up to see the human brave enough to enter this section of the mountain’s forest.

She didn’t notice them as she walked. Her heart was full of the mountain’s song that called softly to her. It pulled her, coaxing her to come where no one dared. She could no more ignore it than she could ignore her beating heart or the whisper of her grandfather’s gentle pleading voice in her ear. She knew only that she must follow where it led, even if that meant to the heart of the sentinel mountain.

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Chapter 1

It’s still ringing clearly, as if it can pull me with its might. It’s so odd, the song seems like it has a force that could move a mountain, yet is as gentle as a mist.

It doesn’t make any sense. Why me? Was it Grandfather? I never heard the song until he told me that story. He said heard the song all his life, but if that’s true than how could he have resisted its magical pull? How could he have lived such a full life with this song constantly pulling him here? He said he had to, that while he wasn’t the one and that I shouldn’t resist, but needed to follow and trust. I am following, but I don’t know what to trust. I wish I knew if I am doing this right. I just wish I understood more.

I stopped my musing when I stepped on a stick and its crack echoed loudly thought the forest’s stillness. I winced automatically. It was time for a break. I started walking at sun up, but I really needed a break from my thoughts more than anything else. I sat on the closest stump, its moss cover providing a nice cushion.

A movement to my left caused me to look in that direction. A small squirrel watched me from underneath the foliage. Expecting him to run, I stretched out my hand and made a calling noise with my mouth invitingly. The squirrel didn’t blink. I reached into the tan pouch at my side and pulled out a piece of bread, crumbling it in my fingers. Slowly, I stretched out my hand again, this time the squirrel sniffed appreciatively. It was unusual for the squirrel not to have scampered away yet. Was everything about this forest strange? I waited for the young one to make the next move. Another minute and I watched amazed as he ate tentatively out of my hand.

When he finished, he sat back on his hind legs for a moment, before cocking his head at me, then scampering away. I watched him go silently, somehow knowing he had said, Thank you. I’ll be right back. I decided to wait and see if my little friend did return, after all a few more minutes rest could only help me.

So you’ve finally come.

I jerked awake to find a pure white mare standing before me. She stood about fourteen hands and her soft white coat almost shimmered. Her eyes were a light blue that saw into one’s soul. And I was pretty sure she had just spoken to me.

Excuse me? I asked, my voice only a whisper.

She seemed to smile at me. Then I heard her voice as clearly as one can see a ripple in a pond. I said you’ve finally come. We’ve been waiting a long time for you. Her voice had a mix of sweetness and relief.

I must be dreaming. I shook my head, trying to clear it.

Why is that, my dear?

Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I’m talking to a horse!

Her serene older façade fell away with her next answer. Lots of people do that. We just happen to think most humans are too ignorant to reply too!

Whoa! Total turn around! I shifted backwards at the snap in her voice.

The horse sighed. Maybe we should start over.

That’d be nice.

What’s your name?

It was Grace.

Was? You’re not sure? She was amused now.

I’m not sure of much of anything right now, I replied, feeling very lost.

That’s obvious. But your name is very important to whom you are, she said wisely.

So what’s your name? I fired back, tired of the questions.

You tell me.

I’m sorry? I was royally confused now.

I want you to tell me my name.She spoke slowly, as if to a child.

"Hold on. If names are so important, how come you don’t know