Feel free to skip the story and go to the next heading (Your Quest: Rules and Forms) if you want to get straight to the rules, quest, and eligible stories.)
You continue on your way. The stony path away from the castle has led you now into a strange red forest. Everything is all deep burgundies and rich browns, with occasional hints of gold and bronze in the leaves and branches. Gold fireflies fly lazily through the air like tiny lanterns, adding a magical sparkle. The air smells of rich earth, fallen leaves, and old honey.
This is Karo’s territory. Hopefully.
Other guardians might be present, but he’s the one you seek.
Goosebumps prickle over your skin. Something is watching you.
You tilt your head back as you reach the base of a shallow hill. “Good night to you, guardians of this forest. I seek Karo on a matter of exceptional urgency regarding the Abyss of All Consuming Evil and Enormous Inconveniences.”
As if summoned, wings rustle, shooting through the break in the branches across the dark sky.
You glance up in time to see a great shape dart overhead. It lands a few feet ahead of you.
A massive man with great broad wings stands before you. White stripes adorn his broad cheekbones and well-defined biceps. He spreads his arms wide. Even from this distance, it’s clear he towers over you by at least a full foot. Long black locs cover his head and hang over his shoulders. His cologne of amber, midnight iris, smoke, and leather strike your nostrils. He looks like he would give incredible hugs. “Well, well, mortal. You come into my forest seeking aid?” His voice is rich and sensuous like the perfect fantasy narrator.
“I have indeed.” You fold your arms over your chest. “And I am willing to pay the price that you require.”
“My price?” He grins at this as he spreads his arms wide. “My price is what it always is. Come and share with me new tales to delight the heart!”
“I am more than happy to share them all. And when I have, will you be able to join Bram and Lyria in battling the All Consuming Evil and Enormous Inconveniences? It’s coming to a head, and Halloween is almost upon us.”
He sets his hands on his waist, nodding with contemplation. “Yes, yes, of course. If you provide me with these ten stories, it will certainly help me to ensure that my power is at full strength when we go to handle the portal opening over the Abyss. Tell me the names of ten stories that you have discovered and which you want to read as soon as you have time.”
“I can do that.” You draw in a deep breath. The one good thing about gathering up so many stories is that you can rattle off the new stories that you want to read with ease.
Karo nods, his wings broad against his back. His warm smile encourages you to start. “I eagerly anticipate your offerings.”
After a moment’s though, you start the list. “Well, the first story I want to read is…”
Your Quest: Prize, Rules, and Forms
Prize
Once you complete this quest, you will be entered in a chance to win a collection of ebooks. Due to the nature of this quest, the names of the books will not be listed, but it is a value of over $20.
This is open to anyone.
Rules
To complete the Quest, you can use any of the stories from any of the Our World or Others quests.
You can only use a story for one element on the list in this quest. It is all right if you repeat a story from any other quest though.
This quest allows you to use any of the stories entered in the event.
Be kind to your fellow readers and other authors.
The Forms
This one you will either fill out a Google Form or email us your discoveries. Refer to the form to find the list of required stories even if you choose to email.
Each answer is worth 1 token. Each token is an entry into the giveaway.
Bonus Tokens
In addition to the regular tokens, you can get bonus tokens by completing the following acts.
One extra token for every story you share in an individual social media post. (Yes, you can post on multiple platforms.)
Use #karosquestbonus (and if you want to absolutely bless me, save off the links and paste them in the forms or an email to make sure we definitely see them. Screenshots also work.).
(We have graphics of all the stories here so you don’t have to make something separate. Just look look under the author’s last name to find the stories.)
Submitting Your Form
Once you’ve gathered up your collection of stories, you’ll need to turn them in so we can verify.
You can turn in your stories in two ways.
- Complete this form and directly post your answers (if you do this, you don’t need to turn in anything else. The form will allow you to return to it and edit your answers).
- Email your answers to faeornofae@farofeb.com. Make sure to include any of the bonus activities you have done as well. Use the title The Matchmaker or Ghosts and Spirits Quest or some similar identifier.
Make sure to submit your completed form or list by October 30 at 11:59 PM EST.
If you have any problems, please feel free to email faeornofae@farofeb.com.
Conclusion to Karo’s Quest
Karo listens attentively, hanging on your every word.
The hardest part of all of this is to narrow your list down to just ten. Really there are so many more that you could list off. If only you had more time.
As you finish, Karo clasps his hands together and grins. “What a marvelous gift you have given me. You have strengthened my powers far more than I anticipated. Now tell me, shall I carry you to the final battle?”
You start to refuse, then you shake your head and laugh. “You know what? Sure. I’m feeling adventurous. As long as you’re certain that it won’t be too much of an imposition?”
“Not an imposition at all.” Karu spreads his arms wide and then beckons you to come closer, his smile even more charming. “I will happily carry you to our final battle.”
You step closer, your heart fluttering a little. He easily sweeps you up. Your initial hunch that he would be a great hugger proves true. His arms are very strong. And with all the practiced ease of a seasoned winged warrior, he leaps into the air, carrying you off into the night.