The Wandering Words

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/01_OnceUpon.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You are at Wordfest. There are stalls and stories everywhere. Then you notice a storyteller. [[You decide to listen to her story.|Listen]] [[You walk away.|Don’t Listen]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/02_a_Listen.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> The storyteller opens a battered suitcase. It is full of books and scraps of paper. Some books are small while others are huge. And they seem to be moving. The storyteller picks up one of the books. It's called 'water'. She opens it up and a tiny thunderstorm shoots out and hovers just above the page. She turns to another page and small droplets drip out of it and spell a word. D R I P Then DRIP slowly drops back onto its page. You look at the storyteller. She smiles. [[You want to hear more.|STAY]] [[You decide to leave.|GO]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/02_b_DontListen.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> Stories are nonsense. Why bother listening to one? You walk away, and as you do the streets seem to re-arrange themselves, until walking away has become walking (text-style: "italic") [towards]. Somehow you are back where you started, [[listening to the storyteller.|Listen]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/03_Stay.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> The storyteller closes the book of water. She points to her suitcase of books and paper. “I have wet words” she says, “and dry words, hot words and cold words…” You notice a small booklet and pick it up. The pages are empty. “Those words,” says the storyteller, “have wandered away.” She points at the empty pages, “they got excited when we arrived and decided to explore. Now that they’re gone, I can’t remember their names…” You don't want to put the booklet down. "Perhaps," she says, "you could find the words for me?" [[You nod, and as you do the world around you spins and you are falling.|Normanton]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/03_b_Go.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> Even as you leave you can feel something inside pulling you back. You want to know how words can be alive. You want to hear the story. But you make yourself leave. And as you do, the streets switch around until you are, somehow, [[back where you started.|STAY]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/04_Normanton.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You land on something soft and take a deep breath. You are still grasping the booklet. This is weird. You were in town and now you're... not? And then you remember that you're meant to find some missing words. You stuff the booklet into a pocket and look around. There are fields to your left and a woodland with a ruin at its edge to your right. Whatever you’re sitting on moves! You stand up and see huge feathers and fur. Then you hear a SQUAWK. You’re standing on a giant bird! A giant bird with furry legs and a huge beak, and it's not happy! The [[gryphon]] flaps its huge wings and launches into the air. [[You hold on tight.|Fly]] [[You jump off and run towards the ruin.|Escape]]

(set: $gryphon to "gryphon")The creature is flying and so are you! <audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/10_Fly.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> Air rushes past your face and you laugh with joy. This is amazing! Amazing and terrifying... The gryphon tries to shake you off. It flies upside down and twists around. You hang on as tight as you can! It flies through the [[ruin]] that you noticed before, and tries to smash you against the stone walls! [[You scream!|FEAR appears]]

(set: $gryphon to "no gryphon") <audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/05_Escape.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You run as fast as you can. The ruin is farther away than you thought. The gryphon screeches in the sky. It's looking for you. You trip on tree-root and fall. The gryphon soars above. You get back up and [[RUN.]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/06_Run.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You make it to the [[ruin|knights templar]] and hide behind a crumbling stone wall. The giant creature finally flys away, and you can breathe... Was that really a gryphon? How did it get here? How did (text-style: "italic") [you] get here? You can feel the booklet in your pocket. The storyteller must have somehow sent you here. Missing words! You have to (text-style: "italic") [find] the [[missing words!|FEAR]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/07_Fear-1.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You are shaking. You don't know what to do. This must be a dream! [[You close your eyes and try to wake up.|is it a dream]] [[You take a deep breath and decide to look around.|take a look]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/13_Knottingley_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The ruins vanish and suddenly you are standing by a [[river.]]] (elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/13_Knottingley_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon lands by the river. You jump off and your new friend settles in to wait for you] The water seems calm. You wonder what you'll find here, and then you hear a soft sort of whimpering by the water's edge. [[You approach the sound.|river dragon]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/13b_River.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You are near the Aire and Calder Navigation above Knottingley, an important trading route in the 1700s. The rivers and lakes of Yorkshire are said to be home to mermaids, serpents, otherworldy trout, and the old gods. [[You look around, amazed.|Knottingley]]

A small creature is struggling. You get closer and notice old fishing line wrapped all around its body. (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/14_RiverDragon_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The ruins vanish and suddenly you are standing by a You've never seen anything like it. You can hear FEAR rustling the pages as it shakes inside the book. The animal is like a serpent, but it has wings and a lizard-like face. It looks liks a dragon... You hesitiate. It might be small, but should you really get close to a dragon? What if it breathes fire? Then it whimpers again.] (elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/14_RiverDragon_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon joins you. It looks at the creature. The creature is like a serpent, but it has wings and a lizard-like face. It looks like a dragon... You hesitate. What if it breathes fire? The gryphon looks from you to the dragon. It wants you to help the dragon.] [[You help it.|help it.]] (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[[[You run away.|run awayNG]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[[[You run away.|run away]]]

(if: $gryphon is "gryphon") [<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15_HelpIt_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You walk slowly towards the dragon-thing. It sees you coming and struggles to free itself, but that just tightens the fishing line. FEAR shakes inside the book's pages. The gryphon seems satisfied that you're going to help the dragon, and moves out of the way. You make a soothing sound and the dragon calms down. You sit next to it and gently stroke its back. Its skin is smooth and the creature relaxes while you work to untie the fishing line. Your fingers hurt as you tackle each knot, but you don't stop until [[the dragon is free!|relief]]](elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/15_HelpIt_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You walk slowly towards the dragon-thing. It sees you coming and struggles to free itself, but that just tightens the fishing line. FEAR shakes inside the book's pages. You make a soothing sound and the dragon calms down. You sit next to it and gently stroke its back. Its skin is smooth and the creature relaxes while you work to untie the fishing line. Your fingers hurt as you tackle each knot, but you don't stop until [[the dragon is free!|relief]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/16_RunAway_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You run as fast as you can and as far as you can until you have to stop and catch your breath. This can't be happening. Words don't wander around! Gryphons and dragons aren't real! You hear traffic and start heading towards it. Then the gryphon lands beside you. It must have flown after you when you ran away. You (text-style: "italic")[know] that gryphons are from fairytales... but the strange bird-beast looks so real...] [[You decide to go back.|help it.]] [[You keep on heading to the road.|keep running]]

It shakes its body and spreads its wings. Then it looks at you. You can feel FEAR trembling through the booklet in your pocket. And you step backwards. (if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/19_Relief_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon watches as the dragon-thing slinks right up to you. It stares at you for a moment. Then the dragon flicks out its tongue... and licks you.] The creature presses its forehead up to yours as if to say thank you. Then it flies up into the air, does a loop the loop and dives into the water! You are so relieved you laugh out loud. And then you notice another word clambering out from the pile of old fishing line. It's RELIEF. You take the book from your pocket and open it. RELIEF hops inside and gives FEAR a hug. FEAR seems to calm down and grow a little smaller. You close the booklet and put it back in your pocket. (elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/19_Relief_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>[[Everything blurs around you.|Pontefract]]](if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[You climb up onto the gryphon. It beats its wings and launches you both into the air. [[Then you fly towards the next word.|Pontefract]]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20_Pontefract_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>When the world comes back into focus, you are in a [[castle]] courtyard.](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/20_Pontefract_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon flies fast, and you cling on. You can hardly believe that you are flying on a gryphon! It slows and comes into land in the middle of a [[castle]] courtyard.] Old stone foundations are visible. You go to the castle walls and wonder which word is hiding here. Just then something tiny whizzes past you. FEAR quivers inside the booklet, and RELIEF tries to calm it down. More tiny somethings rush past, and you begin walking in the direction that they are going. You finally arrive at a corner of the old castle. The tiny creatures are jumping around a rock. [[You kneel down for a closer look.|Excitement]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21_Excitement_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The [[creatures|Boggles]] are tiny. They stream in and out of small cracks in the stone of the castle. You can't help but smile. They seem so... excited! And just as you think about that, you begin to feel a rush of joy. It's like you could sing, or jump, or laugh and laugh and laugh! And that's when EXCITEMENT skips into the middle of the creatures and they all cheer a tiny, but somehow loud, cheer. You grab the book but EXCITEMENT doesn't want to stop playing. You try to [[coax it in.]]] (elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21_Excitement_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The [[creatures|Boggles]] are tiny. They stream in and out of small cracks in the stone of the castle. The gryphon looks up from its resting spot. It doesn't want to be disturbed and the creatures skitter away from it. You can't help but smile. They seem so... excited! And just as you think about that, you begin to feel a rush of joy. It's like you could sing, or jump, or laugh and laugh and laugh! And that's when EXCITMENT skips into the middle of the creatures and they all cheer a tiny, but somehow loud, cheer. You grab the book but EXCITEMENT doesn't want to stop playing. You try to [[coax it in.]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/22_CoaxItIn.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>Excitement runs in the opposite direction. You chase it all across the courtyard, and hear the small creatures cheer when EXCITEMENT jumps into a small hole in one of their rocks. You open the book. FEAR is worried and RELIEF is giving it a friendly pat. How are you going to catch EXCITEMENT? [[You start cheering really loudly.|cheer]] This is ridicuous. You throw the book onto the ground and [[walk away.]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21b_Boggles.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> (text-colour:"black")[You hear one of the excited little creatures yelling, "Boggles! Quickly!" So you guess that they must be boggles... Whatever they are, they're tiny! And they seem to live inside the rocks and stone of the castle. You notice loads of boggles running out of a painted stone that someone must have left here, and you wonder if they like painted stones the best?] [[You have a feeling that these tiny boggles will help you find the missing word...|Excitement]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24_Cheer_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You cheer and the tiny creatures join in. EXCITMENT peeks our from its hiding place. The creatures start jumping up and down and you join in. EXCITEMENT can't resist! You hold the book, ready to pounce. When EXCITMENT sees all the fun it jumps out, and starts dancing all around. It jumps, and jumps, and jumps right into the book as you bring it down. You snap the book shut, then open it a crack and peek in. EXCITEMENT looks deflated, and you feel strange. [[The world around you swirls again.|Featherstone]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/24_Cheer_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon stretches and its eyes twinkle. You begin to wonder if it was snoring on purpose... You climb up onto its back and... WHOOSH [[It takes off!|Featherstone]]]

How are you meant to catch a word that doesn't want to be caught? (if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/23_WalkAway_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You flop down next to the gryphon, feeling fed up. Its body rises and falls with a deep, sleepy breath. Then it snores. A big, rumbly-snorty sort of snore. You smile. Then you chuckle. Then you start laughing a deep and big laugh. EXCITEMENT appears; it wants to know what you're laughing at. Then it hears the gryphon snoring and it starts laughing too! Soon the little creatures join in and you all laugh so much, tears squeeze out of your eyes. You nod to the book on the ground, and this time EXCITEMENT gladly jumps into the pages. [[You put the book back into your pocket, and gently wake the gryphon.|cheer]]](elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/23_WalkAway_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You flop down onto the ground, feeling fed up. Why did the storyteller send (text-style: "italic")[you?] How could anyone catch EXCITEMENT? Then you have an idea. You smile and go back to the stone that EXCITEMENT is hiding in. [[You are going to cheer!|cheer]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/21b_Castle.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> (text-colour:"black")[You stare at Pontefract castle ruins. It's an ancient space. You hear a whisper from the past and understand that this place was once the 'key to the north'.] [[You have a look around.|Pontefract]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25_Featherstone_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The world comes back into focus and you are standing beneath a giant, metal scuplture of a [[horse.|warhorse.]] It's incredible. Hundreds of metal burnt orange strands come together to form the shape of the horse. You take in your surroundings. You're standing in a field, with trees around the edges.](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25_Featherstone_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon lands in a field with trees around the edges and a giant sculpture of a [[horse.|warhorse.]] You jump off of the gryphon and look at the horse scuplture. It's incredible. Hundreds of metal burnt orange strands come together to form its shape.] You can see a park bench just ahead, and as you glance at it you think you can hear something sniffling. [[You walk towards the bench.|SADNESS]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/25b_Warhorse.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> The sculpture is beautiful. It makes you think of those times, long ago, when horses were used in war. You think of the people too. How terrible that must have been. [[You shake yourself and decide to start looking around for the missing word.|Featherstone]]

As you approach the bench you take the booklet from your pocket and flip through its pages. There's something about this place. Even EXCITMENT is subdued. You arrive at the bench. SADNESS is sitting there, crying. You sit next to SADNESS. You know it's ok to be sad so you don't try to cheer SADNESS up. You just sit there and open the book. The other words jump out and they wrap themselves around SADNESS. Slowly. Very slowly. The crying eases. SADNESS is a little better. The other words help SADNESS into the book, and they all snuggle in. EXCITEMENT seems to feel a little better too. (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26_Sadness_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You look up and see the warhorse fading, and [[the world blurs before you.|Castleford]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/26_Sadness_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You jump onto the gryphon. It beats its mighty wings and you all soar through the sky. You open the book as you soar and EXCITEMENT jumps up and down. Even SADNESS gapes in awe as you [[fly towards the next word.|Castleford]]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27_Castleford_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The world blurs and then it pulls into focus.](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27_Castleford_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon lands in the middle of a town. You wonder how the people here will react to the gryphon, but they can't see it. You wonder if gryphons and dragons have always been here... maybe you just couldn't see them before? The gryphon winks at you and you look around.] You are standing in the middle of a [[town|history.]] People are shopping. The town sort of (text-style: "fade-in-out")[flickers]. And in that moment you can see [[HAPPINESS.]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/28_Happiness.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The world (text-style: "fade-in-out")[flickers] between the past and the present. One moment you're watching Roman soldiers, the next you can see people shopping in town. And in-between time is one of the missing words. You squint and try to read... it is HAPPINESS! In the fickering worlds it whispers into a Roman's ear and he laughs and shares the joke with a friend. And then it's in the town, jumping from person to person as they smile and chat. HAPPINESS is everywhere and in every time. But how will you get HAPPINESS into the book? [[You whistle a jaunty tune.|jaunty]] [[You sit down and frown.|frown]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32_Wakefield_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You are in a library.](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32_Wakefield_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon hovers above a building, you think it's the library. The gryphon dives towards it! You're going to crash! And then, somehow, you travel through the walls, right into the library.] It's decorated in friendly colours, and you can see book shelves all around. [[You sit in a comfortable chair and sigh.|Wakey]] There are lots of words in libraries. How are you meant to find the one that's missing? Then you hear something laughing and you jump up and [[run through the stacks to find it.|chase]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/27b_History.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>It is hard to believe, but you know that long ago this town was a Roman Fort. You try to imagine what it might have looked like then. What it would have felt like to live then. [[You are pulled away from your daydream and back to the town as it is now.|Castleford]]

You catch a glimpse of a word as it jumps over some mystery books and lands on science-fiction. You rush around the stacks and stare at the word as it rifles through the pages of a book about space. It's ADVENTURE! You grab your booklet, ready to catch ADVENTURE, but it pulls a rocket out of its book and flies around the whole library. Then ADVENTURE does a triple somersault and lands on a book of fairytales. You hear a deep rumbling sound and the floor begins to shake. (if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/33_Chase_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon flaps up and out of the way as a giant beanstalk shoots out from the book and crashes right through the ceiling, taking ADVENTURE with it!](elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/33_Chase_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>ADVENTURE waves at you just as a giant bean stalk shoots out from the book and crashes right through the ceiling, taking ADVENTURE with it!] What are you meant to do now?! [[You climb the beanstalk.|beanstalk]] [[You close the book.|shut]]

You pull yourself up the beanstalk, one thick vine at a time. (if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/34_Beanstalk_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon flies up to you, you jump on its back and fly the rest of the way. You're near the top when ADVENTURE shoots past you, running back (text-style: "italic")[down] the beanstalk. It's carrying something. You sigh, and the gryphon starts to fly back down.](elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/34_Beanstalk_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You're near the top when ADVENTURE shoots past you, running (text-style: "italic")[down] the beanstalk. It's carrying something.] Then you hear it. The biggest, loudest voice you've ever heard! =><= "Who (text-style: "italic")[stole] my goose?!" <== You know what happens next in (text-style: "italic")[this] story and you (if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[[[urge the gryphon to fly down as quickly as possible!|library]]](elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[try to [[climb down as quickly as possible!|library]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/41_Shut.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You grab the book and snap it shut! The beanstalk collapses back into the book and ADVENTURE comes tumbling down. You throw the book of fairytales to one side, grab the booklet of missing words and hold it open! ADVENTURE lands safely inside! ADVENTURE looks at all of its friends inside the booklet, and hugs every last one of them. As soon as you close the booklet [[the storyteller appears.|magic]]

The giant moves quickly! You glance down and see that ADVENTURE has pulled a big axe out of the book of fairytales... It starts chopping the beanstalk! <== THUNK =><= [THUNK] ==> [THUNK] <== (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/35_Library_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You'd better [[hurry!]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/35_Library_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon beats its wings and suddenly you're landing! [[You rush to ADVENTURE!|hurry!]]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/36_Hurry_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>ADVENTURE has almost finished chopping through the beanstalk. You can hear it creaking! You jump down the last section and land in front of ADVENTURE.] (elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/36_Hurry_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You jump of the gryphon and stand in front of ADVENTURE.] Enough is enough. [[You grab the axe and ask the giant to come down from the beanstalk.|give goose back]] [[You grab the axe and start chopping down the beanstalk yourself.|chop beanstalk]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/39_GiveGooseBack.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The giant stands next to you. He is huge! [[You really hope he doesn't just squish you.|hope02]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/37_ChopBeanstalk-.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>THUNK [THUNK] [THUNK] The beanstalk comes crashing down, bringing the giant with it and destroying even more of the library. Perhaps this wasn't the best course of action... Then the giant gets up. He looks at you and... =><= roars! <== You shout, "Wait!" [[You really hope that the giant won't just squish you.|hope01]]

(if: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/42_Magic_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The storyteller looks at you and smiles. "Did you have a good adventure?" she asks. ADVENTURE giggles inside the book and all of the words jump up and down fluttering the pages. You hand it across to the storyteller. She takes it and says, "I probably shouldn't put these emotions in the same book, but they do seem to fit together." She opens her case and puts the booklet in with the rest. The storyteller glances at the gryphon and raises her eyebrows. "You (text-style: "italic")[have] had an interesting time," she says. Then she nods at the hole in the roof and says to the gryphon, "time to go." The gryphon comes to you and rests its head against yours in a deep gesture of friendship. Then it flaps its mighty wings and disappears through the roof and into the sky. "Don't worry," says the storyteller, "gryphons are known for their loyalty. It'll be back." You want to ask her about, well... everything, but you're not quite sure what to say. The storyteller turns to you and says, "words are magic. As long as you have words, you have (text-style: "italic")[everything]. Like this." She gestures at the hole in the library ceiling, the beanstalk and the mess that ADVENTURE made and says, "fix." And just like that, (text-style: "italic")[everything] is back to normal. "We'll meet again," says the storyteller, and you really hope that you do. And, then, she vanishes. And you're left in the library with all of the books and all of the words and all of the magic that you could ever want. Just then a letter appears. [[You pick it up.|read]]] (elseif: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/42_Magic_Ng.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The storyteller looks at you and smiles. "Did you have a good adventure?" she asks. ADVENTURE giggles inside the book and all of the words jump up and down fluttering the pages. You hand it across to the storyteller. She takes it and says, "I probably shouldn't put these emotions in the same book, but they do seem to fit together." She opens her case and puts the booklet in with the rest. You want to ask her about, well... everything, but you're not quite sure what to say. The storyteller turns to you and says, "words are magic. As long as you have words, you have (text-style: "italic")[everything]. Like this." She gestures at the hole in the library ceiling, the beanstalk and the mess that ADVENTURE made and says, "fix." And just like that, (text-style: "italic")[everything] is back to normal. "We'll meet again," says the storyteller, and you really hope that you do. And, then, she vanishes. And you're left in the library with all of the books and all of the words and all of the magic that you could ever want. Just then a letter appears. [[You pick it up.|read]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/43_Read.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You read the letter: 'Dear adventurer, I meant what I said. Words really are magic. And you deserve a reward for all of your hard work. Visit me at Story Trails and choose some words of your own! Yours, The Storyteller.' [[You decide to claim your reward.|reward.]] [[You wonder about the making of all of this magic, and would like to know how it came about.|credits]]

(goto-url: "https://storytrails.co.uk/events-and-festivals/wordfest/wandering-words-reward/")

The Wandering Words is a WordFest commission, funded by Wakefield Council without whom the wonder of WordFest would not have been posible. This story and accompanying audio is by Rebecca Dye (nee Stirrup) of Story Trails. To let us know what you thought of The Wandering Words and other WordFest events, [[click here.|feedback]] For more free Story Trail adventures, [[click here.|podcast]] Don't forget to claim your [[reward.]] All sound effects and images used within The Wandering Words, were available using the Creative Commons license. For a list of the audio effects used [[click here.|audio]] For a list of the images used [[click here.|images]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/04_b_Gryphon.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> Gryphons are incredible creatures. They have the body and tail of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle! And this gryphon looks at you on its back. And screeches! You stare at it, not sure what to do... [[You can't believe this is a real gryphon!|Normanton]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/08_a_Dream.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You keep your eyes closed for a long time. When you open them, you're still sitting in the ruin. [[You sigh and look around.|take a look]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/08_b_TakeALook.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> Just then something peaks out from behind a stone. You look up, and it hides. It's one of the missing words. You edge closer until you see that this word is FEAR. You pull the booklet out of your pocket and open it up. FEAR looks at the little book and at you, unsure of what to do. [[You smile reassuringly.|reassure it]] [[You try to catch it.]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/09_b_ReassureIt.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> FEAR stares at you. Then it takes a deep breath and carefully steps onto a page. It seems relieved that you found it, and then it lies down. You close the book and [[feel the ruined hall driting away.|Knottingley]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/09_a_TryToCatchIt.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> FEAR runs away before you can catch it! It's fast! You give chase but you just can't keep up. It squirms into a crack in one of the stone walls. This isn't working so you try to calm it down. You tell FEAR that you don't know where you are or what's happening, but you think that you need to collect the missing words for the storyteller. You tell FEAR that you're afraid too. [[You promise not to hurt it.|reassure it]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/06_b_KnightsTemplar.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> (text-colour:"black")[The stone walls seem to whisper of their past... the Knights Templar lived in this place over 800 years ago. They were dimplomats, financiers and warriors. That's what the records say. But the stone whispers that they were just people like anyone else. The stone seems to echo with their laughter... You almost smile, but then you remember that you're hiding!] [[You stay low and keep hiding.|RUN.]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/11_FearAppears.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> You realise you're not the only one screaming. It seems incredible, but the gryphon is scared too. As you realise that you're both afraid, you notice something hiding in the gryphon's feathers. It's one of the missing words. You pluck FEAR out from between the gryphon's feathers. FEAR holds on tight to your thumb. [[You tell FEAR that it's ok to be afraid.|FEAR calms]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/12_FearCalms.mp3" /> </audio> FEAR calms down and the gryphon stops trying to throw you off. It levels off into a glide and you are able to sit up and pull the booklet out of your pocket. You open it up and FEAR gratefully climbs in. You feel ok now. The gryphon looks at you and you begin to think that everything might be ok. [[It glides towards a river and comes in to land.|Knottingley]]

You shake it off. None of this is real. You're going to find that road and work out where you are! (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/17_KeepRunning_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>Everything around you starts to shimmer. [[Something is pulling you back!|return]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/17_KeepRunning_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon hops along behind you. It makes an odd clicking sound with its beak, as if trying to talk you into helping the dragon. You can see the road just ahead. The road will lead you home! But you stop and look back at the gryphon. Its head bobs up and down and you sigh. [[You decide to go back.|return]]]

(if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/18_Return_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The world stops shimmering and you're back on the riverbank. The dragon-thing is where you left it. You look all around helplessly. It seems that you can't get away. [[You have to help the dragon|help it.]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/18_Return_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The gryphon lands back on the riverbank. The dragon-thing is where you left it. The fishing line looks painful. You take a deep breath and move to [[help it.]]]

You start whistling an upbeat, happy sort of tune. HAPPINESS turns around and walks all the way from the time of the Romans to today. You open up the book and HAPPINESS rushes in, delighted to see all of its friends! Even FEAR hugs HAPPINESS back. (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/31_Jaunty_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You feel a smile stretching all across your face as the world around you blurs and [[drifts away.|Wakefield]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/31_Jaunty_YG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You feel a smile stretching all across your face as you climb back up, onto the gryphon's back. [[It flaps its great wings and you're up in the sky again.|Wakefield]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/29_Frown.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>Sitting on the ground in-between times is a very strange feeling. One moment you're on grass with a tree at your back, the next you're on tarmac. The sky seems somehow more rich, more blue and more beautiful in the past. But the people are taller and somehow healthier in the present. Your forehead creases into a deeper frown as you (text-style: "fade-in-out")[skip between times]. Then something pats your knee and you look down to see HAPPINESS trying to reassure you. It climbs up your arm to your shoulder and tries to smooth the frown from you brow. It tickles and you laugh. HAPPINESS is delighted and you [[smile.]]

You open the book and HAPPINESS jumps in, delighted to see all of its friends! Even FEAR hugs HAPPINESS back. (if: $gryphon is "no gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30_Smile_NG.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>The smile stretches all across your face as the world around you blurs and [[drifts away.|Wakefield]]](elseif: $gryphon is "gryphon")[<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/30_Smile_YG.mp3" /> </audio>Your smile stretches all across your face as you climb back up, onto the gryphon's back. [[It flaps its great wings and you're up in the sky again.|Wakefield]]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/40_Hope02.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You explain that ADVENTURE got carried away, and you give the golden goose back. The giant looks confused. "This isn't how this sort of thing usually goes." But then he shrugs, takes the goose and climbs back up the beanstalk. You can't believe everything you've seen today. You open the booklet in an absent-minded sort of way and hold it out. ADVENTURE yawns and jumps in. As soon as you close the book [[the storyteller appears.|magic]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/38_Hope01.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You tell the giant that you're sorry. You got scared and you shouldn't have chopped the beanstalk down. The giant scratches his head. "I get scared sometimes too." "Thank you for saying sorry." You explain that ADVENTURE got carried away and you give the golden goose back. The giant looks confused. "This isn't how this sort of thing usually goes." He glances at ADVENTURE. "Do you mind?" ADVENTURE nips across to the book and before you know it, a new beanstalk is growing right up to the giant's home! The giant smiles, takes the goose and climbs back up the beanstalk. You can't believe everything you've seen today. You open the book in an absent-minded sort of way and hold it out. ADVENTURE yawns and jumps in. As soon as you close the book [[the storyteller appears.|magic]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/32b_Wakey.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio> (text-colour:"black")[It feels right to be in a library, surrounded by books. You wonder if all of the words in all of the books come alive, like the ones you've been finding. You wonder if all storyteller's are magic?] [[You think that you'll have a look around.|Wakefield]]

(goto-url: "https://storytrails.co.uk/podcast/")

AUDIO Bells: https://freesound.org/people/InspectorJ/sounds/339822/ "Hand Bells, Cluster.wav" by InspectorJ (www.jshaw.co.uk) of Freesound.org Gryphon screech: https://freesound.org/people/reidedo/sounds/344446/ reidedo April 28th, 2016 Gryphon wings flapping: https://freesound.org/people/YleArkisto/sounds/388973/ YleArkisto April 23rd, 2017 Shake body: https://freesound.org/people/Reitanna/sounds/323719/ Reitanna October 3rd, 2015 Dragon thanking: https://freesound.org/people/Leszek_Szary/sounds/146732/ Leszek_ Szary February 15th, 2012 Dive in water: https://freesound.org/people/Sheyvan/sounds/519006/ Sheyvan May 21st, 2020 Excited: https://freesound.org/people/xtrgamr/sounds/243406/ xtrgamr July 24th, 2014 Cheering Boggles: https://freesound.org/people/jayfrosting/sounds/333404/ jayfrosting January 19th, 2016 Snoring: https://freesound.org/people/Alba_MTG/sounds/255129/ Alba_ MTG November 19th, 2014 Laughing: https://freesound.org/people/craigsmith/sounds/480702/ craigsmith August 18th, 2019 Rumbling Earth: https://freesound.org/people/Reitanna/sounds/217657/ Reitanna February 6th, 2014 Growing beanstalk: https://freesound.org/people/MaxDemianAGL/sounds/131050/ MaxDemianAGL October 11th, 2011 Crash through ceiling: https://freesound.org/people/AlanCat/sounds/381645/ AlanCat February 21st, 2017 Rocket: https://freesound.org/people/MATRIXXX_/sounds/441500/ MATRIXXX_ September 27th, 2018 Wood chopping: https://freesound.org/people/Saviraz/sounds/512219/ Saviraz April 7th, 2020 Creaking: https://freesound.org/people/tbhicba/sounds/148335/ tbhicba March 7th, 2012 Roar Growl: https://freesound.org/people/Matvej/sounds/157890/ Matvej June 13th, 2012 Crashing tree: https://freesound.org/people/fkurz/sounds/169127/ fkurz November 6th, 2012 Vanish: https://freesound.org/people/Cman634/sounds/235284/ Cman634 April 29th, 2014 Magic: https://freesound.org/people/alanmcki/sounds/401324/ alanmcki September 5th, 2017

IMAGES Gryphon: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emblem_of_Schalamzaar.png, created by Schalamzaar Empire (talk | contribs), Newland Hall Ruin: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Derelict_building,_Newland_Hall_-_geograph.org.uk_-_191206.jpg, GeographBot(talk | contribs) Knights Templar: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Templar_fresco_cornwall_england_simon_brighton.jpg, DonaNobisPacem(talk | contribs) Aire and Calder Navigation: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cruising_on_the_Aire_and_Calder_navigation_-_geograph.org.uk_-_844401.jpg, GeographBot(talk | contribs) Pontefract castle: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pontefract_Castle,_general_view.JPG, Poliphilo / CC0 (no attribution needed) Boggle stones: Rebecca Dye, 2020 Featherstone warhorse: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:War_Horse,_from_the_front.jpg, ColinFine (talk | contribs) Roman Fort: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ilkley_Roman_Fort.jpg, Greyseal2013 (talk | contribs) Library: Wakefield Library, supplied for use within The Wandering Words by Wakefield Library All images aside have been altered in photoshop.

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/16_RunAway_NG-1.mp3" type="audio/wav" /> </audio>You run as fast as you can and as far as you can until you have to stop and catch your breath. This can't be happening. Words don't wander around! Gryphons and dragons aren't real! You hear traffic and start heading towards it. But something makes you stop. That creature looked so sad. [[You decide to go back.|help it.]] [[You keep on heading to the road.|keep running]]

<audio autoplay> <source src="https://storytrails.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/10_b_Ruin.mp3" /> </audio> (text-colour:"black")[The stone walls seem to sing of their past as you fly on the gryphon. They tell of the Knights Templar living here. And of how they were just people like anyone else. You tighten your grip on the gryphon and] [[hold on!|Fly]]

(goto-url: "https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/KFSSRCH")