The Need to Forj>>>literary games #2.

_{For the second week prompt forthe second round of literary games, we are asked to invent an English word that ends with letter J and use that word in a short story or poem of our choice. Here's what I came up with}

My invented word is Forj

Meaning: *Its meaning is metaphorical and it refers to resilience and ability to push through obstacles.

Story

“I can't go on. I'm so tired mummy. Can we please rest here for a while?” Benita asked her mum. Her eyes were red and teary, clear signs that she could start crying at any moment.

“I know you're tired sweety but we can't stay here. We need to move ahead. Those monsters won't relent and we cannot risk getting caught. Mummy will carry you on her back okay. Be good” . Rose said.

Rose was a fallen queen. Her husband King Richmond was killed in his sleep and a coup to overthrow the royal family led to chaos in the palace. Her faithful and trusted maid sacrificed herself to get them to safety outside the palace walls. Her only hope was to run to a neighbouring kingdom for refuge.

She and her daughter had been running through the woods all night. It was almost dawn. They needed to get to King Frederick's kingdom by dawn or they were dead. She could not risk the lives of daughter and unborn son. Yes she was already five months pregnant.

She looked lovingly at her daughter, crouched low to the ground, allowing princess Benita to climb her back. Then she continued running, more like a jog as the weight on her was now doubled. She couldn't give up. Her husband's legacy was at stake and she'll be damned she'd let it go down the drain.

By a stroke of luck, she made it to King Frederick's kingdom just at the first crow of a cock signalling dawn. She breathed a sigh of relief, finally, her and her kids were safe. King Frederick, her younger brother, came out with guards to receive her.

A triumphant smile graced her face. She knew that she had been able to forj through. Soon, her lost kingdom will rise again but for now, she would lay low, a tactic of retreating to fight another day.

_{Thank you all for reading. This is my entry to the #literarygames #2 an initiative by @allentaylor}

Image source: Meta Ai.