Duchess Dander's Adventure to Save the Kingdom of Cheezburgia – Chapter Two

Duchess Dander stepped from the shade of the forest trees into the sunlit clearing, her tail held high and her eyes bright with purpose. Confidence guided her paws as she approached the golden-furred knight who stood polishing his gleaming armor.

The knight looked up at the sound of her steps, his ears perking and his tail beginning an eager wag. “Greetings, traveler!” he called, voice warm as summer sunlight. “I am Sir Pawdfoot the Brave, noble knight of the Tail Guard, sworn to defend Cheezburgia and all her good folk.”

“I am Duchess Dander,” she replied with a courteous bow of her head. “And I am on a quest most urgent. My father’s final words warned me - Basement Cat has risen again. I must reach King Meowrick at once and rally the kingdom.”

Sir Pawdfoot’s eyes widened at the name, and for a moment his smile faltered. But just as swiftly, the light returned to his face, fiercer now with determination. “Then you shall not walk this road alone, my lady. I will stand by your side, through forest and field, tooth and claw!”

Though his armor clinked with each enthusiastic step, and though he asked twice whether they should bring snacks for the road, Duchess Dander felt a spark of reassurance. Here was a companion brave and loyal - perhaps not the sharpest treat in the bag, but a heart of purest gold.

Together, they set their paws toward the distant spires of the capital, the fate of Cheezburgia resting ever heavier upon them.

The road to the capital wound through meadow and thicket until, at last, Duchess Dander and Sir Pawdfoot reached the banks of a broad, fast-flowing river. A wooden bridge spanned the waters, its planks worn smooth by years of pawsteps.

Before they could cross, the peace was shattered by the sound of frantic panting. From the far side of the riverbank, a small, robed figure came dashing toward them - a hamster, clutching a crooked staff nearly as tall as himself. His whiskers quivered, and his tiny chest heaved as though he had run for leagues.

“Help!” he wheezed, voice trembling with urgency. “Evil magic forces - attacking my village - shadows everywhere!” His round eyes were wide with terror, yet still burned with the stubborn spark of a wizard unwilling to give up.

Even as the Duchess opened her mouth to reply, a sharp cry rang out from the bridge itself. There, a masked raccoon danced between lunges of a swirling, feline-shaped wraith. Her twin daggers flashed like silver lightning, her every step quick and precise.

“A little help would be appreciated here!” she rasped, twisting away from the ghost’s snapping jaws.

Duchess Dander glanced at Sir Pawdfoot. He met her gaze, ears twitching as the two quickly took in the scene - the raccoon’s nimble footing and the dark spirit’s persistence, the hamster’s plea and the thought of an entire village under siege.

Both paths call for heroes.

How will the adventure continue? It's up to you!

Make a major plot choice on our Facebook riverside:

Should Duchess Dander and Sir Pawdfoot rush to aid Wheezy the Wizard Hamster in defending his endangered village, or leap into the fray beside Roxy Nightshade the rogue raccoon on the bridge?

🤗 React to the post with a care to choose the hamster wizard’s village.
😲 React to the post with a surprise to choose the raccoon rogue’s battle.

Make a minor choice through our Instagram meadow:

Will our heroes charge boldly into the fight, or focus on extracting those in danger and getting them to safety?

💬 Comment “bravery” on the post to go boldly into battle.
💬 Comment “rescue” on the post to prioritize saving and retreating.

Cast your votes - and decide whose peril will shape the next pawsteps of this summer adventure!