By Wynn Ithapu
The dark woods take on an eerie sight;
While moonbeams cast their silvery glow,
Conceiving streaks that sliver amid the tall trees & on the ground below,
At times it seems peaceful & quite calm without care,
But many unseen beings lurk in the shadows there,
Creatures wander about snapping twigs as they flee,
Eyes staring hauntingly trying to see,
Then crickets begin to chirp softly & bullfrogs start to croak;
While a blanket of mist creeps over the marsh like a cloak,
Leaving the night air heavy & filled with a mysterious gray haze,
But soon the morning sun dawns & the scene takes on a whole new phase.
“Mystical Woods” by Jean Dament
My father always told me to stay out of the woods because mysterious things lived there, evil things. But, I ignored him. It was the quickest way to get to the village from the palace. Not that he’d ever cared. I wasn't even allowed to be visiting the village. Not really. But honestly, he’d made it way too easy. All I had to do was tell my huge bodyguard, Balin, that I was going to take a nap. Then I turn off my lights, put on my tunic and a pair of pants, and climb out my fourth floor window. I go down the tree, and hike through the woods for ten minutes. I had a trail and everything. I was walking through the woods like usual when I heard the cry.
“Help. Please, anyone, help.”
It was quiet at first but as I started walking towards it, it started getting louder, and louder, until I was at the entrance of a cave. It was small, just a hole of stone in the ground. I peered inside, and there sat a girl, about 14 years old. Wincing and clutching her ankle.
“Are you ok?” I asked
“I think I broke my ankle,” she responded.
“It's only a quick walk to the village,” I say. Then I picked her up and off we went, sprinting.
We made it there in 5 minutes. Two minutes later we were sitting inside the living room of a doctor, the girl's skirt cut to knee length. Her ankle is so swollen it's as if it was a balloon, and someone filled it up with too much air, like it could pop at any minute.
“Well it’s definitely broken,” says the doctor. “I want you to take this medicine and rest for two days. If you need to walk, use these.” he says, pulling out a pair of crutches.
“Thank you doctor,” I say, as I helped the girl get on her crutches.
“Anytime.” he replies with a smile. “What were your names again?” he asks as we get up to leave.
“Ava,” replies the girl
“I’m Calen,” I respond quickly. That was the name I always used when I came to the village. I didn’t need anyone realizing it was me and letting the word slip to my father.
The doctor doesn't look convinced. I guess when you’re the only doctor in a town with a population of less than 300, it's not everyday you meet someone new. Especially in the middle of winter.
“Ok well you’re free to go.”
“Thank you,” says Ava. Then we leave, and I lead her to the one place in town that I use my real name.
To Be Continued...
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