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A chill ran down my spine.
I did not know my way back, I could not go home. My lids fluttered closed, my ears listened to the world around me, trying to pick up where it was coming from. But I could not pinpoint it, it sounded all around me swirling and changing direction. Behind me and in front of me all at once. I had to pick a direction, it was my only choice.
Straight, I’ll go straight. The direction ahead of me.
As I picked up my skirt, I tried to step forward but something made me hesitate. Something was telling meno, don’t go that way.I felt a small pull, telling me to go in another direction. I turned toward my right, the sensation eased- as if that was the direction I shouldbe going in. Without hesitation, I followed the tug as I slipped into the trees.
* * *
As I walked through the seemingly endless forest, my surroundings became increasingly monotonous. Every tree, exposed root, and rock looked identical, stretching out before me for what felt like hours. My dress caught on the rough bark, the knotted roots, and the dense underbrush, causing the hem to tear and snag.
To make matters worse, something cold and slimy slithered across the tops of my feet, hidden from view by the thick mist. My heart raced as I dared not contemplate what could have caused the sensation. I quickened my pace, desperate to get away from whatever was lurking in the shadows.
But it was a short reprieve.
Suddenly, I felt eyes on me- watching me from every direction. The tiny, mischievous laughter of invisible creatures echoed through the forest, growing louder and more intense with every step I took. The fear and panic grew within me which caused me to trip and stumble several times as I ran. The unseen creatures seemed to be playing a game with me; leading me further and further into the darkness.
I had lost track of time and direction, with exhaustion and hopelessness beginning to set in. With every step the forest seemed to become denser and there was no sign of progress or any indication that I was making my way towards my destination. In frustration, I kicked a nearby tree letting out a growl of exasperation. I felt completely defeated, having all but given up hope of finding my way out of the woods. The realization hit me that I had foolishly thought I could outsmart the Goblin King, but that’s when I saw it.
A small flicker of light in the darkness that surrounded me. . . A lantern floated ahead as it bobbed up and down in the dark. A small sliver of hope bloomed in my chest as I raced for it. Even as it moved away from me.
“Hello!”
Nothing.
I called again. “Hello!?”
As I drew closer to the source of the light, I could make out the figure that was holding the lantern. As the light flickered, its glow revealing a faun standing tall on his hooves. I had to pause for a moment, he wore a green and yellow plaid vest, the colors faded with age and a worn scarf wrapped around his waist. His fur was of rich golden honey, soft and inviting, but his hooves were black as the night sky. A hand-stitched shoulder bag hung loosely across his torso adorned with several colorful patches.
The most striking feature of the faun, however, were his horns. They resembled those of a ram, curling down around the sides of his face in a magnificent display of strength and beauty. His curly hair cascaded down around his large ears.
I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder and awe at the sight of the faun. It was as if he had stepped out of a fairytale, a creature of myth and legend long thought to be extinct. I knew that no one had seen a faun in decades and that their stories had been lost to time, told only to children as nursery rhymes. Yet here he stood before me, real and alive, a testament to the magical world that I had only ever dreamed of.
“Excuse me.” I tried again. He still didn’t hear me.“Excuse me?!”
Startled at my approach, his hand flew over his heart, “Oh.”
“I’m sorry.” I apologized quickly. He eyed me cautiously, mortals did not venture into the Ebony Woods, so I was probably just as much of a shock to him as he was to me. “Can you tell me which way it is to the castle?”
“The castle? Why on earth would you want to go there?”
“I’m afraid I have to.” I replied. “Could you just point me in the right direction?”
He looked me up and down- the tears in my dress and sleeves, the mess of my hair, “It’s that way.” He replied pointing towards the south, “But you won’t find it a welcoming place. I suggest you don’t go at all in fact. There’s darkness there.”
“Darkness?”
“Oh- oh dear,” he exclaimed, “Forget I said anything.”
“Wait!” I called after him but he’d disappeared into the trees. The lantern light went out as the dark surrounded him.
I huffed in frustration as I realized I was alone yet again.
As my eyes scanned the direction the faun had pointed in, I could feel the pull- the same tug that had led me to him, drawing me towards it. This could only mean one thing- the Goblin King had left me stranded further away from Rothnia than I had expected. I couldn't afford to waste any more time, I had to make it to the castle as soon as possible.
As I pushed forward, the trees seemed to stretch endlessly, their thick foliage almost forming a barrier that was closing in on me. The air grew heavy with a sense of foreboding as I walked farther into the Ebony Woods, the darkness seeming to engulf me with every step. The trees were so close together that their branches intertwined, creating an almost impenetrable canopy overhead that barely allowed any light to filter through.
Despite the oppressive atmosphere, I forced myself to keep moving forward. Every step felt like a struggle, my feet sinking into the soft ground with each step, the rustling of leaves echoing around me. The silence was almost deafening, punctuated only by the occasional chitter or scurrying of animals through the underbrush.
