The Enchanted Wood (Part 1)

Within the moonlight raptures where the imps and fairies play deep within the enchanted wood where no lovers ever enter especially after dark, They say there is a witches curse that will befall all who enter. Once you have entered you will never be seen or heard of again. Thus, so it has been throughout the centuries, a place where no one goes. Once a poor orphan with rags upon his feet had nothing to gain or lose started walking down the path that leads to the enchanted wood. People yelled a him to stop, but their voices he ignored and stepped across the threshold and into the enchanted wood. He saw no dangers as he walked, but heard whispery voices and could have sworn hidden eyes followed his every move. Deeper into the wood he walked he had no fear of being forgotten as he had no one to begin with and the witches curse meant nothing. Finally he came to a clearing where he stopped and rested for a while, he leant against a tree closed his eyes and fell asleep. Upon wakening, he felt that there was something wrong. He looked around but there was no one to be seen. As he stood up, he noticed that all his clothes he wore were no longer rags but brand new. “You cannot marry a princess wearing rags my boy.” Said a voice from above him. He looked up and all there was an owl. “Don’t worry laddie I am the one who is speaking. Now if you will follow me.” The owl then swooped down and flew in front of him. He followed the owl deeper into the enchanted wood. He questioned not his guide, but just followed him quietly. He wondered what was going on a princess, a wedding and of course, a talking owl and what of the witches curse? The owl suddenly landed and looked up at the lad. “What is your name laddie? ” “Charles Hamilton, Mr Owl.” “Yonder you see that Castle, you must go there, they are waiting for your arrival.” “But how did they know I was coming? ” “Never mind that you just keep walking.” The owl said and flew off. The lad did as he was told and slowly the castle grew closer. He could hear trumpets sound as he neared the main gate. “Who goes there? ” A stern voice asked. “Charles Hamilton.” The lad replied. “Lord Charles has arrived! Lord Charles has arrived! ” To be continued: 16 April 2011