The Enchanted Wood (Part 2)

The great gates of the castle opened and slowly he walked forward not sure what to expect. Cheers rang out as he entered trumpets blared a fanfare. He stopped to take it all in, everywhere he looked people waved and smiled as he moved slowly across the large courtyard and through the throngs of people and into the castle itself. “If you will follow me M’ Lord.” A tall smartly dressed man said. He followed the tall man across the marble floor. The man stopped by a door. He opened it to reveal a long table filled with food. “We suspected you may be hungry, please enter and help yourself.” He had never seen so much food. He entered, sat, and noticed he was alone. “Eat as much as you like M’ Lord, it is all for you.” The tall man said, and then disappeared. Not wishing to be greedy he took a small portion of the food and when he had eaten enough. The tall man suddenly appeared again. “A drink M’ Lord.” He said and placed a glass in front of him and filled it with water. As he raised the glass to his lips and drank, the tall man appeared again “Your room is ready M’ Lord.” He nodded and yawned then followed the tall man to what would be his room. “I’ll wake you in time for supper M’ Lord.” He climbed onto the large bed wondering what was happening. “Why do you look so worried laddie? ” “Mr Owl where did you come from? ” “The window was open so I came to see how you were.” “I am puzzled Mr Owl.” “In what way laddie? ” “Everyone is so kind to me and I feel I don’t deserve it.” “Oh poppycock! ” The owl replied. “But I don’t deserve it.” “Laddie, everyone deserves kindness no matter who they are.” “I am cursed by the witches curse.” “Rubbish, there is no curse and there are no witches, but all will be explained later.” “How much Later? ” “When the time is right. Now you must rest before supper.” He nodded and rested back. It was the first time he ever slept on a pillow. “Wake up! Wake up! You will be late for supper.” He opened his eyes and looked around to see who was talking. He blinked as a set of clothes walked over to him and said: “We are what you are wearing for supper tonight.” “Clothes do not talk! ” “Ah, but we do and so do we.” All the clothes then danced around the room. Standing he looked amazed and somewhat in disbelief as the clothes flung themselves at him and dressed him. Once they had finished he looked in the mirror at his reflection, he looked like a prince. The tall man suddenly appeared and announced. “Dinner will be ready in five minutes, you must come along now. There is no time to waste M’ Lord.” He followed the tall man down the stairs to the dinning room door. To be continued. 17-18 April 2011