The Enchanted Wood (Part 4)

All eyes turned towards the back as the bride made her entrance. Six small bluebirds held up her long flowing train as she moved down the centre isle towards her husband to be. Standing side by side, they took their weddings vows and when they were pronounced, man and wife a great cheer rang out that could be heard across the land. They rode back through the throngs of well-wishers who lined the route. Everywhere everyone was smiling for the happy couple. It was a joyous occasion celebrated by everyone and all the creatures everywhere. Arriving back at the castle an old man with a long white beard waited there to greet them. He smiled as they moved towards him. He first kissed the Princess and whispered a few words in her ear and she left them as the old man took her husband to one side. Putting his arm around his shoulders lead him to a quiet area where they both could talk. “Do you want to go back? ” The old man asked. “No sir, I do not. The old man nodded. “Then you shall stay here forever with the happiness you have found.” “But I am cursed, sir.” The old man smiled and shook his head. “You were never cursed. You came here because you were lonely. Only sad and lonely people ever enter the enchanted wood.” “But I don’t understand.” Only love prevents the others entering and you had none, but a lot to give.” “You now have all your wishes and all your dreams here. For the first time in your life, you have friends, someone to love, and a world as big as you want it to roam and explore. Now go to your wife and enjoy your life the way you always wanted it.” The old man smiled and then vanished. He went to his wife and gathered her in his arms. They walked to the top of the castle. Standing together, they looked out across the enchanted wood and the land beyond it. Like the curse said he never went back, nor did he want to. He now lives happily in the world of his wishes and dreams with his Princess and his friends. One day in your dreams, you might catch a glimpse of him with his Princess happy together forever. The End