09/19/2024
Another example of my work.
The Witches Trees
Intrigued, she drags her long, bony fingers across her jawline. “Perhaps you’re right this time. I am aging horribly; those berries, coupled with my power, will bring back my youth.” She cracks a smile. “Okay, I’ll do it.” Clicking her nails together, she steps away, mumbling.
The King watches the witch intently as she scurries around, randomly gathering items off shelves. Losing patience, he asks, “How will I know when you will help? You cannot waste time. The Queen is dying.”
A pungent smell slowly fills the one-room shack, burning his nostrils.
The witch hurls a whirlwind of words at him. “Don't rush me! Get out! You'll have an answer to your question in due time. Listen for the howl of the wolf. Now, leave.”
With no hesitation, the King leaves. King Folly feels a dagger stabbing at his conscience while fighting his way back to his horse. The nagging question returns. Had he done the right thing? Could he have saved his dwindling Queen another way? Answering himself, he has no answer other than the obvious one he had known before this trip had begun. Deep inside, Folly knows the only cure is dreadful black magic. He wants to ignore the truth, but at some point, he has to admit the cold, hard fact. No conventional medical procedure or medicine could fix his dying wife. Only help from the fearsome witch can undo her graven illness. He finally reaches his horse. Mounting his steed, he races back to his safe harbor - the castle.