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Aug 6, 2003 Disheveled and tired, Stephen stopped at a tree stump to regain his strength. He tried to ignore the fact that it was the fifth time he has passed this very tree stump, not wanting to admit defeat yet. He had merely ventured out to collect firewood to bring back to his family. Not too long after the sky had grown dark in the forest and he was lost. I need to stay calm and have my wits about me, he told himself. The trees looked alike, endless branches that reached in all directions. In the early daylight they protected him from the harsh rays of the sun, but as it grew dark they were like hands, threatening to tear him in two. His stomach rumbled loudly. Sitting around isnt going to help me, he said. Ever since he was little he found talking to himself, calmed his nerves. His legs ached but he made himself continue. A while later he sighed heavily as he passed the now infamous tree stump. Angered he kicked at the stump. A piece of bark fell off and there behind it lie a dead bird. Feeling sorry for it, he carefully cupped it in his hands and gave it a proper burial. Be at peace now, he said softly to the bird that lay beneath the mound of dirt. A noise came from behind, startling him. Stephen turned, searching for the source. A golden ray of light peered between the trees. Squinting his eyes he tried to see better. A fair-haired lady stood with light cast around her. Long golden locks fell around her petite frame. Smiling she motioned for him to come closer. She wore nothing upon her body, tan taut skin that glowed with an illuminated aura. Around her shoulders she had wings that shimmered as if made of jewels. Come, she said. Stephen slowly walked forward but suddenly she vanished. He looked around but could not see any trace of her. Where did you go, he called out. There was no answer but as he looked closer, he smiled. Thank you, he said. Where she had stood was a path he had not seen before. Stephen made his way and covered a great distance. Soon there was a fork in the wood, two different paths that might lead him two different directions. Great, now which way am I to go, he wondered. One path seemed steep and rigorous while the other was flat but covered with mud. He figured as dark as it was, it had to be very late by now and with only the moon to see by, he felt the muddy path would be the best choice. Stephen took a few steps, his feet sloshing and sinking. From behind him a twig snapped. Take the path of stones, said the mysterious lady. Her body glowed white in the moonlight, illuminating her emerald green eyes. Stephen looked at the rocky path. It didnt seem very safe but he trusted her guidance. Turning back towards her his breath caught in his throat. She had disappeared again. She helped me find the path, I know I can trust her, he reasoned to himself. While the trek was not easy he found that he had made progress. Things were starting to look and feel familiar. A bubbling brook nearby sounded like a good place to take a quick rest and quench his thirst. He remembered passing by but hadnt needed to stop for it was still early on his hunt for wood. As he reached the water he picked up his pace, as if it were calling to him. Around the big cedar tree he saw the lake. Thank you, he cried out into the wind. He knelt down and filled his hands with the cool clear liquid. Stephen drank handful after handful until his thirst was satisfied. He ran his wet hands through his hair, once again feeling alive. It was then his eyes looked out into the lake, gazing at the mystical lady who rose up from it. Take care, your home is around the next bend, she said. Please dont disappear just yet, he begged. Who are you, what is your name, he asked. I am Lita, Lady of the Lake, she replied. Because of you I found my way back, I owe you for your generosity, he declared. Nonsense, she said. It is I who repaid you for your act of kindness, she said. Stephen scratched his head, confused by her words. How is that, he asked. You set my spirit free and sent me home. I merely did the same for you, she explained. Looking away he recalled his actions. The only way I helped was by burying a bird today, he said. Turning his head back to the lake, she was gone. It soon became clear in his mind, her spirit had been reborn from the bird. A pile of wood lay near his feet, enough to supply his family for many nights. Thank you Lita, he called out and made his way back home. THE END ------------ About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author with works in Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Lost Souls, and various anthologies including Labor Pool Horror Tales, Broken Mirrors, and the Romancing the Soul series. Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com Comment on this column in the forum. Tell a friend about this site! ------------ |
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