I must have dreamt it.
A savage woman has taken me hostage in a cave?
My horse was safe?
I hurt myself?
I could not see reason.
She had introduced herself as Aleafah. Unusual name, but I suppose she is secretly making a brew to cook me.
I had fallen unconscious twice, but I must have been dreaming.
I could feel myself walking up and felt a cloth being wrapped around my arm.
I opened an eye, expecting to see a hag chopping off my arm.
I never expected to see a wild yet stunning woman.
"You've awoken?" she asked.
Her eyes were a hazel blue, speckled tan skin and long brown hair. She wore a ripped green dress and appeared to be walking barefooted. A thin cloak covered her back.
"Where am I?" I asked. My arm was in a cloth sling.
"In my home. Though I wouldn't want more company... You talk in your sleep enough as it is!" She smarts back. The nerve!
"I do not talk in my sleep!" I say, rubbing my hair down.
She walks to a small fire and adds more kindling. "How else would I know that you are looking for a 'Forest Keeper'?"
"Do you know him? I've been searching for him."
She remains silent as she fills a small rock bowl with a sweet scented liquid. She walks over to me and hands me the bowl.
"What is this?"
"Mintwood tea. It's to help your head." She says.
"What's in it?"
Rolling her eyes, she mutters something about me being impossible and explains, "I put fresh mintwood, honey and water. Will you drink it?"
I look into the bowl. 'Maggots better not have touched this bowl.'
I sip it and find it to be warm and soothing.
"So, Emitt... Who are you looking for this far into the forest?" She asks.
"A 'Forest Keeper' to help save the Kingdom."
"What is wrong with the kingdom?"
"That is for the Forest Keeper to learn. You have healed me, thank you. But I really must be on my way." I try standing, but my legs are as weak as a newborn fawn.
"You mustn't leave yet. You are still recovering." She rushes over to stop me.
"Tell me where to find him." I say.
"Him?" She looked confused.
"The Forest Keeper. Where does he reside?"
"He doesn't exist..." she looks away.
"What?"
"'He' isn't real."
I start to form words within my head of which I shouldn't word. My kingdom is at stake and a savage woman tells me I am chasing a legend.
I was about to word my thoughts when she begins to say,
"He isn't real, but she is." she looks away.
I look in the direction she gazes but can see nothing.
"Where is she?" I mumble.
Her head snaps back to me.
"You doubt her presence?"
I shrug.
"I am what you called a Forest Keeper. I am the last of my kind."
"Get me a chair!!!" I cry.
"Why? You are sitting on my bed!" She looks worried.
"You don't get it? It's a saying. When we think someone is lying or kidding with us, we cry out 'get me a chair', for we will surely collapse from laughter!" I explain.
She still looks confused, but her voice says otherwise. "You think I am lying? Kidding with you? I am as serious as a plague! I am a powerful being and you dare test my sanity?"
I realize that I should have been more sensitive.
"Well, you should know that you have no right to challenge my judgment. I am Crown Prince Emitt of Fernsdale. You have no authority over me!" I smirk. As much as my head is throbbing from this performance, I am secretly enjoying her reactions.
"Prince or Squirrel, it doesn't matter who you are. For all your Kingdom knows, you could be dead or captured. I saved your life. You have that to thank me for. Your horse had nettle bush cuts and I healed her. And as for that dagger pointed at my face stunt, be thankful I hadn't decided to leave you for dead!" She snaps.
I was taken aback by her reaction.
I sighed. "Forgive me for my actions, oh mighty Forest Keeper. May you not smite me for my intusion." I meant it sarcastically but it came out as an apology.
"Forgiven. Now tell me about your problem. You didn't travel into the forest alone for naught!"
"Are you sure you want to know?"
"Stranger things have become my life now. I might as well see it through."
'Alright Emitt... You've got this!' I thought.
But the next words that left my mouth sounded so wrong.