The Magical Forest (Werewolf Romance)

Prologue

(Anishea’s point of view)

I stared over at my father, King Lenick, and the crowd standing in front of him, their faces all reflecting the fear and concern I was feeling.

I think it was the last quake that caused the problem. Sir Wheizer was saying.

Everyone was of that opinion; it must have been the quake. I stared out of the window next to me at the forest, just a mile away from the Palace, the protective glow seemed to be fading away. I felt my heart race in alarm even at the very thought of it.

We have to do something! Akim, one of the King's chief soldiers was saying, the quiver in his voice belied his strong words.

What can we do? King Lenick asked.

There was silence for a full minute, it wasn't because no one knew what needed to be done, in stead it was because no one wanted to be the first to say it.

We must enter the magical woods and make sure the Sword is still secure. Sir Wheizer said, breaking the deafening silence.

Perhaps we can wait awhile. It has been only two days since the quake; maybe whatever was dislodged will firm itself up again. Maleck, my brother, suggested.

It's too dangerous to wait; we can already see the protection weakening. If the glow completely disappears... Sir Wheizer's voice trailed off, he didn't want to utter it.

We are the gatekeepers; it is our job to make sure nothing leaves the Magical Forest. The world may not know we exist, but they are depending on us nonetheless. Ore Caroon interjected.

All eyes turned to the old man, he had been living in the kingdom the longest, and he had been designated as the holder of wisdom and history. When he spoke, everyone listened.

We have wasted too much time already, Ore Caroon sounded embarrassed, We must leave first thing in the morning, find the Sword and make sure that it is still secure.

Who will go? Lady Madira questioned. She was one of the strongest warriors in the kingdom, second only to Sir Wheizer.

We will need our strongest fighters - to make it to the centre of the woods where the Sword is located. Ore Caroon stated and we all knew he was issuing a death sentence. If the entry into the Magical Forest didn't destroy them, the creatures that lived there would.

I will go then. lady Madira stated, without hesitation.

As will I. Sir Wheizer said.

The King's throne must be represented. King Lenick said sullenly. But I am an old man.

There were whispers among the people gathered there. Tradition dictated that the ruler led any team that went to defend the kingdom.

Are you relinquishing your throne then? Sosthenes demanded.

I glanced over my shoulder at him; he had always wanted to take control of the kingdom.

I will go on the team; in return, if I secure the Sword, I shall be made king on my return.

If we return. Sir Wheizer reminded him.

Prince Maleck, will go on behalf of the throne. The king announced.

No! It is suicide! That security has been in place for hundreds of years, none of us know what is within those woods now. We have done our part - our fore parents drove those monsters in there and trapped them with the great Sword of Truth. Why should we continue to fight these monstrous battles while the rest of the world lay comfortably in their beds at night! Let us run, let us leave this place and head back to the mainland where the rest of our kind resides. When the creatures reach the mainland, let all of mankind fight. Maleck screamed.

You embarrass me. You know the world stands no chance against these creatures. The greatest chance is now, if we can get in there and secure the Sword and reinforce the shield around the woods! The King responded.

You speak well, king. Ore Caroon said.

I will go and represent the crown. I blurted out.

Oh my gosh, I could hardly believe that those words had come from my mouth. I’m the little scary cat, the mouse in the kingdom, the delicate princess, what had possessed me to volunteer. I can’t even fight!

Breathe, breathe, breathe, I told myself, they won't let me go; I'm a girl, just barely eighteen years. They will dismiss my offer as youthful enthusiasm; blood was starting to return to my extremities at the thought.

See! This young girl is willing to risk all and defend her kingdom - which man among you now would refuse to go? Ore Caroon demanded.

To refuse to go now would brand a man a coward for life. There was no more discussion necessary.

We will leave at dawn; a team of ten persons will be selected. You will receive your notification of selection tonight at 7pm. That will give you enough time to say goodbye to your loved ones. We will leave at 6am in the morning.

There was a murmur of agreement mixed with fear around the room.

Clear the room! The King commanded, Ore, remain so we may speak.

The crowd bustled out of the room.

No, you stay as well Anishea. The King insisted, looking directly at me. I bowed politely and remained in my place.

Then turning his attention away from me he looked directly at Ore.

My daughter cannot go out there!

You have no choice, King. She represents a flag of bravery. If you refuse to let her go, many will refuse to go when selected. The men are afraid; her presence will help them to find their inner strength. Ore explained.

The king bit anxiously on his nails.

I could feel my heart racing, what had I done?

Fine! The King grunted, But we must let Sir Wheizer know she must be protected at all costs. He insisted.

I will be there, your highness, we will do our best to protect her.

It is settled then. Who shall we send? I would suggest Sir Wheizer - the best sword fighter in the land, Lady Madira - the best archer in the land, Sir Haldon and Sir Kar are great fighters as well. Sir Mark - he is a marvellous scout... The King suggested.

Indeed, Sosthenes - a bit combative but a great fighter as well, and Akim and Norwik have shown themselves to be valiant and strong and reliable men also.

The King nodded in agreement.

... and the princess and I would make ten.

The King agreed sadly, he had hoped this day would never come during his reign, a day when the kingdom would be called upon to enter the grounds of the Magical Forest.

I will see they are all notified. After we set out tomorrow I will inform the team of the full dangers of the Forest. It is pointless telling them too early – they might back out and put the entire trip at risk. The king nodded in agreement, Until morning then. Ore Caroon bowed politely and left the room.

*****

Chapter 1

(Anishea’s point of view)

The morning had started out remarkably uneventful - given what challenge we had to face. We had almost made it to the entrance to the Magical Forest when Ore spoke.

Before we enter, He said solemnly, there are a few things you should all know.

Everyone waited with baited breath, I swallowed loudly.

As you know, the Sword of Truth was placed in the centre of the magical forest - and it is the power of the Sword which traps all mythical beings within the woods. Our hero, Onac – of whom Princess Anishea is a direct descendant, entered these woods with five men, to position the Sword, only Onac made it out alive. And legend tells of the great fight he fought to escape. Those evil beings are immortal - which means they may still be alive in there, even after four hundred years. There were whispers and mutterings within the small group, but Ore continued, And getting out is not the only problem. When you enter this magical space - the truth is revealed from the inside to the outside. If your heart is not pure - you could be transformed into a creature which best reflects the state of your heart. You see, the true you will emerge once you step over the thresh hold and into the magical land.

What are you saying, Caroon, that when we enter these woods we could become the same monsters we are trying to save the world from? Mark demanded.

And those who don't become monsters, will be at risk of being destroyed by the same persons they stepped across the thresh hold with. Sosthenes declared angrily.

What you have said is true, Ore comforted, But I have handpicked you men, and women, because you have proven yourselves to be pure of heart and dedicated to the purpose. I see no reason why any of you should be any thing other than what we see before us now.

The talk seemed to comfort the group and there were grunts of agreement.

So what is the plan? Akim asked, To reach the Sword when we get inside?

I believe we will have to keep as low a profile as possible, and when called on to fight - fight with all our might. We cannot, we will not fail. Ore insisted.

There was mutterings of agreement again, I could see the relief on Ore’s face, no one was going to turn back. I stared at the gap in the trees in front of me; this was the entrance to the Magical Forest. I couldn't believe I was here. I had to go through with it, Ore had said that my presence inspired bravery - I didn't feel particularly inspirational, but for what it was worth, I had to stay.

Sir Wheizer had drawn his sword and was making his way through the gap, men were slapping him on his shoulder, I wasn't sure if they were wishing him good luck or good bye. He would be the first one through, I felt so nervous for him, he had always been a true friend to me. I found myself praying that he would make it through safely, and not be transformed into some hideous creature. I watched as Sir Wheizer stepped over the thresh hold and only realised I had been holding my breath when I released it as I recognised that he had not changed.

No need to take so long, next one in. Sir Wheizer called bravely out to us. The trail into the Forest went much faster after that, Sir Wheizer's safe entry seemed to have boosted everyone's courage.

I sighed, I didn't understand, somehow I still felt nervous. I had never been a very adventurous type, perhaps I should turn back now, the team was already on the other side, and they didn't need me.

Come on, child. We don't have all day. Ore was saying, glancing around his shoulders nervously from his position within the forest.

Sir Wheizer had stuck out a hand towards me, I gripped it gratefully, and found myself wishing that I would never have to let it go. Gently he tugged, and I stepped forward, releasing the breath that I had been holding. I was in and I hadn't.....!

No! The scream that escaped from my lips was involuntary. There was cutting pain searing across my mid section, but I had no time to thing of the pain before a feeling as if my head was swelling and trying to explode overcame me.

Oh my God! I could barely decipher Sir Wheizer's voice.

She's a monster - we have to kill her! Sosthenes was shouting.

"You shall have to kill me first!' Sir Wheizer responded, and I watched him brandish his sword menacingly at the team.

Help me.. Those were the last coherent words I muttered before I heard the garments I was wearing rip away from my back and I watched as my fingers and toes transformed to paws.

She's a werewolf! A voice shouted; fear mingled with some indeterminable emotion in the voice.

I had to do something, it was instinct, more than intellect that told me to run. I wasn't sure where I was running to; I just knew I was running away from the frightened angry voices.

Thoughts were running through my head, but they were all jumbled, was it because I was a wolf that I wasn't thinking straight? Or was it because the ordeal was simply too much for me to process?

I must have been running for hours before I finally stopped, where was I? How far had I run? Panic gripped me, I couldn't take care of myself, I needed to find Ore and Wheizer - they would help me. They wouldn't join with the others and try to kill me. The thickness of the trees made the forest dark; there was no sound of animals, no birds, nothing.

I stared down at my paws sadly; a tear trickled down my eyes and weaved its way through the short thick grey hair over my face. I was near a stream, I walked over to the edge of the stream and looked in, the face of a large wolf stared back at me, and another tear trickled off my face and dropped unceremoniously into the water.

I felt tired, I had run too long and too fast, I needed to rest. Maybe when I woke up I would find the whole thing had been one big nightmare, I would be safely back at the castle with my mother and father.

I snuggled down in a small clearing near the stream and closed my eyes.

‘What was that?’ I thought, rushing hastily to my feet and peering around. Did I just see something? No, more like sensed something. I shook my head, it must be my imagination. I laid back down again, but this time there was no mistaking, I was definitely not alone, there was someone or something there. I got cautiously to my feet, should I try to make a run for it? I glanced around and there it was.

I retreated slightly - my heart thumping. It was another wolf, he was bigger - close to eight feet tall, a clear two feet taller than my wolf and he was black and he was coming towards me. What was I to do?

*****

Chapter 2

(Anishea’s point of view)

I bolted.

Where should I go? Was there anyplace safe for me? Would Sir Wheizer protect me? That is, if I could find him. Why did I run away? Now I was going to be killed.

Tree brambles ripped against the tough hide of my skin, breaking and leaving a loud crackling sound, dry brown leaves crunched harshly below my stampeding feet, but I didn't care.

The right, the right - I had to take a right here to get back to Wheizer.

I made the turn, but found the full body of the large black wolf in front of me.

Argh ...owww. It was meant to be a scream, but it sounded decidedly like a howl. Was that animal smirking? I had no time to analyze it; I was trying to bring myself to a sudden halt to stop from bumping right into him. For my efforts I picked up a skid and tumbled, landing just three feet in front of him.

Oh my Gosh! I screamed - although it sounded like 'Owwwl..."

I scrambled to my feet and darted off in the other direction. I could hear the sound of his feet pounding behind me, and the beat of my heart tripled - I was officially panicked.

I would have turned east, but he cut me off, forcing me to continue a northern path. It seemed I had been running for hours, my breathing was ragged and I was getting an awful pain in my side - I had to stop, I couldn't outrun him.

A house? I thought, 'Was that a house I was seeing?" It was pretty big; if I could just outrun him until I made it past the clearing ahead I would head for the house. There was a large window, I could probably just fit through it, and then I would have to find a way to close it when I was inside - to keep the creature out.

I had a plan, I felt a sense of relief - maybe I would survive this ordeal after all. I hadn't realized how complicated steps were for a four footed creature, I bumbled my way up the ten steps to the porch. He had stopped at the edge of the clearing and was watching me intently; dark green