A World of Magic

Within no time she was fast asleep and didn’t notice the door opening and the dark shadow looking over her.

Ann woke the next morning feeling refreshed and well rested. Her clothes had been put on a stool next to the bed. Thinking to herself, what a quiet mover this big fella was. She hadn’t heard him come into the room.

She also noticed, sitting on a large wooden box, some water and soap for her to wash with, thinking he would be probably waiting for her to get up she quickly washed and dressed.

When Ann finally went into the main room of the house, there was another fire burning away. Serge was arranging firewood for that day. On hearing her come into the room he looked over.

"There is some fresh bread and cheese for you on the table".

Before Ann had a chance to thank him, he left the cabin. Feeling reasonable hungry she decided to eat the food he had left, and pondered on what she was to do next. How was she going to get home?

Serge returned to retrieve his furs. Ann knew she would have to say something now or else the moment would be lost.

"Is there anything I can do to repay your kindness?"

He gave her a long look "Yes, find your way home".

Ann did not care much for the sound of that, she was not ready to go wandering around trying to find out how to get back to her home. Especially as she had no idea how she got here.

Instead she continued with her first track "Where are you going now? Could I come along and help?"

He looked unsure about the questions, probably trying to figure out what it was she would manage to do.

"I am going to cut some more wood for the fire, I will need to travel a little distance to find older trees".

Ann jumped up and grabbed her coat, "Well that’s fine I will come along with you then" flashing him a quick smile she headed out of the door before he could complain.

Serge followed Ann out of the cabin, once again clad in his furs. He gave her coat a raised eyed looked to which Ann just ignored.

With Serge leading the way, they set a steady pace into the woods. It was much colder than Ann imaged it would be, the air was bitter and she soon felt it bite into her bones. Trying to take her mind of the cold, she started to admire the surroundings she found herself in; it was very beautiful. They were walking through thick woodlands, Ann recognised similar kinds to Oak and Pine. Some were pretty impressive looking, one great looking Oak made Ann paused to admire it, she shook her head in wonder and how the branches managed to stay intact. The great oaks braches spread out well over 10 feet from its base, it looked very impressive covered in snow. Ann noticed how confident Serge was, he never seemed to loose pace, he read the land well and walked in quite a stealthy manner. Unlike her who was doing a bit of stumbling at times, much to Serges annoyance.

"What did you say they called this place?" She asked.

"Norstar Forrest." Serge replied. "There is a village I could take you to called Gwent. It is only 5 miles from here but with the snow it could take a good a few hours to get there"