The Woods Ch. 01

A frightened expression fell over her face for just a moment. He caught a glimpse of it and moved closer towards her slender frame. He could see that even though she had been able to rearrange her facial expressions to appear calm, she could not conceal her uneven and nervous breathing.

"I've got to go get some food and some more firewood. Winter will be here very soon, so the sooner we go, the better." He said gently, "You won't have to go anywhere without me. I promise; I won't let you out of my sight. Does that sound alright?"

The girl twisted her ankle back and forth, digging her toes into the rug. Hesitantly, she nodded. Henry gave her a small reassuring squeeze on the shoulder. Her eyes never left him.

"Now," I don't have anything for you to wear that will fit you just right. But, I think we can make do."

The next day he had given her layers of clothing to keep warm. He gave her an empty backpack, and took another pack for himself.

Her heart beat furiously. The idea of going into town, into a public place; what were the chances she would run into her owner? The woman stayed very close to Henry, constantly looking about to make sure that they were not being followed.

Henry noticed her worried state and tried to reassure her. "It's much safer to travel on foot. Besides," he said patting his riffle, "I'm a good shot."

This did not seem to quell her fear at all.

He could feel the chill in the air. Winter would be here soon, and he needed to stock up on more supplies. There was only so much he could carry on foot, but luckily the girl would be able to help. Most likely he would be able to bring back a few pounds of flour or cornmeal, a bag or two of oats, and some canned vegetables. If he was lucky, he might bring back some apples or dried foods as well. Even though he was not able to gather much from his journey, it was much safer to do things this way. Traveling with a wagon full of supplies was like traveling with a target on your back. Better to make it look like you wouldn't be worth the energy to fight.

He'd brought a little extra money in order to buy her some boots and a coat. He bitterly regretted selling the majority of his wife's clothes. After her death, he'd only kept a few of her things. The rest he'd sold in order to help take care of his young daughter.

Finally, they reached the marketplace. Wooden shops lined the dirty cobblestone streets. The air was filled with bustling and sounds of chatter as people walked from shop to shop. It was always busy here, he thought.

Two rich young women walked by him in their long velvet dresses and fur coats. He could tell that they were desperately trying to ignore his presence. When they had passed him, he could hear their chatter begin again. He kept walking.

A young man with a dirty face was lighting the street lamps as the sun was beginning to set. The man nodded at Henry and nodded back pleasantly before disappearing into another store. He could feel the young woman grab onto his coat, it was a strange, almost childlike gesture. He turned to reassure her.

"Don't worry, this town is very safe," He spoke softly, "I won't let anything happen to you."

The woman nodded. Her large eyes still filled with worry.

"The first thing we are going to do is to make sure you have some clothes that fit properly. How does that sound?"

The girl nodded, more enthusiastically this time.

When they entered the clothing store, he received a few unkind glances. His appearance was more disheveled than the town women were used to. Still, he strode over the woman at the desk, the nameless girl still following close behind. She looked startled but stood firm.

"How may I help you?"

"I'm looking for boots and a cloak. For a young woman."

The woman nodded, without glancing too long in the girl's direction, "I've got just the thing."

When she returned, she was holding a warm pair of boots, a green velvet dress, and a sturdy brown cloak with a large hood. It was nothing fancy, but it would be very warm, the merchant assured Henry.

But Henry shook his head. "Not the dress," He said taking the other items and giving them to his ward. "I'm afraid she's going to need something more durable. Do you have any pants?"

The saleswoman gave Henry a curious look, "Of course." She replied just before turning the corner to go into the storeroom. In a flash she was back with a pair of green pants and a cream-colored sweater.

"It's got plenty of pockets," she said handing over the pants, "They should do nicely for any sort of traveling."

Henry thanked her and paid her well. The merchant allowed the young woman change in the small closet. The girl took off the large, heavy clothes that Henry had given her. She immediately felt a shock from the brisk air as it brushed against her bare skin. Quickly, she put on the new clothes and was relieved that although they were a tad large, they fit much better than Henry's clothing. When she walked out of the closet, she felt a small sense of pride. She liked having something new, and it felt like something she would want to wear. It was not at all like when her owners would buy her outfits. Those outfits were never really for her. But, Henry had made sure to get her clothes that would protect her and keep her warm. The thought made her feel strange.

As they left the store and turned the corner, the smell of baked goods filled the air. The smell brought Henry back to a time years ago. The melodious sounds of a crackling fire and clanking dishes that signified warm food and full stomachs seemed to allow him to release a breath he didn't know he was holding. The wonderful scent of cinnamon and apples wafted towards him and carried him away to pleasant memories spent here with his young family, his sweet baby girl, and caring wife.

Each Christmas Eve Henry and his family would go into town and eat and shop. Then they would sit and look out over the lake. As the sun began to set, he would read them both a Christmas story. His little girl would fall asleep in her mother's lap and then he would carry her the short distance home to their flat above the mercantile he stood in now.

He took a deep breath, pulling himself back to reality. He was only there to buy supplies and head back. When he left the store, he had bought for himself everything he needed, as well as a few small jars of dried fruits and some winter squash and carrots. His pack was very full, but he still needed to stop by one last place.

He wondered how the woman was doing. She was still holding onto his coat. He noticed how she was avoiding eye contact with anyone they came close to. He patted her on the back as he finished putting the last jar into his bag. Then pulling her hood over her head, he took her outside.

"There's one final stop we need to make," Henry said as they walked down another street. "She might not allow you to come in. If that's the case, you will wait outside until I come back."

The young woman stopped. Henry could see how frightened she was, but knew that there was nothing he could do. It was not for him to say. Slowly, he coaxed the girl to keep walking. He reassured her that nothing would happen to her while she waited.

The store was tucked away from the clattering sounds of the passerby. Henry walked down a very narrow alley until he reached the sturdy oak door. There was a golden doorknob and a small window that was presently covered with wood and little iron bars. The walls on either side of the door were made of stone. There were no signs or store displays. He knocked seven times then paused.

There was the sound of metal clanking followed by footsteps, and suddenly a piece of the door was removed to reveal a little peephole through which Henry could now see an eye peering out at him. The wooden flap was shut again and there was another sound of metal clanking. This time the door opened.

"You have brought a companion I see. She will have to wait outside while we do business."

Without another moment's notice, Henry was ushered in by a tall white-haired woman. Despite her white hair, her appearance was similar to that of a young woman.

The young woman caught a brief glimpse of her, before the door closed behind Henry. She could feel her chest becoming tight, making it difficult to breath. She leaned against the stone walls of the woman's store and sunk to the ground. She was trying so hard to breathe deeply. She felt like the walls of the alley were closing in on her, like they would soon surround and crush her. She pulled the hood up over her head and tucked in her knees. As hard as she tried, she could not force herself to become calm.

They would find her here. He would be looking for her in every town, and she would not be able to fight this time.

Inside the store it was warm and cozy. Henry had known her since he was a young boy and never had her appearance changed. She was said to over 200 years old, yet she was more nimble and quick and beautiful than any young woman in town. She called upon this charm often when making sales. She was an enchantress and had been making potions and remedies for years. However, she rarely left her storehouse. For this reason she often called upon a few trustworthy souls to search and find particular ingredients for her. She could not allow just one person to rely on because she wanted to keep her potions and mixtures secret. For these ingredients, she would pay handsomely. But, if anyone betrayed her trust, she would be sure to make them suffer greatly.

So renowned was she among the people, that no one dared to betray her. She nestled herself out of sight from the main townspeople, but she had no shortage of customers and her prices were often steep. She could heal the wounded, provide elixirs that forced the truth out of people, and even cure infertility and heartache.

Henry gave her a small bow and she locked the door again behind him. The woman gestured gracefully for him to sit. Her voice was ethereal.

"I am pleased to see you again," she spoke in a voice both soft and commanding of respect, "You were not troubled on your journey I hope."

"No ma'am," Henry said, "The journey was no trouble at all. I have brought you what you asked for."

She nodded to him and began to pour herself a glass of water from the pitcher that lie on the table. Her silver robe shimmered in the dim candlelight which warmed her alabaster skin. Thick white hair flowed gracefully over her shoulders. She sipped again and waited for the contents of his bag to be emptied.

Laid out on the wooden table were four small antlers, a large jar of strange red and orange mushrooms, dried leaves and acorns in a small burlap pouch, four rabbit's feet, another jar filled with water from a specific stream, and finally a small vile of tree sap. The woman thanked Henry and he collected the money from her. She then supplied him with another list of supplies, and he left the warmth of her store. When he looked before him, he was startled by the sight.