Tess's+Second+LInk

On The Wings of Curiosity ~ To The Forbidden Forest

As Laurella and Shadowfax approached the Forbidden Forest, they could feel a cool chill in the air. Shadowfax knew of the creatures that lurked in these woods. He had heard stories of ten-foot long lizards, two-headed tigers, and the seamonsters that lived in the murky swamps. But worst of all, the legend of Lord Wart, the evil wizard who rules the Forbidden Forest and created these ghastly creatures in his clandestine lair. Shadowfax’s worst fear was that Lord Wart had already captured Gregory and taken him back to this secret chamber where he would perform experimental spells on him. Shadowfax didn’t want Laurella to know of Gregory’s possible fate. When they entered the woods there was a deep stillness and darkness came upon them. The tree tops blocked out the sunlight and a thick mist covered the forest floor. Prickly green vines wrapped around every tree and all that moved was a cold, lonesome breeze which ever so slightly brushed across their skin causing an uncanny sensation. Laurella was beginning to get nervous. She stopped and called out, “Gregory! Gregory! Where are you?!” “We must be quiet, Miss Laurella,” Shadowfax apprehensively whispered, “It is imperative that we go unnoticed.” They proceeded through the forest and continued walking until sunset and lied down to rest. Suddenly they heard something rustling in the bushes and a young man stepped out of the foliage. For a moment he awkwardly stared at them. “Whew! You’re just a boy!” Laurella said. “I am Terrence,” he proudly replied, “I am no boy. I am an elf!” He pushed back his wild black hair to reveal two pointy ears. On his pack he carried a bow and arrows. “I know of your quest to find the human boy. I am here to accompany you to Wart’s lair.” He looked about seventeen to Laurella, but who knows what that is in elf years. “How you doin’ big boy?” Terrence enthusiastically asked Shadowfax. “Oh, never been better,” Shadowfax sarcastically replied. Terrence was frequently sent to Fairy City to to send messages and deliver packages. “It’s best we get some rest,” Shadowfax told the two. The next day the three of them set out at dawn. It was about a days journey to Lord Wart’s lair and oddly they made it without running into any problems. As they got closer they noticed an appaling stench in the air. It was the smell of the unsightly Wart. They knew they were getting close. Now they could see it, the dimly lit woods provided an outline of the massive fortress that stood in front of them. Laurella stood in awe of the terrifying sight, the sky-scraping tower. “Shall we?” said Terrence. But something lingered behind them. It was the ten-foot long lizard! It began slithering towards them. Laurella screamed in terror. “Into the castle!” Commanded Shadowfax. They ran into the castle and bolted the door behind them. Laurella sighed in relief. And then they heard it, the voice that would haunt them forever, the voice of Lord Wart. “Well, well, well. Look who has arrived,” he quietly growled. His stench was enough to knock you out, and if that didn’t do it, it was just the look him. He was a short, pale, lumpy man, with stubby legs, a bald head, and warts all over his body. His black cape fluttered behind him as he hastily approached them. “Come to rescue your friend, I suppose. It’s a shame you’re too late and now I have you just where I want you.” “What?” Laurella asked. But before she could blink an eye a giant net was released upon her and she was taken down to the prison chambers where she found Gregory sitting quietly in the corner of a dark cell. Meanwhile Lord Wart was presenting Shadowfax with a bargain. He proposed, “I will release the humans under one condition, you, Shadowfax, exchange your life for theirs. And then all this will be over and you can they can return home.” There was silence for a few moments as the wise Shadowfax thought. “I’ll do it,” he said. Terrence protested, but there was nothing he could really do. Shadowfax was a powerful horse, that's why Wart wanted him. And if Terrence made any stupid moves, he knew they could all be dead with one swish of Warts wand. Wart’s guards locked Shadowfax in a cell and brought Gregory and Laurella back out. Terrence led them out of the fortress and they ran back into the woods. Terrence took them to they nearest Elf camp where he said, “Now that we are safe, I must ask you. Do you want to return home, back to your normal live, or do you want to stay in the Crystal Forest and join us in the fight. There is a war coming, a war against good and evil. If we loose, it will one day effect you, and if not you, your children. Will you join us?”

If you want Gregory and Laurella to join the Elves in the fight versus good and evil turn to LIZ'S SECOND LINK. If you want Gregory and Laurella and return home and resume their normal lives turn to THE EXCHANGE STUDENT'S LINK.