The Wild Wood(Ian R Hill) The Wild Wood
Written by Ian R Hill
September 2016

There was a fifteeen year old girl called Frankie, who moved from the country to the city as her mother needed to find work. Frankie's dad had recently died.

Frankie loved visiting her Grandmother who lived on the edge of a beautiful Forest. She loved reading and long walks. School holidays were coming up and Frankie had asked her mother if she and her puppy Muffin could visit her Grandmother for the holidays. Her mother had agreed.

The following weekend Frankie caught the bus to Clearville at 8am. It was going to be a long day on the bus. Muffin was in her cage sitting along side Frankie. Frankie's Granny was waiting at the bus stop. Spotting her Granny she put Muffins cage down and ran to her Grandmother giving a little hug. They walked hand in hand to Granny's beautiful green four wheel drive car which had a beautiful row of flowers painted on the doors. Did you paint the flowers on your car Gran? “yes dear”. Oh I do love my Ganny so much, thought Frankie. “It looks ever so pretty.”
Gran squeezed Frankies hand lovingly.

Frankie said “I can not wait for my long walks in the Forest”. Grandma said "Frankie the Forest is not a safe place and you should not go walking in there”. Frankie smiled and said "oh Grandma I love to walk with Muffin and the Forest is such an exciting place". Grandma replied, “the Forest is a dangerous place. Over the years strange things have happened in there. Unexplained sightings of strange animals. Walkers have disappeared and have never been seen since”. Frankie listened while Grandma spoke. But the stories did not deter Frankie.

At dusk Muffins ears pricked up as the Forest animals started their calls as they settled in for the night. Their songs were beautiful.

The next morning after a lovely peaceful sleep Frankie woke feeling refreshed. She sat up in bed looking at the sun as it streamed in her bedroom window. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. Grandma called, “breakfast Frankie”. Frankie slid out of bed patting Muffin on the head and went down stairs for breakfast. After breakfast Grandma asked what Frankie had planned for the day. Frankie looked at her Grandma and pointed to the forest. Grandma smiled and said "be very careful Frankie, remember what I told you".

Muffin and Frankie set off down the white graveled path which led to the Forest. Grandma stood at the back door and waved good bye to Frankie. Grandma knew Frankie would be alright as she was not an ordinary young girl.

Muffin started sniffing by a big old oak tree when the ground opened up and she fell into the hole. Frankie raced over to find the hole had closed over. Muffin was gone. Frankie searched for an opening around the base of the oak tree.

From behind the tree appeared a funny looking man who was about two foot tall. He had a long pointed nose, big floppy ears, long hair and beard the colour of gold. He was wearing a tall pointed hat with a bell attached to the point which flopped over on his left shoulder. His trousers were bright blue, and his coat was yellow. He wore a red silk shirt with brown buttons. His cane was gnarly like his fingers. As he appeared from behind the tree he looked at Frankie and said ....."lost something little girl?"....Frankie was lost for words she just stared at the little old man. "Cat got your tongue girl?". Frankie swallowed and said "who are you?" "My name is Tobias”. “What are you doing in the Forest?" asked Frankie a little nervously. “I walk the Forest every day waiting for you to appear." "Why" said Frankie. Tobias said "because you have come to save our Forest". Frankie looked surprised.

2

She told Tobias about Muffin who has disappeared into a hole". "Oh my” said Tobias.
Frankie's looked so troubled, " How can I find him?."..... Tobias looked at Frankie and said "how brave are you?" Frankie looked at the little man puzzled. "What do you mean! " Tobias said "your dog has been taken by the Black Opal and he lives deep beneath the Forrest floor in his Kingdom." "Why would he take my dog?" Tobias looked at Frankie and said "he wants you". "Why would he want me?" "The Forrest has been talking about you for many weeks." "Every one knew you were coming to your Grandma's house to stay". “If he could capture the human girl that will become the Protector of the Forrest he would be the envy of all the Kingdoms". "Why me?" "Well Frankie if I may call you Frankie". "Yes yes". "You have special powers and he knows you can save the Forrest and destroy his power over the Forrest Kingdom". "What is wrong with the Forrest?" "The Forrest has secret powers and the Black Opal is draining the Forrest of its powers". "You are the only one who can find the Axe Tea". "What is the Axe Tea?" "It is a very special water that when sprinkled will restore the Forrest to its former glory where the Forrest dwellers can all live in safety". "How do I do that?" "Your Grandma is a special person". "She has magical powers". "Her powers have been passed down through the years." "Your Great Grandmother passed her powers onto your Grandmother then your Grandmother to your Mother then down to you". "When the young female human turns 16 years old the powers are enhanced and become fully matured". "Your family come from a long line of Forrest Protectors." "Your Grandmother knew you would venture into the Forrest because the Forrest had told her many moons ago it was in trouble and it needed her to save the Forrest". "Your Grandma is too old to fight the Black Opal and your Mother does not believe in her powers so she moved away to the city". "The Black Opal knows you are turning 16 soon and your powers will mature". Once you turn 16 he will not be able to stop you". "You will search the Forrest and find the Axe Tea". " But how do I find the Axe Tea? "You have to follow your heart and it will lead you to the secret bronze chalice which you will use to contain the Axe Tea." "Where do I start? "

"There are three tasks" " First task is to prove you are worthy to take on the challenge to retrieve the Axe Tea and save the Forrest". "Continue on through the Forrest and the Forrest will guide you". Frankie turned to speak with Tobias and to her amazement he had disappeared. Frankie called out his name ...."Tobias, Tobias where are you?"...A faint voice came back.... "follow the path" and the voice faded. Frankie gingerly walked along the path. A little frightened as to what she might come across

After a few minutes she came across a small blue bird laying on its side on the path. Frankie
crouched down and very carefully picked up the small bird and cradled it in her cupped hands. The bird opened its eyes and said "can you carry me to the next cross road". Frankie nodded and walked on carrying the small bird. As she walked the bird started to grow. Eventually it grew to the size of a Wedge Tailed Eagle. Frankie held on to the bird as long as she could. The now huge bird said "you are of strong character and even though I have grown huge you did not deter from the path you carried me without fear". The Eagle raised its huge wings and as it took to flight it said "you are worthy of the three tasks". "Keep to the Forrest path and you will come across your 2nd challenge".

The time had slipped by and darkness began to fall over the Forrest. Frankie slowed her walk and looked about. There on the side of the path she found a soft bed of leaves. She laid down and fell instantly to sleep. She began to dream. As she slept a flock of blue birds picked up the bed of soft leaves and flew her high up into the trees. They laid her down high in the tree tops where she would be safe overnight from the Black Opal.

3

Her dream took her deep inside the Forrest. In her dream she came across a white rabbit with big fluffy black ears. Frankie thought, what a strange looking Rabbit. Frankie was very cautious as she approached rabbit. The rabbit was eating blue carrots that had white tops. He looked up as Frankie came nearer. "Hello human ,what are you doing so deep in the Forrest?" . Frankie paused and said "I am on a quest". The Rabbit looked at her and said "what sort of quest?" "Why do you want to know?" The rabbit said "I may be able to help you find the Axe Tea". Frankie looked startled and said "I am not looking for Axe Tea". The rabbit realised he had said the wrong thing. "Quickly he said "Sorry, I meant do you want a cup of tea". Frankie was a bit confuse. She stepped backwards and said "thank you for your kind offer of help but I will be fine". Stepping to the side Frankie walked on passed the rabbit. As Frankie walked she heard a faint voice "well done Frankie you passed that test". "The rabbit works for the Black Opal ".

Morning came and Frankie woke. The Blue Birds had put her back on the ground. She stretched and thought of her dream. Was the dream a warning. Frankie stood and stretched and wiped her eyes. Near where she had laid she heard water flowing. Frankie walked down towards the stream sound. It was a stream. She knelt down and cupped her hands and filled them with water. She splashed the water onto her face. The water was cool. As she dried her face with her sleeve of her jacket she heard that faint voice. She had to start thinking what all this meant...."Remember the dream Frankie ,remember the dream". Frankie looked puzzled. She could hear the voice. She walked back up to the Forrest path where she noticed on the side of the path a bowl of fruit, cheese and a bottle of water. It was all very puzzling. The Blue Birds were high in the tree tops watching over her. Frankie sat down beside the bowl fruit and began to eat. The fruit was fresh and juicy , the water cool and refreshing. The cheese was tasty.

A cool breeze licked around her shoulders as to lift her. Frankie stood and started to contiue along the path. After walking for some time she came across the same rabbit in her dream. The rabbit was white and fluffy with big black ears. He was eating the same carrots as her in her dream. Frankie remembered what the voice had said. She approached the rabbit slowly. The rabbit looked up and said "are you lost Human?" Frankie replied "no". "Then where are you going?" Frankie paused and thought a little and said "I am on my way home". The rabbit said "where is your home?" Frankie replied "on the edge of the Forrest". The Rabbit said "I know a short cut, Follow me". The rabbit started in the opposite direction. Frankie said " that is not the wayto my home." The rabbit turned and said "this a short cut". He disappeared down a hole. Frankie stopped. She forgot the warning and only thought about Muffin. The rabbits head appeared out of the hole and he said "come on, follow me". Frankie knew she should not go down the hole but her thirst for adventure and a chance to find Muffin took hold and she climbed into the hole. Frankie did not realise as she entered the hole she had grown smaller.

Beneath the ground was a huge cavern. There were lights every where. The lights were buzzing. There were fire flies everywhere. As she walked along the dirt path more rabbits appeared out of no where. Their big eyes looked Frankie up and down. One hopped up and said "you are the human they call Frankie". "We have been waiting for you". Three more rabbits hopped over and suddenly threw a net at her. The net settled down over Frankie. "We have captured her". They all began to dance around Frankie lying under the net. "Quick send word to the the Black Opal tell him we have captured the human girl.". Beneath the net Frankie struggled but there was no escape. The rabbits lifted Frankie and bundled her onto a wheel barrow and starting to push her along. "Where are you taking me she cried?" "To the black Opal"... "let me go"..she struggled but the net was too strong.

4

After what seemed like and age the barrow stopped. Suddenly she was lifted and pushed down another hole. As she tumbled down the hole another opened up and she went side ways. Suddenly she came to an abrupt stop. The net was thrown off her. It was Tobias. "Hurry Frankie ,climb up through that hole it will lead you back to the surface". When she looked over her shoulder for Tobias he had gone. Frankie climbed as fast as she could. She reached surface and turned back to her normal size. She climbed out of the hole, dusted herself off pushed the hair from her eyes and then as fast as she could ran down the path. After fifty steps or so she came across a piece of paper laying on the path ahead of her. She knelt down, picked up the paper and noticed there was a gold coin which she also picked up. Frankkie realised it was a note. She read it quickly looking over her shoulder to see no one was following her after she had escaped from the rabbits. The note read, your next task is to take this special gold coin, (Frankie looked at the gold coin in her hand), and buy three potato seeds. (The potato seeds were special as well. In time they will grow to feed all those captured by the Black Opal). The note told her nothing about where to obtain the potato seeds. As she walked on along the Forrest path she came across a Kangaroo. The Kangaroo looked up from where he was grazing. He laid back on his tail and said "are you looking for potato seeds?” Frankie said "how do you know that?". Kangaroo said "I listen to the Forrest and it told me" ."Where do I go to get the potato seeds?" "Follow this path and you will find a little red house, ask for Hettie". "Thank you" said Frankie and she continued on.

By this time the sun was high in the sky. Frankie was feeling hungry. She came across the little red house. "Hello hello" called Frankie. A faint voice came from the house. "Whos there?” ..Frankie replied "the Kangaroo sent me" The door opened and a little old lady came out. "What do you want?" "I am looking for three potato seeds".. "Do you have a gold coin?" Frankie "yes I do". The old lady held out her small hand. In her hand were three brightly coloured seeds. Frankie extended her hand and gave the lady the gold coin and asked "What are the seeds for?" The little old lady said "continue on your journey and you will find out". Frankie continued on. Fifty steps down the path she came
across another bowl of fruit and a bottle of water. The Blue Birds were watching from the trees above.... Frankie sat down and ate the fruit and drank the water.

Ten minutes later the cool breeze came around her shoulders and lifted her again. Frankie stood and walked on. There grazing by the side of the path was Blue Turtle. The Turtle looked around as Frankie approached. "Hello human?" Frankie was not surprised by the turtle talking. After all everything in this Forrest is amazing. Frankie paused and knelt down by the turtle and said "what is your name?" "My name is Mr Turtle"... Frankie just smiled... The turtle said “do you have the potato seeds?” Frankie said “yes I do”. The Turtle pointed to a Bronze container laying by the path. He said “leave the potato seeds and take the bronze container”. Frankie said “what is the container for?” The Blue Turtle said “in time you will find out”. “Keep the container with you and guard it”.. He then turned collecting
the three potato seeds and disappear down a small hole just off the path.

Frankie again was feeling hungry and tired. She walked carefully down the path clutching the container to her chest. . A voice whispered "over here". Frankie knew through her experience from being captured by the Rabbits not to venture too far off the path. The sky was growing dark and she felt tired. She moved towards the voice. Then there just off the path was a bowl of fruit and a bottle of water. Frankie looked around but no one was there. She sat down on the soft leaves. She ate the fruit and drank the water. Only this time it was not left by the Blue Birds.


5


After drinking the water she felt very sleepy. She slowly drifted off into a deep sleep. The Rabbits came up out of the holes through the magic net over Frankie which shrunk her to one eight her size bundled her into there wheel barrow. They wheeled her down the hole and ten minutes later they arrived at the Black Opals Castle.

The Castle was in the center of a beautiful Forrest along side the most magnificent water fall. The Forrest outside the Castle grounds, stretching as far as the eye could see was dying.

Frankie woke. She was inside some sort of shell. There was no door just a small window. The area was cramped. She moved close to the window. A guard stood outside. The guard was short, he had a head of a pig and a body of a shaggy dog. He had a pitch fork in his right hand.

He turned and saw Frankie at the widow. "We have finally caught you again" and there is no escape and he roared with laughter. Frankie started to cry. The voice came again.. Frankie “ You have untold powers within yourself”. Frankie dried her eyes . The voice said “look into the Bronze container Frankie”. Frankie peered into the container where she saw a small sword.. She reached into the container and withdrew the sword. As the sword came out it grew bigger.. The voice said “Strike the walls of the shell Frankie”. As she struck the walls the shell it fell apart. Frankie did not realise the shell was containing her in a minature size. As Frankie grew back to her normal size she felt strange. Some thing inside her came alive. Frankie had for gotten it was her sixteenth birthday today. Her powers had fully mature.

Frankie looked over and there was a huge urn. The water in the urn was jumping. It had seen Frankie as she appeared from the broken shell. The water turned into a hand and pointed to Frankie. Frankie knew straight away what the bronze chalice was for.". She turned and there was the Black Opal. He was the ugliest toad she had ever seen. He called to his guards, “STOP HER”. The guards were all terrified. They dropped their pitch forks and ran. Frankie called out “STOP”. The guards all turned. Frankie said "This is the end of the Black Opal, you are all free, go in peace and live your lives". The guards all cheered. The guards had been taken as children from their families by the Black Opal. Frankie turned to the Black Opal and said "I banish you from this Forrest for ever". The guards picked up there pitch forks and prodded and pushed the Toad down the ramp and took him out of the Forrest to a quarry where he would now live and never return. The Forrest would be watching him and if he ever ventured into the Forrest Frankie would be notified. The Black Opal knew this was so. He settled in to his life of poverty.

Frankie walked over to the huge urn, filled the Bronze container with the Axe Tea. Then walked over to the dry dying Forrest. She raised the container. The lid of the container opened and the Axe Tea started to spread like a low fog over the trees and plants. The trees and plants started to Blossom again and colours were of the rainbow. The Forrest looked like a reflection off a Ruby jewel glistening in the sunlight. All the Forrest animals danced and cheered. The Blue Birds who had taken care un known to Frankie landed on Frankie's shoulders. She raised her arms and the Blue Birds settled along the length of her arms. From no where Tobias appeared. He stepped out from behind a tree. Frankie's eye gazed down towards Tobias's hand. There was a lead draped over his finger. Muffin poked his head out from behind Tobias legs and barked. Tobias released his lead and Muffin ran straight up to Frankie . Frankie knelt down and picked up Muffin. Muffin Licked Frankie all over her face. Frankie smiled and cuddled Muffin.


6

The Blue Birds led Frankie out of the Forest and along the leaf covered path to her Grandma's house. Frankie's Grandma was working in the garden. She turned to Frankie and smiled. Frankie knew she was the Protector of the Forest now. Grandma said "Frankie, you have made our family proud. Your gift is special and the Forrest will always need your protection".
Frankie looked back at the Forest and smiled. The Animals turned and disappeared into the restored Beautiful Magical Forest.

Frankie turned to have another look at the Forest, There is a hill protruding out of the Forest in the distance. It is now covered with beautiful red flowers and every one in the town calls it the Beautiful Ruby Wood Hill.

After that day there were no more strange sightings and people began to walk in the Forest once more and enjoyed its beauty.



The End

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