The Really Amazing Fairytale

The Really Amazing Fairytale By Nicola Pellow

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Dedicated to: All the characters in the story that inspired me. To Sophie, for the artistic front cover. To all the fairytales that I read as a child which gave me ideas. And to Gavin, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

“Probably the difference between man and the monkeys is that the monkeys are merely bored, while man has boredom plus imagination.” Lin Yutang

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Contents

CHAPTER 1.......................................................................................................4 CHAPTER 2.......................................................................................................6 CHAPTER 3.......................................................................................................9 CHAPTER 4.....................................................................................................12 CHAPTER 5.....................................................................................................15 CHAPTER 6.....................................................................................................19 CHAPTER 7.....................................................................................................22 CHAPTER 8.....................................................................................................26 CHAPTER 9.....................................................................................................30 CHAPTER 10...................................................................................................33 CHAPTER 11...................................................................................................36 CHAPTER 12...................................................................................................39 CHAPTER 13...................................................................................................41 CHAPTER 14...................................................................................................43 CHAPTER 15...................................................................................................45

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Chapter 1 Are you sitting comfortably? Then I'll begin.... Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a young peasant boy called Gavin. He worked in the stables for his father and did lots of odd jobs for the big house that the stables belonged to. Whenever any wood was needed for the fire it would be his job to walk to the forest 5 miles away and cut some wood. He enjoyed these trips as it was a chance to daydream without being reprimanded by his father. Many of the local peasants were afraid of the forests but Gavin was used to them and never found them anything other than welcoming. The big house, that the stables belonged to, was the home of the local knight Sir Ellingham. He was an extremely kind landlord to the locals and treated all his staff well. He had a beautiful wife and even more stunning daughter. Her name was Ruth. All the locals adored Ruth as she would go into the village and play with the children, help the women folk and listen to the tales of the old men. Gavin had never spoken to Ruth as he was too shy. He often saw her in the gardens feeding the birds and tending the flowers. One day his father came running to get him and told him he was wanted in the big house. Sir Ellingham had called for him. Gavin cleaned himself up quickly and ran to the house. When he arrived at the front door he saw Ruth's mother in tears. Sir Ellingham was looking distressed and was trying to comfort her. Once he saw Gavin he called him over. 'Young man, your father tells me that you often go into the forest to collect our fire wood.' 'Yes sir, that's true.' 'Are you never afraid? Many of the locals won't go near the place.' 'Sir, I have grown up near that forest and have always treated it with respect so I have had no reason to fear it.' 'Do you know of a cottage near the middle of the forest? It belongs to an old hag, or at least, so the tales say.' 'I have indeed seen the cottage from a distance but it has always been a ruin. Although...' 'What boy?' 'Well, the other day something was different. It must be impossible, but there seemed to be smoke coming from the chimney.' 'Then it is true.' said Sir Ellingham with a sigh. 'Pardon me sir, but what is true?' 'Ruth was out in the garden this afternoon as usual, but when her mother went to call her in for dinner she had disappeared. We asked all the villages and staff but nobody had seen her. When we

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searched the garden we found her gardening gloves with a note inside. The note said that Ruth would be safe but that we would not see her again. When I saw the writing I recognised it at once. You see, the hag in the forest is actually my sister. We grew up together and were always very close. When she was just 18 she became terribly ill and lost her beautiful looks. After that, no man wanted to marry her and she shut herself away in the forest. I would often go to visit her, but after a few years the isolation started to turn her slightly mad. She began to think the forest could talk to her. She became dangerous when I tried to explain the impossibility of such a thing so I stopped visiting her. A few years later the reports of her became scarcer and scarcer. Eventually I went back and the cottage was abandoned. It has stood empty for 20 years now. I never thought she would return. But it appears that she has now come and taken my beautiful daughter. She always wanted children, but since no man would look at her it became a wild fantasy. I never thought she would be capable of doing such a thing as this though. You are our only hope. Everybody else is too afraid to venture past the borders of the woods. Please, rescue her for us. If you do then you may have her hand in marriage.' 'Sir it would be an honour for me to try and rescue her. But no reward is needed. Who she marries should be her own choice. That is the price of my help. That she may marry whomever she chooses.' 'You are quite an unusual boy. Most young men would jump at the chance to marry my beautiful daughter. It shows how kind you really are and I hope even more that she chooses you.' And so, Gavin went back to his and packed a few essentials before heading into the woods………

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Chapter 2 Now where was I? Oh yes I remember. Gavin headed into the woods. Along the road he started to think about Ruth. He wondered how he would manage to get her out of the hag's house safely. He suddenly realised that he hadn't asked Sir Ellingham what his sister's name was. He could hardly call her the hag to her face. He hoped it wouldn't come to a fight. Even if she was mad he wouldn't want to fight an old woman. Before he knew it he was at the borders of the forest. Somehow he was more reluctant than usual to enter. He tried to remember how he usually felt when entering the woods. Normally it was a refuge for him from his father's anger. His dad had been verging on angry all his life. He had never known his mum and he assumed that the reason for his father's anger had something to do with her death. His father had never told him much about his mother except that she was an extraordinary woman. Gavin has looked for pictures of her or even a scrap of paper with her handwriting on it, but there was nothing in the house. He took a deep breath and started into the forest towards the cottage. It wasn't long before the soft light filtering through the trees calmed him as it always did. The song of birds and rustle of leaves were familiar sounds to him and he was soon quite relaxed. He had almost forgotten why he was even there when he saw the cottage. It was in the clearing ahead of him and again there was smoke coming out the chimney. It also seemed to look more cared for than it had done in all his memory. He approached the cottage cautiously and knocked on the door. A few minutes later and a withered old woman opened the door. Gavin noticed that her face was disfigured on one side and remembered what Sir Ellingham had said about the disease that had taken away her beauty. Gavin couldn't understand why but there was an air of familiarity about her. Like a face you recognised but just couldn't place. She in turn stifled a small gasp when she saw him. He decided there wasn't much point in beating around the bush. 'Excuse me, but I've been sent here by Sir Ellingham to see if Ruth is ok.' 'How did you know she was here?' the woman asked. 'He simply said that he guessed this was where she was. He didn't give me any explanation.' He didn't think it would be good to let her know the story of her past.

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'Well she's here all right and she's completely fine. I told him I would take care of her. I suppose you'll want to see her for yourself though so come on in.' As Gavin stepped across the threshold he noticed how nicely the room had been kept. It was quite bare but there were little touches that showed she'd been trying to make it more homely. And there in the corner was Ruth by the stove. As he walked in she turned around. 'Hi Gavin. What brings you here?' she asked A bit stunned Gavin stuttered out, 'How do you know my name?' 'I always saw you helping your dad out at the stables and all the women in the town speak kindly of you.' 'Oh. Well, um. I'm here because your dad asked me to, um, check that you're safe.' 'Oh I see. Well you can tell him I'm perfectly happy. Sarah is looking after me and is really rather dear.' Sarah. So that was her name. And why did that ring a bell? Of course, his mother's name was Sarah. What a strange coincidence. But then, Sarah was quite a popular name back then. Then Sarah invited him to at least stay for dinner before heading back through the forest. He suddenly realised that the soup Ruth was cooking looked really rather good and he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He accepted her invitation and pulled up a chair at the table. Over the meal Sarah asked him a great deal about the work he and his father did. Ruth it seemed had already told her quite a lot about him but she was still intensely curious. After dinner Ruth offered to do the washing up but Sarah told her to take Gavin for a walk through the woods and leave the cleaning to her. Once they'd left the cottage Gavin began to tell her why he'd really come. Immediately Ruth started to protest. 'But Gavin. She's been awfully kind to me. I'm not a prisoner. I'm more a companion. She is awfully lonely out here and I think she's always wanted a daughter.' Gavin hadn't counted on Ruth wanting to stay. Could he force her to leave? He decided that he would have to go back to the town and speak to her father again and see what his advice was. He could always come back tomorrow since she was safe enough for now. When they returned to the cottage it had started to get dark and Sarah invited him to stay the night. He began to protest but was overruled by both the women. It seemed that for all that Ruth was happy she had enjoyed his company and didn't want him to leave. So he agreed. Sarah brought out some blankets and pillows to make the chair more comfortable for him.

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That evening they all sat by the fire and Gavin got up the courage to ask Sarah her story. She sat in silence for a good while and he wondered whether she had heard him. He was just about to repeat his question when she spoke. 'Haven't you guessed yet Gavin?' There was something about that voice that really did seem very familiar and yet the reason was just out of reach. She looked deep into his eyes and could see he still hadn't figured it out. She sighed. I never thought things would come together like this. I didn't think I'd ever get to see you again and I promised your father I wouldn't try to find you. Funny that you actually came to find me instead. Suddenly, Gavin knew. That face, that voice. It came floating back to him from his infancy. He had been lying in straw in the stable and a woman was crying. Her face above him blurred by the tears. Then he heard her speak to a man beside her. 'I can't do this. I'm not fit to be a mother or a wife to you both. It'll be best for everybody if I leave.' The man's voice when he replied was choked with emotion. 'I don't care what other people say. You're not mad and you are beautiful.' 'It doesn't matter. I will always be treated as an outcast. Even by my brother. I need to go.' And then she passed him to the man and walked out into the rain. The man held him for a long time simply gazing at him and crying. Gavin came to with a start. He realised the old woman was smiling at him. 'So. You do remember.' Without even thinking he ran to her and wrapped his arms around her. Her face was wet with tears and he was sobbing. Ruth watched them both quietly for a second and then left the room to allow them to catch up. There was much to talk about.......

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Chapter 3 After a while Gavin and Sarah pulled out of the embrace. She looked away to give him a chance to dry his face. She busied herself making him a cup of tea and she called Ruth back into the room. 'Now my dears. I suppose you both want to know my story.' 'Well, yes. I know that you're my aunt but dad only ever said that you disappeared. He didn't know where you went and he only told me about you once.' Ruth said. 'Yes. He would tell you that I suppose.' said Sarah bitterly. 'So what really happened....Mum?' said Gavin tentatively. 'Well..... When we were young Sir Ellingham, Bertie he was then, and I were very close. No siblings were closer than us. We always got into trouble together and looked after each other. He was so protective of his little sister. But one year, something dreadful happened. We'd been exploring in the woods when I'd fallen into a bush and the berries had burst on my face. We never knew what they were but it hurt terribly and by the time we got back to the village and managed to wash the juice off it had burned half my face. It didn't hurt once the juice was washed off so I was quite unconcerned. Bertie reacted terribly though. He couldn't bear to look at me! I'd never noticed until then, but Bertie was obsessed with beauty. It was his idea that I live in the forest. I thought he was protecting me from other people's reactions but I soon realised he was ashamed of me. Not many of the villagers knew what happened but your father Gavin would bring me food and talk to me. We became very close. After a while Bertie realised the bond there was between us and was disgusted by the idea that someone as repulsive as me could be loved by a man. He decided to send me away. He'd been knighted by then so he had the power to do that. But it was too late. I'd already had you, Gavin, in secret.' 'Didn't my father notice that you were pregnant?' asked Ruth. 'No my dear. He didn't visit me anymore. He'd send his servants to give me messages and supplies. It was after Gavin had been born that I got the message that I had to leave. I didn't tell your father because I knew he'd storm up to the house and if he did that Bertie would make his life misery. He couldn't have born the idea of me having a child. Gavin, he would probably have killed you.' 'No! My father wouldn't do such a thing!' exclaimed Ruth. Sarah looked at her pityingly. 'I know dear. I would never have believed it of him either but believe me. The idea of ugliness repulses him. Anyway, I decided to go along with his plan for the sake of you and your father, Gavin.

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He sent me away and got me a job as maid in one of the other big houses. Nobody minds having ugly maids. I worked hard at that job and tried to put my old life out of my mind. I saved up my wages and took extra jobs wherever I could. I spent 15 years working hard for them and then they rewarded me by giving me my freedom. I decided to head back here and live quietly in the forest. I had been living here for a few days when I decided to go and see the house. As I passed by the garden, I saw you Ruth. I started talking to her and asking about her family. I told her I was visiting and had heard much of the beauty of her and how lucky her father was to have such a daughter.' 'There was something about you that inspired confidence.' Ruth interrupted. 'I started telling her things I'd never told anybody. Nobody else knows this Gavin, but I have another sister. We are twins, but not identical. She is in fact quite plain. My father keeps her trapped in her room. I spend as much time as I can with her but mostly she wants to know about the outside world so I go out and report back to her.' 'I can't believe you've all kept it such a secret!' Gavin said. 'Yes. As Ruth told me about her sister I could tell my brother hadn't changed. I then told her who I was and what had happened. It broke my heart to see to see what a beautiful daughter my awful brother had had. He didn't deserve you. I decided that you would be safer with me, at least for a while. I must admit, my plan was to find a nice young man for you to marry. I might have taken you away to travel with me until you found somebody that you wanted to spend your life with. I realise now that he won't let me do that. He'll come and take you by force if needs be. Sending you, Gavin, was just the first phase. At least I've had a chance to see what a fine young man my son has turned out to be. I could die happily now.' 'Don't say such things!' cried Gavin passionately. Sarah smiled. 'Don't worry Gavin. I don't intend to die. But I have reached a point in my life now where I don't fear death.' 'So, what are we going to do?' Gavin asked. 'I don't want to go home. At least, not to stay. I do want to save my sister though. Then perhaps we could both run away with you Sarah?' Ruth suggested.’ You could come too Gavin.' 'But what about dad?' asked Gavin. 'I hope, honey, that if I tell him what's happening, he'll come with us. We'd be safer on the road with a man to look after us.' 'Wait a minute. Why do we have to leave? Why don't we just live in this cottage? Dad can keep his job and I'll keep working to provide us all with money. I'll find a way to save your sister and bring her

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here and just....um...lie to your dad. But what'll I tell him?' Gavin wondered. 'You'd be prepared to do all that for me?' asked Ruth. 'For both of you. Yes.' 'Well then. I think the best thing to do is run back. We'll tear your clothes a bit first. Then you can tell him that I've turned Ruth just as crazy as I am and that I rubbed those same berries onto her face so that she is now as hideous as me. Then pass on the message that I want him to release her sister to us as we may as well all be ugly together and out of his way. I think he'll agree to that. He probably only kept her there because of you Ruth.' 'Ok. I'll do it.' said Gavin, with more confidence than he felt. So they tore his shirt and trousers partly and he set off. He sprinted down the road so that he would be completely out of breath when he reached the house. The journey seemed longer than when he'd arrived the day before.............

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Chapter 4 Gavin ran to the house as fast as he could. He arrived at the front door panting. He knocked as hard as he could. The housekeeper opened the door and was shocked by his appearance. He told her to fetch Sir Ellingham as fast as possible. It was urgent. A few moments later Sir Ellingham arrived and brought him inside. Gavin then told him the story they had prepared. Sir Ellingham seemed crushed at having lost his daughter. After a few minutes silence he told Gavin to wait. He left the room and returned a while later with a young girl Gavin had never seen before. 'This is Fiona, Ruth's sister.' he said to Gavin. 'Fiona, you're going to go with this young man into the forest to meet your sister. You'll be safe with him I promise.' Fiona looked at Gavin. She seemed to be drinking him in. Gavin suddenly realised that she must never have seen any young men. All their servants were women and her father was obviously older. He gently took her by the elbow and led her down the steps. The housekeeper had filled a bag with her possessions and those of her sister and took it from her. Once they had left the village Fiona began to speak to him. It seemed that years of confinement had made her eager to speak. She asked him all about the forest, her sister, the village, his life, any and everything else. By the time they reached the cottage his voice had gone hoarse answering her questions but he was very happy. She may be plain but she very friendly and good company. Inside the cottage everybody exchanged tearful greetings. Sarah invited Gavin to stay again and they all sat down to some food. Sarah then retold the story to Fiona and in return Fiona told her and Gavin about her childhood of imprisonment. The next day Gavin took Fiona for a walk through the woods to familiarise her with the outdoors and her surroundings. They talked for hours and he was surprised to realise that nearly a whole day had gone by. They hurried back to the cottage to find Ruth worried about them both. They re-assured her that they were fine and she gave them a strange look before turning back to the dinner. That night Sarah told Gavin he would have to go home the next day. Not because she wanted him to leave, she re-assured him, but because his father might be worrying. She was going to go with him and tell him what was going on. Gavin could tell that she was both nervous and excited about this re-union. The next day they headed into town leaving Ruth and Fiona to relax together in the woods.

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After Gavin and Sarah had left Ruth looked at Fiona questioningly. 'What?!' asked Fiona. 'Why do you keep giving me those looks?' 'Well. For one thing, you two spent all day out together, forgetting the time. And then you couldn't keep your eyes off him at dinner.' Fiona blushed. 'Is there anything wrong with that? It doesn't hurt anybody for me to look at him does it?' Ruth smiled. 'Of course not. I would love for you two to end up together.' At that, a slightly sad look passed across Fiona's face. 'Don't give me hope Ruth. I know that I don't stand a chance next to you. Father's right about one thing. No man would want me. When I look at him I just imagine a happy future with a family and home. I know it's impossible but all I have is my dreams.' Ruth became fierce. 'No Fiona. Father's wrong. You are just as beautiful as me! And I am sure that there are men who are different to dad and care about more than just looks. Just be patient.' Meanwhile, Gavin and Sarah had arrived at his home. They knocked on the door and his dad answered. He saw Gavin first and rushed to embrace him before letting go, embarrassed. 'Glad to see you're ok boy. I wondered what had happened to you.' Then he saw Sarah. He did a double take. 'It...It can't be you. I don't believe it.' 'It is me.' she smiled. 'Can we come in? We don't want the neighbours staring now, do we?' They went inside and sat down. She then recounted to his father all that had happened to her after she had left and the current situation. 'Of course I'll help you all!' he cried. By this point they were holding hands and gazing at one another lovingly. Gavin felt slightly awkward at intruding upon this scene but was also glad to see his father so happy. They made plans for when Gavin and his father would visit the girls in the woods and ways that they could communicate. Then Sarah left to help the girls with dinner. Over the next few weeks both Gavin and his father worked very hard to earn as much money as they could. They did odd jobs for a lot of their neighbours and scrimped and saved as much as they could. Every few days Gavin would go to the forest to visit the girls and would take them for long walks in the forest. He always looked forward to these visits, especially if Ruth didn't feel like going out and he could spend the time with Fiona. Sarah would also visit Gavin's father as much as she could and they caught up on all that they had missed. Eventually, they had saved up plenty of money and Gavin and his father began extending the cottage. They added extra bedrooms

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and repaired some of the broken parts. Everything was going splendidly............

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Chapter 5 So anyway, things were going well. The cottage had been expanded and Gavin and his father had practically moved in there. They kept their jobs at the big house stables but lived in the forest the rest of the time. They were all getting on really well when the trouble began. Gavin had been working in the stables when Sir Ellingham came by. He looked angry and Gavin remembered hearing from the other servants that his mood had gotten worse and worse over the past few weeks. He strode up to Gavin and began to speak. 'Gavin. I have a message for those witches in the woods. I want you to tell them that they must leave by the end of this week.' Gavin began to protest but Sir Ellingham cut him off. 'I know what you're going to say Gavin. But they are no daughters of mine anymore. I could never be related to anything so hideous.' At that he strode away back to the house. Gavin immediately ran to tell his father what had happened. They went to the woods together straight away. When they reached the cottage they told the women what had happened. 'Well.' said Sarah. ‘We’ll just have to do as he says. I guessed that it might come to this. It seems we'll be going travelling after all.' At this news Ruth seemed excited whereas Fiona seemed less keen. Gavin guessed that she was nervous about travelling around. After all, she'd only ever lived in her bedroom and the cottage. She'd seen very little of the outside world. 'Don't worry Fiona. Me and dad will come with you all to keep you safe.' 'You will?' she asked, surprised. 'Of course we will. You're our family and we've nothing to keep us here.' his father replied. 'But we're not really your family.' said Fiona. 'You are,' said Gavin quietly. 'You're both my cousins.' Fiona was surprised. In all their time together she'd never thought of that. After dinner they began to make plans for their departure. They packed up as much food and clothes as they could carry. And then they all went to sleep. 'We'll need to have an early start tomorrow so we can get away without anybody seeing us.' said Sarah. So the next morning they got up shortly after sunrise and set off. For the first few hours they chatted happily and then they stopped for lunch in a picturesque spot.

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After lunch they kept walking and eventually came upon a village. They managed to find a place to stay with an elderly couple. They had already decided to tell the couple that they were one big family. They were given a good meal and they all had beds to sleep in. Sarah and Gavin's father shared one bed, and Ruth and Fiona another. The next day they were given a generous breakfast and carried on their way. After a while they entered into another forest. They all felt quite at home here as the woodlands had been their home for so long. Suddenly, a voice shouted from amongst the trees. 'Stand still all of you! You will not be harmed as long as you cooperate.' They all glanced nervously at each other. Then a young man appeared from behind a nearby tree. He was about the same age as Gavin, Ruth and Fiona and had rugged good looks. The first person he looked at was Ruth and he seemed momentarily stunned. He pulled himself together and addressed Gavin's father. 'Good sir. If you will hand over your money you may carry on your way.' Gavin's father simply laughed. 'Do you really think we'd be travelling through this forest in rags if we had any money to spare?' 'Nobody would be foolish enough to travel without any money.' replied the young man. 'In which case you understand that I do not wish to part with what little money we do have.' The young man smiled. 'You are a smart man and your answers have at least intrigued me. Why are you travelling through these forests?' 'Ah.' said Sarah. 'That tale is long indeed. To hear it we must at least be allowed to sit and rest, and perhaps share a bite to eat with you and your companions.' He looked startled. 'How do you know I am not alone?' She smiled. 'Young man, I have lived in the forests by myself for many years. If you had done so too you would not have the same smile about you. Living in a forest alone is far worse than anywhere else and it is extremely hard to stay cheerful.' 'That is very true. Well, you have all interested me enough that I think you may come back to our camp and tell us this tale of yours. And by the way, I am Peter.' And so they set off deeper into the woods following his lead. They wondered why he was so trusting in showing them the way but soon realised that they would never manage to find the way by themselves. Eventually they saw signs of a camp. There were

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makeshift houses in the trees and disguised behind bushes. It was a small community with maybe half a dozen families. Peter introduced them to the rest of his family. 'This is my mother and father and this is my sister, Rose.' he said, as a pretty young girl came forward. She had long, curly brown hair and a pretty face which had a healthy, dirty, glow that obviously came from living in the forests. 'She's just 1 year younger than I am but have the courage of a man twice her age.' he said with pride. The girls immediately became close friends. Peter suggested that they leave the girls alone and he would introduce Gavin to the other young men. They went round behind the houses to a shelter in which were 3 guys. 'These are Joseph, Mark and Joe. This is Gavin. He and his family have just arrived.' Joseph was tall, lanky and had longish blonde hair. Mark was medium height, and had a strong build and short brown hair. Joe was the smallest and was quite slight with short blonde hair. He spent the next few hours with them and really enjoyed spending time with men his age. He'd never really had any male friends and it was a pleasant change from all the girly chat with the women. Then they headed back to Peter's house and had dinner with everybody else. After dinner they all gathered round the fire and they recounted the story of how they had ended up in the forest. Everybody was impressed by what they had been through and they were immediately invited to stay for a few days. They were spread out amongst the different houses so the twins stayed with Mark's family. Sarah and Gavin's father stayed with Joe's family and Gavin stayed at Peter's. The next day they all helped out with chores and then relaxed with the young people. Gavin noticed that Rose had become one of the lads from growing up with the guys and seemed to enjoy the girls' company as much as he enjoyed the boys'. He noticed that the girls were quite interested in the boys. Especially Fiona. She'd never met any young men except him and was overwhelmed by their attention. She seemed to be getting on particularly well with Joe as he was quite quiet like her usually, and yet Gavin often overheard them deep in discussion. Ruth got on with all the guys but he often saw her exchanging little looks with Mark. He thought it was more than likely that the girls would want to settle here. He wondered whether he should feel jealous. After all, he'd been their close companion for so long it was almost his right. But he knew that they'd already become like brothers and sisters.

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He in turn really enjoyed spending time with Rose but he knew that Peter was keeping a careful eye on them. He was obviously quite protective of his little sister. For the next few days they all just enjoyed building up these friendships and helping out around the camp. It was a whole week later that the issue of when they should leave came up. The girls immediately protested. Gavin and Sarah pointed out that they couldn't trespass on their hosts' time anymore. Sarah then made a suggestion. She had been wondering whether the young folk would all be interested in travelling together for a bit. She and Gavin’s father would stay at the camp and help out. She'd noticed the budding relationships between the girls and boys and was hoping that it would develop into something more. She was unsure about Gavin. She thought he was developing a crush for Rose but couldn't be sure. He was a very difficult boy to figure out. Everybody thought it was a great plan and they started preparing everything they needed. There was a bit of a debate about whether Rose could go or not but eventually she persuaded them that she was just as able to cope as any of the boys were. And so....they headed off........

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Chapter 6 As they walked through the forest they all played games and chased each other between the trees. Ruth and Fiona were acting more girly than they had ever done with just Gavin around and all the guys were trying to be quite macho. Once they'd left the forest they naturally split into groups for walking along. Ruth strode ahead with Mark. Shortly behind were Gavin, Rose, Peter and Joseph. Then bring up the rear were Joe and Fiona. They were all chatting quite amiably. Quite often Gavin and Rose would be beside each other and would be deep in discussion when Peter would barge between them. It was quite obvious that he was trying to keep them apart. They'd stopped for lunch in the forest so they hadn't noticed how late the day was getting. As it started to get dark again they stopped on the outskirts of a village. They decided it'd be rude to turn up now and ask for rooms so they made make-shift tents to sleep in. The three girls shared one and the boys split between two others. As they were sitting around the campfire Peter came and spoke to Gavin. 'Do you think we could go for a walk?' he asked him. 'Yeah of course.' replied Gavin. He could guess what was coming next. They told everyone else they were just going for a quick walk and would be back soon. Once they were out of ear-shot of the group Peter began. 'Look Gavin. You seem to be a great guy.' 'Thanks.' interrupted Gavin. 'But I want you to be very careful with my little sister.' 'Careful? In what way?' Gavin asked. 'Oh come on. You know what I mean. I've been watching you two and I think that you're into her! I just want to know what your intentions are.' 'Look, Peter. She's a lovely girl and really great to hang around with. But you've got nothing to worry about. We're just friends.' Peter looked relieved. 'Ok good. Of course, I wouldn't be against you two but, well, she's my little sister after all.' 'I understand. It's fine.' Now that that had been cleared up they headed back. What they hadn't noticed was that Rose had left the camp shortly before them to get some water. She had been standing nearby, concealed by a tree, as they had the conversation. She waited before she headed

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back. She didn't want them to guess she'd heard and she definitely didn't want them to see how upset she was. She hadn't been sure until then how she felt about Gavin but realised now that she'd already been having thoughts in the very back of her mind where they were more than 'just friends'. The only difficult thing now was deciding what to do. She felt like not speaking to him, but he hadn't done anything wrong and she still wanted to at least be friends. Then again, if she spent more time around him he might start to feel what she was feeling....hm. She thought all these things over as she headed back to the camp. Over the next few days they travelled between the various villages. They got food from people in return for doing odd jobs for them. Sometimes they would be given shelter too but other times they used the make-shift tents again. After his discussion with Peter, Gavin couldn't help noticing Rose even more. Sometimes he would catch her eye across the fire or watch her as she was talking to someone else and be struck by just how beautiful she was. She didn't have the same exquisite beauty that Ruth did. She was less delicate. And yet, she was very beautiful in her own way. She was also easier to talk to as she was used to boys and the way that they think. She wasn't as squeamish as the other girls and would happily tackle him to the ground. Whenever they made physical contact it was almost like a little shock was tingling up his arm. And then he would see Peter watching them and he would feel guilty. He was beginning to suspect that he no longer felt of Rose as just a friend. And yet there was never any hint that she thought of him as anything more than a friend. By the time they headed back to the main campsite it was very obvious that Mark and Ruth, and Fiona and Joe were utterly in love. The evening they got back there was a bit gathering where they told all the adults where they had been and what they had seen. Then the two couples made the announcement that they intended to get married. Sarah was overjoyed for the two girls and pulled them into a warm embrace. That night was a huge celebration for everybody. During the evening Gavin quite often noticed Rose standing by herself to one side. There was something about the way she was standing that made him wonder whether she was wishing it had been her engagement notice. He often went over to talk to her but she would quickly make excuse and leave him. Over the coming weeks everybody was planning and preparing for the weddings. The young people all helped with the normal chores

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as the women folk made dresses and table clothes and all sorts of other things that are apparently crucial to a wedding. During all this time Gavin barely saw Rose. After having spent so much time with her beforehand he now seriously missed her. Whenever he caught a glimpse of her he got a lump in his throat and wanted to talk to her. But she would usually hurry on. He couldn't quite figure out if she was avoiding him for some reason. Rose was keeping herself as busy as she could. Wherever she went people were talking about the weddings. She was happy for the girls, and the boys. But she couldn't help wishing that it was her instead. Seeing Gavin only increased this feeling so she tried to see him as little as possible. Before long the day of the big wedding was upon them. The ceremony was beautiful and the day couldn't have been more perfect. Part of the preparations had been to build houses for the two new couples and clear an area for the weddings to take place. Everybody attended and days afterwards were spent celebrating. Eventually though, life went back to normal and everybody went back to their usual chores. It didn't take long for Gavin to get bored. He'd been brought up in the centre of a village where there was always plenty to do and plenty of people to spend time with and watch. He loved the people in this small community but he needed something else to occupy his thoughts, other than Rose. He spoke to his father and decided that he would go travelling again for a while. Once Rose heard that he was leaving she was both glad and disappointed. She still felt very strongly for him but was sure that if he was able to leave he couldn't really care about her at all. They all bade him farewell and he headed off once more..................

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Chapter 7 Gavin had been walking for a few hours and was amazed by the surrounding landscape. He'd barely noticed when he was exploring with the other young people. He'd decided to set out in a different direction to the one they had taken previously. In the afternoon he arrived at a village. Everybody seemed to be gathered in a big field at the edge of the village. He asked someone that was passing by what was going on. 'It's the tryouts for the Royal Archery Force today.' He was told. 'What happens?' he asked. 'Everybody gets 1 arrow and they must hit a specific point on the target. Each point is marked with a coloured piece of cloth which matches a piece of cloth on the arrow they are given. Those who hit the mark swap colours and the targets are moved further away. Those who hit their mark again become members of the Royal Archery Force, RAF for short.' 'Can anybody try?' Gavin asked. He'd always been rather good at archery and had perfected the art while living in the forest. 'Yes but you'd better hurry.' the man replied. Gavin headed over and signed up. He was given his arrow and noticed that he was red. He looked at the target and saw that the red mark was at the very edge of the board at the top right. Everybody strung their bows and aimed. A few seconds later there was a flurry of arrows. The General headed over to inspect the target while the archers held their breath. One by one the general called out the colours that had missed their mark. 'Orange, Green and White.' Gavin was amazed. He had actually hit his mark. The General brought back the arrows and the archers that were successful exchanged arrows. Gavin was now black. He looked at the target, which had moved much farther away, and saw that he was aiming for dead centre. Again the archers took up their positions, strung the bows and shot. A much greater number appeared to miss this time and Gavin couldn't quite tell which his arrow was as the target was so far away. The General once more walked to the target and shouted out those who'd failed. 'Pink, Yellow, Turquoise, Grey, Purple, Blue and Brown.' It took a moment for Gavin to realise that Black had not been called. He was in! The General came over and congratulated the new archers. 'You will now begin training as a member of the RAF. It is difficult and dangerous work. You are fighting for the kingdom. You will

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learn other kinds of fighting and survival skills. The training will take 2 years and then you will be given a placement within a regiment.' And so Gavin left with the others to become one of the King's archers. He had had no plan when he left the forest but already his future was full of possibilities. The training was intense. They learned how to fight by hand and with a sword, how to load and shoot canons, how to bandage a wounded soldier and carry him back. They also spent large parts of their day running, jumping, climbing, crawling, swimming, boxing, and doing anything else they could to be in the fittest possible state. They had all become friends quite quickly and in between training they would have great fun. Gavin had become particularly good friends with an archer called Michael. (Mikey) One day they were cleaning their uniforms when Michael glanced out the window. He stared for a second and then nudged Gavin. Gavin looked up too and saw a young nurse walk past. Neither of them had seen her before and she stood out as all the other nurses were middle aged women. 'Wow. She's something isn't she?' whistled Michael. 'Oh yeah. Do you think it's worth shooting ourselves in case she's the one that treats us?' asked Gavin, with a smile. 'If we want to see her we only have to wait. The cafe opens up tonight. She's young so she'll probably be there.' said Michael. That night they headed along to the cafe. Michael had been right. The pretty young nurse was sitting at a table surrounded by a huge group of young men. Michael and Gavin sat at a table at the other side of the room. 'Why did you sit all the way over here?' asked Michael. 'Trust me. She'll notice us far more for holding back. It'll make her curious.' said Gavin, with a wink. 'Since when have you been such an expert with the ladies?' joked Michael. 'I spent months living in a cottage with my mum and two female cousins. That is plenty long enough to understand women.' Sure enough, after about half an hour the nurse headed their way. She introduced herself as Cara. The guys introduced themselves and invited her to join them. She sat down and they spent the rest of the night talking animatedly whilst getting jealous looks from the other young men. Gavin thought that Cara was attractive, though not as stunningly beautiful as Ruth nor as pretty as Rose. She had her own charms though and was very confident and flirtatious. He left the cafe with his head filled with images of her. He couldn't sleep that night for thinking of her.

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Over the coming months they spent more and more time with Cara and Gavin became increasingly infatuated with her. Eventually, when they were alone one evening, Cara confronted him. 'Look, Gavin. We've been spending time with each other constantly for months. How long is going to take you to ask me out?' Gavin was surprised. He'd been considering it for ages but hadn't quite managed to pluck up the courage. 'Um. Well, I wanted to wait for the right moment.' 'Look around. It's late at night, there's nobody else here. The moon is bright and stars are shining. What else do you want?' 'All right. Cara, I've really enjoyed these last few months and I love being around you. I was wondering whether you'd like to go to the archers dance next week with me, as my girlfriend.' 'Of course I would! ‘she laughed. She took his arm in hers and walked him back to his cabin. 'Now, what are the rules about lady friends entering your cabins?' she asked with a sexy smile. 'It's completely and utterly forbidden.' Gavin said nervously. 'Really? Forbidden huh? Well, only forbidden things are really worth doing. Come on.' she said as she led him inside. The next morning Gavin couldn't believe what'd happened. Cara had left early so that nobody would know she'd been there. Gavin found it hard to believe it hadn't been a dream. When he saw her later though she winked at him and came and put her arms around him. The other guys stared at him but he couldn't have cared less. After that it became routine that Cara would sneak into his cabin each night and leave early each morning. Cara never let him get much sleep but he wasn't complaining. His nights with Cara were definitely worth a bit of tiredness the next day. He started spending less time with Michael and the other guys. Cara insisted that, as his girlfriend, she should be his priority. The dance at the end of the week went really well. Cara danced with all the guys but saved the slow dance for Gavin. She pressed herself up against him as everybody watched (since she was the only girl, they were the only couple on the dance floor). After a few weeks the sleep deprivation really started to kick in. One night Gavin told Cara that he really needed to get some sleep and she was furious. She flew into a rage and stormed out. Gavin wasn't quite sure what had happened. The next day he tried to talk to her but she was avoiding him. That night he went to the cafe as usual and saw her draping herself over Iain, one of the others guys she'd shown interest in. Gavin walked over to them and asked her what was going on.

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'Well. Some guys know how to appreciate a girl. I'm not going to waste my time on those that don't. Come on Iain, let's get going.' and they walked out towards the cabin. Gavin couldn't believe she could do that to him. All because he'd wanted one night's sleep. He'd really cared about her but he realised that she was only really looking for a man to keep her satisfied in the nights. He was looking forward to the end of the training.......................

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Chapter 8 Gavin had been working hard throughout his RAF training. Finally the day came when he had completed the training section and was given his placement. He had written to his parents to tell them all the news and they were very proud of him. Over the next 5 years he travelled round the country fighting for King and country. He received many awards for bravery in combat and excelling in his archery. Whenever he had leave he would enter archery competitions and carry out odd-jobs for locals to earn more money. He carried out many exceptionally brave deeds. Once he had been sent to help a group up in the mountains. When he arrived there was nobody around. He soon found out that they had been fighting against a dragon that had made its home in the cave that they used as their base. He managed to slay the dragon with a single arrow to a small unprotected patch of skin beneath its neck. A few years later he heard rumours from the villages that a giant had been destroying people's homes and crops and eating their cattle. He asked special permission to fight the giant and was again successful. He became renowned for his bravery throughout the lands. After he had served his first 5 years in the RAF he decided to travel into the neighbouring countries. He used the money he had saved and headed off. He encountered creatures that he'd never even heard of. He fought wars with dwarves. He negotiated peace between the elves and faeries. He was invited to join the pixie army (mainly because of his height) but he preferred roaming free. He saved villages from lions and bears. He went hunting in the forest with centaurs. He was sought after by mermaids and most other single girls. Eventually it got to the stage where he couldn't enter a village without being surrounded by adoring fans. He couldn't believe it. He didn't really enjoy the attention so he decided to travel even further abroad. He started hiking through the mountainous regions of Barring. Then he trekked through the jungles of Formau. He survived the deserts of Demp and the ice wasteland of Bole. He made numerous friends along the way and was popular with everybody he met. He often wondered how his family were doing in the little campsite in the forest. But he didn't dwell on it long as there was always somebody else to be rescued or helped.

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After another 3 years of travelling he found himself in the jungle again. As he travelled through the tribal villages he heard rumours of another person like him. He was curious to meet this person to see if there was any news from his home kingdom. Eventually he got to the village where he'd been told they were staying. As he walked through he could hear laughter and song. He followed the noise to the local school. There were about 60 children and another 100 adults who had gathered from the nearby tribes. All listening intently and laughing along with a woman at the front. As Gavin neared he gasped as he realised that he recognised the girl. She was tall and slim with curly brown hair. Her eyes were bright and her face could barely contain her smile. All his memories of walks through the forest campsite came flooding back to him as he realised that it was Rose who stood before him. He joined the crowd and listened to her. She was speaking in the native languages, interpreting between the various dialects. Gavin had picked up some basic knowledge of the language and so was able to follow most of what she was saying. She was teaching them and telling them stories. They sat there for hours, captured by her voice. She taught them maths and english, history and art. In the evening they all gathered around a big fire and would swap stories. During the evening he approached her. 'I thought I had seen you in the crowd' she said. She welcomed him with a big hug. 'It's been so long since I saw you last!' he said, his voice filled with emotion. 'How did you end up out here?' 'Oh Gavin. Did you really think I could bear to stay in that little campsite any more than you could? I left as soon as my parents felt I was old enough. I travelled around and learnt about different cultures. An old couple in one village took me in for a few months which is where I learnt maths from the man and art from the woman. I travelled throughout different countries but found that I was happiest in the jungles. I've been in this land for a good number of years now and have learnt their language and made many friends. I heard lots of news of what you'd been doing too.' They spent the rest of the evening exchanging tales of what they had seen and done. He was invited to stay at the house of the chief and the next day Rose joined him for breakfast. Afterwards she took him round the local area, teaching him about the plants and animals. The next few days were absolute bliss. He would listen as she taught the locals and then they would spend hours alone having deep discussions. Her beauty had only grown with age and he could hardly believe she was the same little girl he had met so long ago. He was relieved when he found that she, like him, had not found

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anybody that she wanted to settle down with. They had both been so busy travelling that they had spared little thought for a family. They both stayed in the village for many weeks and gradually they realised what they had denied to themselves before. They were falling madly in love. They started to discuss their plans for the future. Rose felt that she should probably go and visit the family campsite and Gavin thought it was about time he saw them all again too. They made their plans and left the jungle. As they travelled back they met many people that they had helped on their travels and they were received warmly wherever they went. Eventually they reached the campsite. Everybody was extremely pleased to see them. Gavin was surprised to find that both Fiona and Ruth had had children. Peter had married a girl from one of the local villages and the other young men had left to find jobs elsewhere. In the evenings he and Rose would take it in turns to tell the family stories of their adventures. After they had been there a few nights they decided the time was right to announce their plans. They gathered the family together to tell them. 'Everybody. We've got some news. We want to tell you all that we're engaged. We want to get married in a few weeks time and then we will head back out to the jungle where I will continue to teach the local children and Gavin will join the men in hunting.' said Rose. Strangely, the announcement was met by complete silence. Everybody looked at each other awkwardly. 'What's wrong?' Rose asked. 'Aren't you happy for us?' Her mother took her to one side. 'Darling. We hoped this would never happen. This is why we tried to stop you from leaving the campsite. You cannot marry Gavin. We would like nothing better than to welcome him into our family but you are already promised to somebody.' 'How can I be?!?!' she exclaimed. Her mother began the tale. 'Before we came to this forest we were a respectable family in the big city. I was good friends with the Queen in fact. The King and Queen desperately wanted a big family and eventually they had a little boy. He was actually born the same day that you were. They were so delighted and wanted to ensure that he would marry and expand the family even more. They took the fact that you were born on the same day as a sign that you were meant for each other. We couldn't refuse! We thought we could give you no greater start in life. As he grew though, he turned into a spoilt child. He had everything he could ever want and we realised that we couldn't condemn you to life as his wife. We left the city and tried to get as far away as possible. That is how we came to be here. We hoped

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that he wouldn't find you. After you left though, he heard of your many good deeds and traced your roots back to this forest. He sent us a message saying that if you married anybody but him we would pay with our lives. He has heard of your beauty and will have no woman but you. We cannot bear the thought of your marriage to him but there is no other way.' Rose had listened to the story in silence. She took a deep breath and said calmly, 'Gavin. We shall have to go and visit his highness and persuade him to let us marry.' 'I will be with you all the way my darling. I couldn't live with the thought of your marriage to such a man.' replied Gavin. And so they began preparations to visit the King................

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Chapter 9 Gavin and Rose walked in silence as they headed towards the castle. Gavin could tell that Rose was really nervous. After all, her whole future hung in the balance. After a while he took her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze. She looked up at him. 'Don't worry. Everything's going to be fine.' he reassured her. Eventually they reached the castle. They told the person at the door that they needed to speak to the King urgently. He should tell the King that it was Rose and a friend. The messenger rushed off and returned shortly afterwards. They followed him into a large hall. The sides were filled with the rich and powerful and messengers were rushing back and forth. The castle servants were also kept busy providing food and drink for all the guests. They went forward towards the King who was seated on a grand throne at the very end of the hall. As they walked they noticed that people were looking at them, wondering who they were. They kept walking forward and tried to ignore their stares. Finally they were before the King and they knelt in respect. 'You may rise.' said the King, grandly. 'So. You have finally come, Rose. Why have you brought this friend of yours with you? And why did you not dress more appropriately?' he asked. They had decided that wearing the peasant clothes they were used to may help persuade the King that he did not want Rose. 'Sire. I come before you begging you to help me. I know that when we were born our parents made an agreement that one day we would wed. I was only told of this recently. It is, of course, a great honour for a lowly peasant girl such as myself. However, before I was told I had been travelling and met Gavin here. We fell in love and returned home to tell our parents of our decision to get married. It was only then that I found that I had already been promised to your Majesty. We have come to ask, to plead, that you would let the agreement drop and allow me to marry Gavin.' she looked up at the King, her eyes filled with hope. 'I know that many consider it unusual for me to wish to marry a peasant girl. But I understand that you came from a noble family who gave up their riches to live a simple life. You do come from good breeding though and that can be seen in your beauty. If you dressed in the same fashion as the rest of us you would rival the beauty of any courtier. It does not matter to me that you have fallen in love with this man. You will soon forget him once you have lived in the palace for a while. Now say your goodbyes and let this young man return to the village to find a new wife.' 'No!' cried Rose.

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'Sire.' said Gavin quickly, fearful of the angry look on the King's face. 'Please hear me out. I love Rose dearly and could find no other woman to make me happy. I beg you to reconsider!' 'I am the King and my word is law. Rose will belong to me and me alone.' 'Begging your pardon, sire, but she belongs to no man. She is master of herself and not property.' said Gavin, boldly. The court fell silent. 'You dare to contradict me?' thundered the King. 'Women are treated as less than men when they should be their equals. A wife is not a possession, she is a consort. She should be chosen not for her beauty or usefulness. I love Rose above my own life and yet if she did not want to be my wife I would never force her.' 'You say that you love her more than your own life?' the King asked, dangerously. 'I do.' Gavin replied. 'Well then, I suggest a wager.' said the King with a smile. 'We shall have a competition. If you win you may have Rose. If I win, I will have you head.' 'What will the competition consist of?' asked Gavin. 'No!' cried Rose. 'Whatever it is, you mustn't risk that for me!' 'Life without you wouldn't be worth living.' Gavin told her. 'I have been sent a new game. It involves a table with holes at the ends and raised sides. You have a set of balls in 2 different colours and a stick each. The aim is the put all the balls of one colour into the holes before your opponent does so with all his balls. I will give you a demonstration, if you accept.' 'Since it is a new game to me and your Majesty has already have practice, I propose that you demonstrate first and then we shall play three games. Whoever wins the most games out of the 3 wins the wager.' 'Agreed. Bring in the table!' he ordered. A few moments later a large table was carried through. The King then spent a few moments showing Gavin how to use the stick to hit the balls and telling him the rules of the game. The balls were made of two different kinds of stone. One was dark and shiny, the other pale and matted. There were also 2 other balls. One was of rose quartz and the other of a green stone. After a while Gavin decided he understood and they began the first game. Gavin quickly got the hang of it. The hall was totally silent and Rose was holding her breathe.

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It wasn't long though before Gavin realised that the King had spent many hours practicing his new game. Not long afterwards the King succeeded in pocketing all his balls and the green one. 'One more game like that and I shall see you hanging before dawn' said the King triumphantly. Another game followed. Gavin knew what balanced on the outcome and managed to keep even with the King. Suddenly the King potted his last ball, and somehow the green one too. Gavin stood, in shock. He couldn't believe he had failed. Then he noticed that the King was not rejoicing. Suddenly he remembered one of the extra rules the King had explained which meant that he had actually won. 'That was unlucky.' said the King. 'It will not happen again.' Everything now hung on this last game. Each of them took their time judging the positions of the balls and working out their best plan. For each ball Gavin pocketed, the King managed to pocket one of his own. Rose could barely bring herself to watch. She couldn't begin to imagine having to watch Gavin be killed. Suddenly there was a cry of outrage! Gavin had pocketed his ball. He took his next shot very carefully. The green ball teetered around the edge of the hole..... And went in! Gavin and Rose rejoiced. The King looked furious but would not go against his word in front of the whole court. 'Well done Gavin.' he said bitterly. 'Take her away with you then.' They left ecstatic. They couldn't believe they had managed it. They could go and live their lives happily ever after.... But the King would not let it rest there. He was furious at having been so humiliated. He called over one of his advisors and whispered something in his ear. 'Certainly my Lord.' he replied, and hurried off................

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Chapter 10 Gavin and Rose were walking hand-in-hand away from the palace. They had won and could now look forward to the rest of their lives spent together. The sun was shining and the villages they passed had never looked so beautiful. As they went through one of the forests though they started to get the feeling that they were being followed. There was a rustling in the trees. They stopped and Gavin stood protectively in front of Rose. Suddenly, a group of the King's men jumped out from behind the trees. 'Halt! The King has decreed that Rose will be his wife after all and Gavin has become an outlaw.' the leader announced. 'How can he go back on his word like that?' exclaimed Rose, outraged. Gavin stood quite still and calm. He was taking the opportunity to size up the enemy. 'You are under arrest Gavin. Come quietly and the King may spare your life.' 'I think not.' said Gavin quietly. Immediately he pulled out his bow, strung an arrow and let it fly. It hit the leader square in the chest. The other men stood in shock before reacting. Gavin had already strung his bow again. He aimed it at the remaining men. 'If you value your lives you will return to the King and tell him we are not to be messed with. He will let us go home and not bother us again unless he wants to lose more of his soldiers.' The men stood still, undecided, for a few brief moments before turning tail and leaving hurriedly. 'I hope that's the last we'll see of them.' said Rose, nervously. 'I'm afraid that it probably won't be. We need to hurry home and we cannot stay there long.' When they reached the campsite everybody was thrilled to see them and excited to hear about the confrontation with the King. Rose and Gavin had decided not to tell them about the episode in the forest. They did insist however that they could only stay a short while in case the King did change his mind. They had already agreed that they could have their marriage back in the jungles. Of course their parents would be sad to miss the occasion but on the whole, their safety was more important. A few days later they said their goodbyes again and headed for the jungles. That afternoon, the King's men arrived at the campsite. They interrogated everybody to try and find out where the couple had

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headed. Nobody told them anything so they started to ask people in nearby villages. Eventually they found out the direction Gavin and Rose had taken and they began to follow the trail. Meanwhile, Gavin and Rose felt that they had left the danger behind them. As they entered the outskirts of the jungle they found one of the villages they had visited before. They were invited to stay for a few days and accepted. During this time the King's men were still following them and managed to catch up. In the middle of the night there was a great commotion. Their host came and woke them up. 'You must leave quickly' they said. 'There are men here looking for you.' Gavin and Rose understood immediately and rushed away into the night. They couldn't decide what they should do next. Clearly wherever they went they could be found. They had been discussing their options for a while, when up ahead in a clearing Rose spotted a crippled old woman. She hurried over to her and realised that the woman was blind. 'Do you need any help?' Rose asked her. 'Thank you so much for offering. I've been lost for days.' the woman replied. 'I live in a village on the outskirts of the jungle on the southern side. If you could guide me there it was be awfully kind of you.' 'Well. Whatever we're going to do about the King it'll have to wait until we help this lady.' said Rose decisively. 'But the villages on the southern side are a whole 3 day hike from here' Gavin pointed out. 'She needs our help.' Rose said simply. Gavin smiled. 'Of course you're right. I just hope that she doesn't come out the worse for being with us.' And so they spent the next 3 days trekking through the jungle, helping the little old lady between the trees, over logs, under branches and around ponds. Finally they arrived at a village. 'Should we ask somebody nearby to find out which village this is and how far it is to your village?' Rose asked the old lady. 'No my dear. We have come far enough.' 'What do you mean?' Gavin asked her. 'The past 3 days have been more than enough to show me the nature of your hearts. You are both good, kind and caring young people. Not many would spend 3 days caring so completely for a total stranger. Now you will have your reward.'

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She removed her cape and suddenly they saw her true form. She was a wood nymph. As tall as a tree and beautiful as the rarest flower. 'Here is my gift to you.' she said as she handed them each a small stone. 'Whenever you are in need of help simply kiss this stone and help will come.' 'Thank you so much!' cried Rose. Gavin looked on in awe, then bowed his head respectfully. 'Can I ask. Do you have any advice for us in how to deal with the King?' She smiled at him. 'I suggest that you go back to the palace. His time as King has come to an end and somebody must rid him of his crown. Once you reach the castle gates you will be given opportunities to prove your worth and your heart as you have done here. Follow your instincts and the way will be simple.' As she finished she smiled and dashed into the trees. 'Well.' Gavin laughed. 'It looks like we're heading back to the palace then.' And so they started back the way they had come.............

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Chapter 11 On their way back through the jungles, Gavin and Rose talked and laughed. They tried to keep their minds off their return visit to the King. They had no plan for once they arrived at the castle. They simply trusted the wood nymph that everything would work out. Finally they were on the outskirts of the city. They passed posters with their faces on with notices of large rewards. The villages were deserted with all the windows and doors closed. Gavin and Rose could see eyes peering out at them through cracks and holes. They walked onwards to the main city. The city was busy as usual, for which they were both grateful. It meant there was less chance of them being noticed. They reached the palace gates and stood in silence. They wondered what they should do. They tried to remember what the nymph had said to them. Suddenly Gavin noticed a small child by the side of the road. It was a small boy, dirty and rugged. He was sitting in filthy rags and had a stick beside him on the ground. It was then that Gavin noticed the child had only 1 leg. He went over to the child. 'Please sir, don't hurt me.' the boy whispered, obviously afraid. 'I don't want to hurt you.' said Gavin, gently. 'Here. This is the last of our bread. You need it more than we do.' As he said this he passed him their last food supplies. Rose nearly reached out to stop him, but looking at the child realised that what Gavin had said was true. The boy took the bread and his eyes filled with tears. As the tears began to run down his face, Gavin thought he saw the face change. And for a second, it was that of the wood nymph, smiling brightly. Then Gavin blinked and there was the small boy before him again. 'Please sir. Come to my home and rest. It's a poor place but you look tired.' So Gavin and Rose followed the boy. They were surprised to find that he led them round behind the palace and into a hidden passageway. They went down below the palace grounds into a dark cave. The boy went in and sat on an old rug. Gavin and Rose looked around. 'Is this below the castle?' Rose asked. 'Yes. There are lots of passageways. I often explore them. There are some places where you can hear the goings on above.' said the boy. They sat down with him and watched as he ate the bread. It was obviously his first meal in days and they were glad they had been able to help him. As they sat they began to tell him their story. His eyes grew wide when he realised who they were. He had heard all

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about their challenging the King and then their escape. He had seen the King's men searching every house in the city to try and find them. Suddenly he started laughing. Gavin and Rose were surprised. 'What is so funny?' they asked him. 'Well.' he replied, still laughing. ' To think that they've searched every corner of the land, and yet now here you are. Sitting right underneath the palace!' and he kept laughing. Later on they decided that they had best do some exploring. The young boy found some wood for them and made them torches to light their way. He showed them the best direction to head in and wished them good luck. They walked along the tunnels hand-in-hand. Every now and then they could hear song and laughter above their heads. Then they started up a steep incline. At the top they found a crack high in the wall which looked into the main hall where they had met the King previously. He was sitting on his thrown in a terrible rage. He was throwing things at his advisors, cursing them for not finding the couple. They listened for a while but it did not seem to provide any useful information. Gavin turned to Rose. 'Rose. I don't think we're going to be able to make any kind of plan. We need to just follow our instincts and hope for the best.' 'I think you're right,' she said, though she sounded scared. He put his arm around her and they headed for the cave entrance. As they passed the boy they thanked him for all his help. As they were about to leave he asked them where they were going and what they were going to do. 'We don't really know', said Gavin. 'We're going to go up to the Palace and hope for the best.' 'Well, if you're going to go into the palace through the main entrance you'll just be killed. If you really think confronting the King is the best thing to do you would be better off using the passageway.' 'There's an entrance to the castle from down here?' asked Rose. 'Yes of course there is. Let me show you.' he said. He walked them down the passageway they had walked down, struggling slightly with some of the rocks. He walked to just past where they had stopped. There, in the dark, they could just make out a small hole. 'It leads to an old corridor parallel to the main hall. Once you're there just follow the sounds of the King shouting.' said the boy, cheerfully. They thanked him again and set off through the passageway. It was very small and they had to crawl on their hands and knees. Gavin

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constantly hit his head on the rock above but they thought it best to try and be as quiet as possible............

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Chapter 12 They crept through the tunnel and eventually came to an opening. It was hidden behind a tapestry. They waited a second to make sure that they couldn’t hear anybody coming, then pushed the tapestry aside and crawled out into the corridor. They decided that it would be better not to face the King immediately. They needed some more information about the castle. The passageway they had come through continued on past this entrance so they decided to see how far it went and whether they could eavesdrop on some of the people that worked there. Everybody knows that the servants know all the best secrets. They crawled further along the passageway and soon found a small hole which seemed to be a vent for the kitchens. They began to listen as the cooks chattered away. They seemed to be giving a new maid a hard time. They were telling her ghost stories about the palace. ‘Hurry along with you girl!’ cried one of the cooks. ‘You’re best to go in and out of the rooms as quickly as possible. Avoid the western corner as much as you can…it’s the most haunted.’ She said with a grin. The poor girl trembled at the words. ‘It… It isn’t really haunted… Is it?’ she whispered to one of the other cooks. ‘Oh yes my dear. Of course it is!’ the cook laughed. She began to tell them the story of the castle’s ghost. ‘It was many years ago, when the castle was first built. The King had made the palace as a gift for his new queen. He wanted it to be the most beautiful palace ever made. He brought in all the best craftsman from across the lands. He was a good, kind King and was loved by all the people. His brother was always jealous of him though. He hid himself away in a dark forest in the corner of the kingdom and learnt dark wizardry. After a few years he came back to the palace and kidnapped the King’s daughter. He threatened to kill her if the King didn’t hand his throne over to his brother. Unknown to the brother, the Queen had just had a little baby boy. The King had no choice but agree to his brother’s demands, but he was worried for the safety of his son so he sent his wife and baby away. They travelled that night to a forest far away. The King abdicated as his brother wished, but the brother was spiteful and killed the daughter anyway. The King died of grief and never saw his wife or son again. The spirit of the King is often seen floating along the hallways crying out for his family. The current King is a descendant of that wicked brother, which is why he is such a tyrant.

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Gavin and Rose listened for a while longer, but after the story the servants all returned to their usual tasks and the talk returned to normal kitchen gossip. They decided that it was about time they faced the King. They still had no plan but comforted each other with the promise of the wood nymph and the little stones she had given them……

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Chapter 13 They walked into the Great Hall with their heads held high. A gasp of amazement was let out as people began to recognise who they were. The King was speechless with shock and rage. Gavin cleared his throat and began, ‘We are here, your Majesty, to ask that you call off your soldiers from hunting us down. The last time that we came here we made an agreement. I won the wager and so we should have been allowed to go free. You have not kept your word though.’ The King laughed. ‘Guards. Arrest them!’ he said. ‘Wait!’ cried Rose. ‘We have something to offer you, in return for our freedom’. ‘There is nothing you could possibly offer me that I do not already own.’ The King scoffed. ‘I guarantee you, your Majesty, that nobody in the world has seen what I can show you’ boasted Gavin. The King was intrigued. ‘But surely, if you’re the one to show it to me, then you yourself have seen it already?’ asked the King. Gavin smiled. ‘No your highness. You will be the first person ever to see it.’ The King was on the brink of agreeing when he pulled himself together and smiled. ‘But surely, if I arrest you, I can still own whatever this thing may be and have my wife as well?’ Gavin shook his head. ‘You will only be able to see it if you guarantee our freedom. If you take it by force you will see nothing out of the ordinary. I know that you may still think this an unfair exchange, so I propose another competition.’ ‘What competition?’ asked the King. ‘Bring in your best archer. I shall compete with him to win the gift I have brought. If he wins, I will show you this unseen item. If I win, you must grant us our freedom.’ The King was happy. ‘I have the best archers in the land. They have been trained for many years and can easily beat a young man like you. Bring in Michael.’ A man with a lined face from years of experience in bitter battles walked through and bowed to the King. Gavin could hardly believe his luck. It was his old friend from his first days in the RAF. ‘Now’ called the King. ‘How shall we arrange the competition?’ Gavin stepped forward. ‘We must each shoot an apple in the centre.’ ‘That is no challenge’ exclaimed the King.

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‘It is when it is placed on somebody’s head.’ ‘Who do you propose?’ the King asked. ‘I shall shoot the apple from the head of my wife and Michael shall shoot it from the head of your Majesty. If you do not trust his archery skills then you forfeit and give us our freedom.’ ‘That is absurd!’ the King cried. ‘Not if you trust your archer’ smiled Gavin. ‘But if you miss and kill her I have lost my wife. If you succeed I still lose my wife! No. Instead you shall both shoot the apple from the head of one of the maids.’ ‘Fine’ Gavin agreed. They were both brought a bow and arrow and a young girl was brought in. The King ordered the servants to bring an apple but Gavin stopped him. ‘Don’t worry your Highness, I have one here.’ And he produced a shiny green apple that was perfectly shaped and shiny. He went over to the young girl and placed it on her head. ‘Do not worry’ he whispered. ‘Michael and I are both excellent shots.’ He then returned to the line they had marked along the floor. Michael went first. He looked rather nervous but took his position and shot the arrow cleanly through the apple’s centre. ‘Ah ha!’ cried the King. ‘You did not mention the result if both of you should succeed!’ ‘In that case, it is simple. You may have the beautiful sight, and I may have my wife.’ ‘No, I think not’ said the King craftily. ‘If you now succeed to hit the apple, you may have you life. Rose, however, is mine.’ Gavin gritted his teeth and agreed. He then took his position and shot the arrow clean through the hole Michael had made in the apple. ‘You are a good archer’ commented the King. ‘It is a shame that I cannot bear to let you live. Guards!’ ‘But your Majesty’ said Michael, quietly. ‘You have not yet seen that thing which Gavin promised. If you kill him you will never be able to.’ ‘Fine. Bring it here Gavin and I will merely banish you.’………

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Chapter 14 Gavin glanced at Rose and she gave a slight nod. He went forward to the little girl and took the apple from her head. He then took it to the King and gave it to him. The King stared at it for a second and then started to go red with anger. ‘You promise me an exotic treasure that nobody has seen and instead you hand me an apple!’ he shouted. ‘Look at it closely’ Gavin said calmly. ‘It is just an apple!’ ‘Yes. But what is different about it compared to normal apples?’ Gavin asked. ‘There’s a hole through it of course! From where you both just shot it!’ ‘Exactly!’ said Gavin smiling. ‘And what can you see if you look in that hole?’ ‘The inside of the apple?’ asked the King, totally baffled. ‘Yes. The inside of that apple has taken years to form. It began with the small seed which grew into the tree, which then grew with sunshine and rain and eventually began to produce this apple. It has been years in the making and now you are the first person to ever see inside it.’ The King sat for a second, bewildered. Then suddenly, began to laugh. ‘That’s amazing!’ he cried. While everybody was distracted by the King’s reaction, Rose subtly lifted a small stone to her mouth and kissed it. At that instant all the candles were extinguished. A draught blew through the room. Everybody fell silent. Then there was a great cry as a ghost rushed through the wall. It was of the old King. He swept up to the front of the hall and stood before them all. Gavin and Rose knelt before him. He looked down at them. ‘How have you summoned me?’ he asked, insistently. Rose shook slightly as she answered him. ‘We met an old woman in the forest and helped her find her home. When we reached the end of the journey she revealed herself to be a wood nymph and gave us these stones to help us.’ She held the stone up for the ghost King to see. ‘It cannot be!’ he cried. ‘What did she look like?’ he asked. ‘Well, at first she was just a plain old woman. She had short, grey hair and a purple bonnet over her head. Her clothes were old and tattered.’ Rose replied. ‘I knew it! That was our old nurse maid.’ He explained.

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‘She went with my wife and son on that night of escape. I gave her these stones that they would always remember who they were.’ Then, with a rush of sound through the window came a bright light. And there before them was the wood nymph. She was as beautiful as when they had last seen her but she quickly changed herself back into her human form. She smiled at the ghost King and bowed before him. ‘I never thought I would see you again. I presumed you were dead like my son and wife’ said the ghost King. ‘As a wood nymph I cannot die unless my tree is felled.’ She answered. ‘I was charged by ancient spirits to guard your family. A son of your line was always to be seated on the throne. When your wicked brother threatened the kingdom I helped your wife and child to escape and looked after them both in the forest. I then watched from afar the generations following your son. Waiting for a time when a suitable heir could come forth to claim the throne.’ ‘So then, is this boy…?’ ‘No. Rose. She is one of your heirs.’ she answered. ‘I have watched her each time she came into the castle and admired how she fought for her freedom. This time she also impressed me with her wisdom. It was she who thought of the apples.’ ‘And I have seen her outside in the world and tested her generosity and kindness. She is every inch, a descendant of yours. Worthy to rule the Kingdom.’ Rose suddenly realised what they were saying. ‘Wait! Me!? Rule the kingdom?’ ‘Yes’ she replied gently. ‘If you feel you are right for the part, that is.’ She looked at Gavin. She could tell that he was immensely proud of her and yet, he didn’t look at all surprised. He smiled gently. ‘You know that I always thought of you as a princess.’ She tried to clear her head. ‘So, if I accept. I will be Queen? Will Gavin become King once we are married?’ ‘Yes. I have been watching him intently too and he is quite suitable as King. You will be an excellent pair to rule the Kingdom’ the wood nymph reassured her. ‘I need to think about this.’ Rose said. ‘It’s a big decision after all.’ ‘You can have all the time you need my dear.’……

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Chapter 15 Rose turned away. Gavin reached out towards her. 'Do you want me to come with you' he asked. 'I think...I need to have some time along to think this through' she replied. Gavin watched her as she walked out of the hall. 'Well', said the nymph briskly, 'We still need to sort out this tyrant of a King.' They turned towards him. He seemed to still be in shock from all that had happened. He looked around at them all and it suddenly dawned on him what had happened. 'I don't care what you all say' he blustered, 'I'm still the King!'. 'No you're not' thundered the ghost King. 'My brother did a wicked thing all those years ago and now it is finally being put straight. Leave now and be thankful that we're sparing your life.' The King scoffed. 'How can you hurt me? You're a ghost!' he laughed. 'He may be a ghost' replied Gavin. 'But I am flesh and blood and have already given you a display of my archery skills. I think it would be best if you left immediately.' The King gave a worried glance towards Gavin's bow and rushed out of the hall. 'Well done Gavin' said the nymph, beaming. 'I think you had best go and find Rose now. You need to be involved in the decision too. It will affect your future together after all.' So Gavin hurried out after the King. It took him a while to find Rose. He eventually passed the corridor they had originally crawled into. He noticed that the tapestry was slightly askew. He crept back down the passageway and found Rose talking to the young lad in the cave. She was simply sitting and chatting to him. Gavin walked towards them and sat down beside her. In the dark he could see that her eyes were glistening with unshed tears. She was looking at the boy and Gavin thought he understood why. 'I came down to see if you needed to talk about this decision' he said gently. 'But I think you already know what to do.' 'I know what I want to do' she replied. 'But I don't know if it's the right decision.' 'Follow your heart and I'm sure they'll understand.' She nodded and smiled. 'We'd better go back up and tell them'. So they crawled back up the passageway and went back into the great Hall. Everybody turned to face them.

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They walked towards the nymph hand-in-hand. She looked at the set look on their faces and seem to gaze deep into their eyes. And then she smiled. 'I think I know what you're about to say' she told them. 'I suspected this would be your decision. I suppose I should let you tell us though before I jump to conclusions.' Rose took a deep breath and glanced at Gavin for encouragement. 'I don't want to be the Queen' she told them. A slight ripple of shock ran around the room. 'It's a huge honour' she said quickly, 'and I'm aware of how ungrateful it must seem to say no. It's just that, I've always had a huge love for children and really enjoy teaching. While I lived in the jungle I saw the huge need they had and felt I was really making a difference to their lives. I don't think I'm the right person to rule the country. I think my calling is to work more with individuals'. 'And what do you think?' the nymph asked Gavin. 'I had the privilege of seeing Rose as she worked out in the jungle and have seen how much she cares for the children and underprivileged in those areas. I can't think of anybody better suited to run the kingdom than her, but if she has set her heart on teaching then I will fully support her.' 'So who will run the kingdom?' asked the ghost King. The nymph smiled. 'Well, there are many other heirs of course. But Rose will have the best knowledge as they will be her relations.' They looked towards Rose again. 'I...I have no idea...I mean...How do you know who'd be good at something like this?' 'I think I know' replied Gavin. A few weeks later there were celebrations throughout the land. It was a joy for double celebration. Gavin and Rose had had a spectacular wedding in the main city. Everybody was invited and all of their families came to see them. Before the wedding though was the even more important ceremony, the crowning of the new King. When Gavin had suggested him the nymph had agreed straight away. They had invited him to the palace and explained the situation. He had been as shocked as they had been at first but soon agreed. After the wedding he came to say goodbye as they prepared to head back to the jungle. 'You know how much I care about you both. If you ever need anything at all you must simply ask. You gave me this position of honour and I will always remember that. But more importantly, you're family and I love you both dearly. You will have to come back

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regularly to visit and tell me all about the work that you're doing. Once I've set the Kingdom in order I want to reach out to neighbouring kingdoms to bridge the gaps that have formed due to the wickedness of past Kings.' They all embraced each other tightly. 'We really must be going now' said Rose. 'We've planned to travel back to the places that we saw when travelling years ago, before returning to the jungle tribes.' 'We'll be back soon though, don't worry Peter' added Gavin. And they headed off into the distance towards their bright future. They still didn't know what it might hold in store for them. But they were certain that it would not be empty of adventure.

The end

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