I left Lord Axel's estate with a full belly and a heavy heart. Loaded
with provisions and woolen clothing for the coming hard times of winter, I
felt burdened by the task before me. The long journey to the Maple Leaf
Palace would tax my survival skills and stamina to the fullest. And I still
didn't know if my beloved sister, Countess RedRose, was there or if she
knew where in Europe my precious daughter Julia was.
As I walked the dirt path thru the woods, I spotted forest creatures
busily preparing for the cold. Squirrels were finishing the last of the wild
nuts and mushrooms, their cheeks bulging and their tiny jaws moving with
lightning speed as they rushed to put on an extra layer of fat to sustain
their long sleep. Beavers rushed to finish their lodges, carefully picking
out the choicest branches for their winter homes. And the other animals
worked as well, attempting to survive by doing what they could.
The first few weeks were relatively peaceful as I happily communed
with nature. Listening to the sparrows, finches and cardinals singing
contentedly at dawn's break filled me with hope that my own future would
bring joyful song as well. The larger beasts- the deer, racoons and muskrats
continued to tend to their tasks, watching me warily from afar. At night,
I smiled at the peaceful chirping of crickets but I shuddered at the howling
of the wolves all the while understanding that they were part of God's grand
design as well.
As I trod through the forest primeval, I came upon a clearing. There
I saw a quaint little thatched-roofed cottage, nestled alongside the banks
of a quiet lake. Swans, geese and other fowl swam peacefully upon its
tranquil waters. I saw smoke coming from the chimney and thought I might
introduce myself to its occupants. Surely, those who lived in such a sylvan
setting must be kind and friendly to strangers.
But before I could approach within shouting distance of the house, a
lovely young lady appeared at the door. I smiled politely and waved, hoping
to forestall any suspicion on her part of my intentions. She smiled and waved
as well as I approached.
"Welcome Sir Trekker," she said as I approached, "I have been
expecting ye." And she leaned against the doorway, arms folded with a sly
grin on her face.
"Thee knows me?" I asked, astonished not only that she knew my name,
but also by her grace and charm for one so isolated in the woods.
"Indeed I know many things, dear Trekker," she replied, enjoying my
discomfiture. My name is Rosey the Soothsayer and I am reknown in this land
for my insight into what is to be."
My mind raced-could she know where Julia was, if my sister was at her
palace, if my journey would be successful?
"My daughter, my sister," I stammered, "do you know of them, Rosey
the Soothsayer?"
"Come inside m'lord," she whispered, taking my hand, "we should talk."
Her home consisted of one cozy little room-a small kitchen with a
cookpot over the fire and a bed tucked into one corner.
"Yes it is small," she smiled, reading my mind, " but it is home and I
have all that I need. The woods are full of my friends, the deer, muskrat,
even the field mice-they all care for me as I care for them."
I was intrigued by this wisp of a woman, who spoke so eloquently of her
life in this part of the forest. She spoke with such love for nature that I
couldn't help but admire her. But I needed to know of my daughter and sister!
"Pray tell me dear Rosey," I hastened to interrupt her soliloquy,
"I am fascinated by your life here and your love of nature but please tell
me of my quest-will I find Julia and RedRose?"
She sipped her tea delicately and pondered a moment.
"You are in the midst of a dangerous journey," she replied, choosing
her words carefully. I fidgetted in my chair, fearful of what bad tidings
she may have forseen.
"The future is not always clear, my friend," Rosey continued, "You
must continue to the Maple Leaf Palace but not all of your answers will be
found there. You will travel across the seas in search of your goal. And you
may be surprised by what you discover. You may wish you never found some of
your answers. Some of your loved ones may not be as they appear to be."
I furrowed my brow and began to perspire even in the coolness of
autumn's late afternoon. I watched as the shadows crept eerily across the
forest floor.
"What do you mean fair lady," I croaked, my stomach churning at her
coming reply.
"Only that you must be careful Sir Trekker," she spoke, her voice
barely above a whisper. She looked directly into my eyes. "Things are not
always as they seem."
"But what about Julia and RedRose," I cried, tiring of her cryptic
responses, "Where are they, will I find them?"
She rose from her chair and cleaned her cup.
Turning to me with a downcast face, she spoke her final words to me.
"I'm sorry dear Trekker but I have told you all I can for now. But I
will be with you on your journey. Listen for me, for I shall be at your side
when you need me."
"But," I started and she interrupted me.
"No, Trekker, I can say no more." She ran past me, tears streaming down
her lovely features and disappeared into the woods.
My head fell and my shoulders sagged as I watched her vanish. Things
not as they seem? I must be careful? My answers will not be found at the
palace? Good God, what will happen? Why couldn't she tell me?
I stared after her till long after dark, reciting every word she said
and still I couldn't move. Finally exhaustion overtook me. I rolled out my
blanket and fell into a fitful sleep.
As usual, the welcoming chirp of the songbirds awakened me gently.
But my journey was still well before me and my hopeful reverie at finding the
answers turned into a disappointing tenseness.
I stretched out the kinks and crunched on an unappetizing biscuit.
Autumn was rapidly turning to winter as I trekked north-and I feared a
mournful winter it would be.
