The girl with the golden blade

The girl with the golden blade. The girl, who had haunted the town for centuries. The girl that everyone feared. She appeared every night in the graveyard, with her golden scythe and her black cloak. No one ever saw her face, it remained hidden under a hood. The people feared her. Everyone, except one particular boy named Wilf. Wilf was more curious than the whole town put together.

"One day it'll get him in to deep trouble", said his mother.

But Wilf burned with curiosity, and no one could change that. He wanted to know who the girl with the golden blade was. He had to know. Each evening he hid behind gravestones, darted between trees, but she was never there. Always a minute too late, or an hour too early. But one day, Wilf knew he would get her. He just had to be patient. One cold night in October, Wilf settled down on a fence, where he had a clear sight on the graveyard. This night, he had a great feeling. Wilf hoped this would be it. The night where he would catch her. Suddenly, the church bells chimed midnight. One chime...Nothing yet. Two chimes...Just silence. Three chimes...Did something just move over there? Four chimes... Just a tree in the wind. Five chimes... Wilf felt rather sleepy. Six chimes...He wondered if he should go home. Seven chimes...Had he'd been wrong about this good feeling? Eight chimes...Then why was his stomach churning excitedly? Nine chimes...An icy blast of wind made Wilf shiver. Ten chimes... Why hadn't he thought of bringing a coat? Eleven chimes... That was it. Wilf was cold and tired. He was going home. Twelve chimes. A red shimmer caught Wilf's eye. He spun around. In the grave yard stood the girl, holding her golden scythe, as still as ever. Wilf grinned broadly and on his long, gangly legs he ran towards her. The hooded silhouette turned towards him. Then, she began to fade into nothingness. Wilf pushed his hair out of his face and yelled: "Wait!"

The girl was nearly gone. Wilf grabbed her wrist, and together, the two of them teleported. Wilf opened his eyes. They were in a dark forest. The trees rustled in the wind. "Who are you?", they seemed to whisper. The hooded girl slowly rose to her feet, ready to walk away. Wilf reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder. "Don't go", he pleaded, "tell me why you do this. Haunt my town. Scare the people."

The girl slowly turned around, and as she did, she lowered her hood.

"Wilfred...The only boy who didn't fear me. I appreciate that. I never meant to harm your village." She smiled.

Her blond hair fell loosely around her shoulders.

"I watch over your little village. Haven't your people noticed ever since I come no harm has come to them?"

Wilf shook his head, awestruck. He had lifted the mystery.

"I am your towns patroness. I am the girl with the golden blade."