A Human Tale

Part 4

Author's Note: I am simply typing this story up from an old notebook. I do not remember what was happening. I will fix spelling errors but that's about it. Enjoy what I have written up... I guess? Because this story will probably never get an ending. Enjoy!

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"Books?"

"Check."

"Food?"

"Check."

"Rope?"

"Check."

"Well, that seems to be everything we could need. And, with this map, travel should be a piece of cake," Eilish tells Hannele and Phillip. 

"And, with this fresh new day there is nothing that could get in our way," Phillip tried positively. 

"Except if the guards are looking for me," Hannele reminds them. "Then we may have to split up and meet somewhere."

"Good idea, princess," Eilish comments. "What about the abandoned shack? Most have forgotten it by now and it's just inside the forest!" she shows them the landmark on the map.

"Sounds great," Phillip agrees.

Hannele pulls on the waist pack, clipping it into place on her hips.

"Everybody ready?" Eilish asks.

With everyone in agreement, they head out from the library as a group. Everyone is on edge as they watch for palace guards or someone that might turn in Princess Hannele, but nobody shows up. Much less a guard.

"Creepy," Phillip comments. "Seems like the entire kingdom has gone into lockdown right along with the castle."

"Keep your eyes out nonetheless, you never know who could be larking in the shadows." Eilish whispers in a spooky tone.

The trio made it to the edge of town and double checked the map before beginning their trip into the Rooftop Forest.

Unlike everyone seemed to believe, the forest is quite peaceful and quiet. Of course, there are birds and squirrels along with other animals, but they don't bother the fairies.

"It's kind of peaceful," Phillip admits, by far being more nervous than the girls. 

"Grandmother always tried to convince me that this forest is quite harmless. I really wish I had listened to her and possibly joined her for a fly," Hannele adds, looking around in the awe and wonder of the morning sun peaking between hundreds of leaves and branches. 

"It's beautiful," Eilish agrees, keeping an eye on the map as they flew. "I might have to try and convince more fairies that it isn't so bad in here."

"Someone was trying to do that a few years ago," Hannele recalls. "Grandmother brought me to listen to him."

"Daniel Hallway?" Eilish asks.

"Yes, I do believe that was his name. Did you know him?"

"He introduced me to adventure when I was seven or so. He had a knack for convincing people, that was for sure."

"I was inconvincible. I refused to step foot or wing in here, no matter what any fairy said."

Phillip snickers. "A stubborn princess. Who would have guessed?"

"It's not like I was being a spoiled brat. I was quite afraid of the forest. My father had told those terrifying takes that obviously got to my head." Hannele says.

"Do you still fear those things?" Eilish asks.

"Yes," Hannele admits. "But my upbringing along with wanting to know the truth... I've just pushed down those fears. And now? It's not so bad anyways!"

Phillip chuckles. "That's my girl, princess!"

The trio giggles together. So distracted with talk, they don't notice how much smoother and quicker their flying had become. The forest is as beautiful as it is magical.

"There it is!" Eilish points off into the distance at some stones on the ground.

Hannele hurried ahead, going right into the clearing and landing on the outside of the circle of stones. Ten rocks made up the fairly large formation. 

The others catch up and join Hannele. "It is just like MR. Brewer had described it. No fairy could have moved these! And, it has been around for quite some time. Just look at that moss." Hannele flutters over to show the others what she meant.

"And the flying," Eilish adds. "I feel like I could fly forever and every and never get tired!"

Hannele twirls in the air. "It's like magic," she agrees.

"Is it magic?" Phillip asks. "Does that dance of yours work here?"

"A dance?" Eilish wonders.

Hannele returns to the others and then explains, "A magic dance my grandmother taught me. She said that it opened the gateway into the world of the giants."

"Why have you said nothing about this?" Eilish exclaims. "We have to try it!"

"Not we," Phillip corrects her, "Hannele will."

"Awe, come on, what's the fun in that?" Eilish complains.

"You do not know this dance and nor are we certain if it will work." Hannele answers.

"What if it does work?" Philip asks.

Hannele signs softly. "Then you must leave me to my research. If it grants you passage, I wish for only Eilish to join me. Phillip, you must return and inform my parents of a prolonged apsence. Eilish, if you are unable to join me, I ask that you stay here to guide me home when I return. Although, we do not yet know if this will work so, please, do not rush to conclusions."

Phillip speaks first. "I will do all that I can in your aid, princess." he puts his hand over his heart.

"As will I," Eilish agrees.

Hannele turns and flutters up to the rocks.