Beyond the Willow Tree (Under MAJOR reconstruction)

Chapter 2: Changing Leaves

Beyond the Willow Tree 

Chapter 2: Changing Leaves 

Willow awoke some time later sitting up holding her head. "Ouch..." she said rubbing the back of her head. She looked around trying to figure out where she was. She was in a field of wild flowers in full bloom, which was uncommon for this time of year. "W-where am I?" she asked starting to be overcome by fear. "This isn't South Dakota." She whispered her voice cracking from fear. 

"This is the book world darling." A deep voice said from the shadows. Willow jumped to her feet, balling her hands in fists ready to fight. She wasn't a very good fighter but she would do what she could to protect herself. "Now now darling, you wouldn't hurt an old man would you?" the voice said again.  

An old wrinkly man with a beard as long as he was tall came out of the shadows. Willow loosened up her fists. 'An old man like him couldn't hurt a fly.' She thought.  

"Hey now, I may be old but I can still fight, especially a fly." He said with a chuckle. Willow's eyes widened and she backed away. To what she understood this old man just read her mind. "I have been waiting quite some time for you Willow. I am the Great Wizard." He said very calmly.  

"H-how did you know my name. We've just met." She asked him, watching the old man's every movement, cautious of what he might try to do. "And what is it you want from me anyway." She asked him afraid. 

"I know your name for the same reasons I knew you thought I could do no harm to flies. It's just some simple mind reading. As for your second question, it is best I answer that where it is safe and warm. My home is not far from here. Let us go there and I will explain everything." He said with a gruff voice, hardened with age. "I assume you will wish to stay with me for a while?" he asked Willow already knowing her answer.  

Willow blinked her eyes trying to comprehend what just happened. "N-no! I don't want to go with you!" she yelled backing farther away. The Wizard rolled his eyes and whispered a few words under his breath. Willow felt this sense of calm over take her. Her fears faded and her body relaxed. With the fear gone she was able to think clearer. "On second thought, I will go with you." She said relaxed. 

A grin crept across the Wizards face. "Good. I'm glad you came to your senses. There is nothing like a calming spell to clear the mind." He said with a grin. "It's this way darling." He said leading her away from the clearing and into the forest. "Now Willow darling, you are 16 correct?" he asked her walking a few feet in front of her.  

"Y-yes I am, Mr. Great Wizard sir." Willow replied. She kept her distance behind him, still a bit nervous. "U-um... Mr. Great Wizard sir... may I ask why you called me Willow darling just now?" she asked shyly. It was very strange to her that he called her the same thing her mother did, considering they had just met and he was a complete stranger.  

The Wizard just started to laugh. "You think by now dear you would stop asking such silly questions. It's just mind reading darling. I read that your mother used to call you that and I assumed it would make you more comfortable. Was I wrong in my assumption?" he asked turning to face her. Willow just stared at him for a moment, shook her head no, and returned her gaze to the floor. The Wizard turned back and continued to walk.  

After walking for some time they reached a small stone hut that the Wizard called home. "It may not look like much now, but just wait until you get inside. Plenty of room." He said nodding his head and opening the door, excited to show off his home. Willow couldn't help but smile at the Wizards kindness, even if he did have a rough exterior. The Wizard went inside and Willow followed. The Wizard was right. The inside was so large it could be the equivalent of some of the largest mansions known to man. It took her breath away. She stood dumfounded in the entryway. It opened up to a large living room that sunk into the floor creating a pit like area. In the center of the pit was a burning fire, illuminating the rest of the hut. Past the living room area was a large stone corridor with four or five bedrooms spread out along the hall. To the right of her was a single room with a wooden sign on the door that said private. To the left of her was a bookshelf as tall as the wall it rested against. It was shelved with as many books as it could fit. Willow stared at his home absorbing everything in it. "I did warn you Willow darling." The Wizard said chuckling.