A Devils Roar |

Chapter Three

"Mama, where's the grandma?" Anna asked, her voice soft and filled with curiosity.

"Why don't we wait and see Anna. Some things just can't be spoiled." Her mother gave her a disapproving look. She never liked spoilers and whenever her sister, Anna's Aunt would spoil a good book or movie that would earn her good whack from Anna's mother.

"Ok," The child whined. The mother laughed at her daughters inability to cope with suspense,"What about the beast? Where's the hunter man?"

"You'll just have to wait Anna. Now... where was I... ah, nightfall had approached..."

Nightfall had approached and Little Red wasn't any the wisest just how far she had meandered. The trail seemed to turn and twist in all directions till' she appeared at a cross section which only increased her confusion. There was no cross section; at least their wasn't any Little Red knew of.

She stood at the foot where both paths cross feeling perplexed. She couldn't seem to understand. Why had pathway changed? Had she gone the wrong way? The lanturn Little Red held glowed a bright yellow and illuminated the way. This lantern was the only thing that kept Little Red aware of her surroundings. Without it she would surely be blind.

Just when LIttle Red was about to go right she heard some voices coming from the left,"Burger me' days Harold. How on earth does ye' expect to find port in yer'."

The way they spoke was most unusual and yet Little Red couldn't help but smile. Maybe they knew how to get back home. So Little Red went left, hoping to bump into them along the way. After all, being alone with a beast on the loose was the last thing she wanted.

Little Red called out to try and reach them but somehow they weren't there. With furrowed brows and turned in circles. Maybe she'd missed them. Maybe she had gone to far into the forest. Maybe she was in fact – lost.

Little Red decided not to dwell on the facts and started forward, calling for the strangers,"Hello? Is anyone there?" Little Red wanted so badly for someone to be there when a mist-like fog started rolling in and made her stop. It was like a cloud of dust she couldn't touch. It was grey and dense, it was so thick not ever her trusted lantern could glow through the bog.

All was silent. All was eerie. That was, until something bumped into her. LIttle Red let out a sheirl scream. Turning around she came face to face with the stranger she'd hoped would help her. Smash! No, oh no, no, no! Her lantern had smashed into one thousand tiny pieces and shards were littered everywhere. She couldn't see their face so instead of panicing she hoped and prayed with all her might that they were kind at heart,"Hello?" Little Red questioned. She wasn't sure what to say to this person. The night was still young and it didn't look like the sun would rise anytime soon. With only a silhouette to go by she stepped forward and asked the stranger,"Do you know the way out of this forest?"

"What's is it to ye' young lass?" Little Red didn't expect the person's voice to be so rough. It was like something was forever stuck in his throat.

"I'll admit," Little Red sighed lightly,"It would appear I don't know the woods as well as had thought. I am lost and need help finding a way out." Little Red waited for the man to answer in hopes of him helping her out.

"That must be a bother. Sorry young lass but I ain't never done nothin' for free." The man replied and began walking away.

"Wait!" Little Red called out and the man stopped i couldn't see what he looked like i could only speculate that the grin he must wear at the moment to be smug,"What would you like in honour of my rescue?"

"Well lass, I have never been to the port of Noir. I was a' hopin' for ye' escort after I be so kind in helpin' ye' out." His request was simple enough and Little Red had visited the port enough times to know where to go. So when she accepted his offer that was when the clock started counting down.

Few but a many have spoken of the golden clock and have tried to find it. It's foretold that whoever could decipher the phrase inscripted on the glass shall never have to see the darkside ever again.

The forest was quiet as they walked. Not an animal was in sight not even the birds Little Red had been accustomed to seeing flew about. They must all be asleep she finally concluded. The dirt felt soft under her shoes and her red cloak that dragged along the ground was now brimmed with mud. She could only imagine what the pain she'd be feeling when it came time to wash the bloody thing. The trees stood tall and firm. Some were bent and deformed. Others were small and hooked.

Little Red watched the man silently. The sound of his boots trudging against the dirt and rattle of what could only be described as metal clanged against his waist... The mans breathing was as silent as this forest.

"What're you doing this far from the port Sir?"

It was a question that took him by surprise no doubt, the sudden halt of his boots and ridged back said it all. He stopped suddenly and then walked again, as if he was trying to hide the fact that a little girl asking a question had shocked him. Little red smiled at that. She'd never been the fierce type or the forceful type so this reaction was the last one she was expecting to receive.

"Well, that be a long story lassy." His voice thick and rough. It sounded like an off-tuned instrument. One that Little Red wasn't sure she'd ever get used to.

"We've got a lot of time."

Hey guys! 👋

So how's today's chapters? I know there short and if you'd like longer ones just say the word and I'm all there.

What do you guys think of my Little Red Riding Hood retelling?