Timothy Tuttlesworth lll was a man of means, having traveled around the world with his cat companion Ajax.
Having secured gold, silver, and precious gems, Timothy was on his way home with great anticipation.
He didn’t know that the forest had eyes. They watched him as he made his way to his village on the other side.
Then, an old woman appeared out of nowhere. “Who be passing through my woods without paying the toll,” croaked the hag.
“Toll, nonsense. I have lived here all my life and have never had to pay to cross these woods,” snapped the man.
“Things be different, Tim boy, since you been away. There be men of power needing their due if you knows what I mean,” the woman said slyly.
“How do you know me? Speak up, croan, or my cat shall take an inch from your hide,” Timothy demanded.
“Tim, have you forgotten old Latilla, the blacksmith’s wife? See’en we were such good friends, I figures you could cross my palm with two silvers,” the woman asked.
Timothy looked carefully at the crumbled figure. An image formed in his head of a robust and cheerful lass. She was pounding hot iron alongside her husband, the village smithy. “My lord, it is you. What has happened to you, Mrs. Heartounge?” exclaimed the man.
“Twas several months ago, Tim, when a band of men demanded payment for everything, saying it was a tax. Those who would not pay died and those who could not pay were sent off to the woods. Times are bad, Tim, but a few silver would help ease the pain,” said the woman.
“By all means, Mrs. Heartounge here is a crown to help you buy food. I take it your husband was killed for not paying the tax. John was a good man,” said Timothy.
“That he was. Thank you, Tim, and stay clear of the village until after dark; it will be safer to enter then.
The two travelers kept to the treeline as they made their way to the village. “Ajax, do you remember the box of delights the Sultan gave us for saving his daughter from the djin?” asked Timothy.
“But of course, that should give those devils their just desserts,” replied the cat.
The moon crested. The two adventurers crept into town. They placed a small silver box at the feet of the King’s statue. “They will get a bang out of this in the morning,” snickered Timothy.
At dawn, the collection patrol began their daily squeeze. When the commander saw the box, he rushed to see what awaited him.
The lid popped open with a click. Music started to play. Tiny toy soldiers marched out of the box. “Look at that. I bet the Queen will reward me extra for this,” boasted the man.
Within seconds, the soldiers grew in size and became a full-armed regiment, steadily marching toward the men. “This ain’t good, lads. Back to the castle before these things get bigger,” exclaimed the patrol’s leader.
As the music played, more armed figures emerged to follow the men straight to the King. Timothy and Ajax remained out of sight while the box of delights finished off the King’s court. “I guess the King and Queen got their just reward, eh Ajax,” wink Timothy.
The soldiers returned to the box one by one. Timothy shut the lid. Then, he placed the box back into his pack. “Best be getting home. It’s almost time for tea,” said Timothy. “You know mother makes the best scones this side of Himalayas.”
The two weary travelers hurried off to fill their grumbling stomachs and get a well-deserved rest.
For More Fun:
Folksburywoods Story Blog 
Leave a comment