Folksburywoods Story Blog

When the forest children have finished their morning lessons, they visit Grandfather Tree to hear exciting tales.

“Listen, children, what I’m about to tell you happened long ago when the forest was still young,” the old tree would start each story.

Today was Fiona, the fox’s birthday, and she wanted to hear an exciting tale about the forest Queen.

“Ha, Ha, Ha, I see you have been talking to your Mama again, for that was her favorite story,” said the tree.

“She said you told a story about how the Queen saved the great forest and all the animals from a terrible storm sent by a dark wizard,” said the fox.

“It is true, children. Long ago, when the world was still young, a great Queen ruled over the land and protected the forest and its people from danger,” said the old tree and began to tell his story.

“I was a wee sprout living with my family at that time. The Queen would come and visit the forest each day and give wonderful gifts to all the people of the wood.

We loved our Queen, so you can imagine how sad we were when she became ill and could no longer visit.

While the Queen was kind and loving, the Dark Wizard Neutrino was evil and hateful, and seeing the Queen ill, attacked the forest with a great storm.

The winds blew so hard for days that many trees were ripped from the ground and blew far away. I lost my mother and father in the storm, leaving me an orphan.

Then came rain that washed away the land, leaving bare rock where once great, beautiful meadows stood. The forest people felt that the end was near. Some even gave up and let themselves be washed or blown away.

But not all the animals and plants were willing to give up, and we gathered to fight against the Wizard.”

“Did you win?” asked Baby Bear.

“Of course they did, or how is he here, silly,” teased Squirrely Squirrel.

“Well, actually, no, we lost little bushy tail,” said Grandfather Tree with a wry smile.

“Huh? I don’t understand,” exclaimed the squirrel.

“Hush, and you will. We fought hard, sending birds to attack the Wizard, and even the willows threw huge stones at him, but nothing could harm him through his magical protection.

Then, a brilliant light appeared out of the East a thousand times brighter than the sun, and soon, the Wizard and our Queen were in a battle for the forest’s life.

Due to her illness, the Queen was weakened, and we felt she could not defeat the Wizard alone. Many came to her aid, and the Wizard was finally destroyed.

After that, the Queen used her remaining powers to restore the land and heal those who remained.

When she had finished, the Queen smiled and faded away, leaving Ãlskad the ancient forest without a protector.”

“That’s why the Dark One can attack us so easily, isn’t it,” said the fox.

Yes, my child, without our Queen, it is up to all of us to keep the forest safe. Each has a part to do. Now run home and eat your dinners, and don’t forget to eat plenty of greens to make you strong,” said the old tree.

“Eww, we hate veggies, but if they help the forest, we will do our part, ” the children muttered.

“Be good girls and boys, and come see me tomorrow, and I will tell you about a dragon who once lived in the deep dark woods and ate nothing but eggcorns,” the old tree called after them.

“Ah, youth. It’s time for my nap,” said Grandfather, who fell asleep to dream of younger days.