Keeper of the Forest

Mrs. Hood was carefully arranging bundles of fragrant herbs in a woven basket as she worked in a delightful house on the outskirts of a peaceful village. Her delicate hands, which were working with experienced delicacy, were bathed in a warm glow as the early sun flooded through the kitchen window. Her sick mother resided far within the heart of an old forest, therefore the herbs, each chosen for its medicinal qualities, were to be conveyed to her.

Ryder marveled in awe at her mother's meticulous moves. Her mother's face was framed by chestnut hair that had silver streaks running through it. With dried flower decorations on the walls and mysterious elixir vials lining the shelves, the hamlet exuded an air of mysticism.

Her mother broke the peaceful silence with soft words. "Ryder, these herbs will treat your grandmother's illness, as she is not feeling well. You have my complete confidence in handling this job.”

Ryder nodded eagerly, determined to fulfill the responsibility placed in her hands. Because mending was ingrained in their family tree, passed down from grandmother to mother to daughter, her mother's words carried the weight of many generations.

The sturdy twig-woven basket, which was lined with a soft fabric, was waiting for the herbs that would soon adorn its interior. Ryder's mother selected bundles of fragrant sage, calming lavender, and lively chamomile with care. Each herb had a function and was a reminder of the numerous treatments that her ancestors had created.

“The Keeper of the Forest will protect you,” said Mrs. Hood.

Out of utter confusion, Ryder questioned, “Who is the Keeper of the Forest, Mom?”

“This person protects the forest from danger.”

Ryder widened her eyes with fear. “What sort of danger?”

“Well, your grandmother told me that there are evil creatures roaming the forest?”

“Creatures like wolves? Big wolves?”

“I don’t know. Why do you think that?”

Ryder hesitated. She leaned closer to her mother. “I was having nightmares of me being attacked by a wolf. And grandma was killed by one when I visited her.”

“I have never heard any stories of wolves. But your grandmother told me that you should be safe as long as the Keeper of the Forest is around.”

“But what if I’m in danger, and this keeper does not save me in time?”

“I had a feeling that you would bring that up.” Mrs. Hood reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, black healing crystal. “This is a black tourmaline that your grandmother gave me. It will protect you as it protected me all these years.” She handed the crystal to Ryder. “It is now yours. Maybe you will attract the keeper to guard you.”

Ryder observed the black crystal admiringly with care and placed it in her pocket. “Thank you, mom.”

“Of course, sweetheart.”

As she was patiently waiting for her mother to finish, Ryder noticed something in the corner of the room: a red cloak that seemed to be alive with elaborate designs that swirled in the light. A cloak made from the heartstrings of her ancestors, it has witnessed generations of wearers. Transformed by their sorcery, it served as a shield, a guide, and a symbol of the kinship between their family and the supernatural powers that encircled their existence.

After filling and securing the basket, Ryder's mother approached her with a look that blended love and pride. "Here you go, sweetie. It's more than just a basket of herbs—it's a link to our family's history. Remember to wear the cloak as well; its enchantment will keep an eye on you." She smiled proudly at her daughter. “Now, you have three protection. The black tourmaline, the cloak, and the Keeper of the Forest.”

With unexpected softness against her skin, Ryder wrapped the crimson shawl around her shoulders. It had an airy weight, as though the threads themselves spoke ages-old knowledge. The cloak seemed to glimmer with a subtle glow as she tied it, serving as a reminder of the magic it held.

“Have a safe journey, my dear.” Mrs. Hood embraced her daughter.

Ready to go out on a voyage that would intertwine her fate with the secrets of the forest, Ryder held the basket in one hand and her crimson cloak snugly about her shape. The sunshine dappled the path ahead, and the depths of the woodland contained charm and mystery. The wind carried a gentle tune as she stepped outside, one that seemed like it could have come from years before.

Ryder has been traveling for almost two hours in the deep woods. She sees that the sun was slowly setting. Suddenly, she heard a rustle in the undergrowth as she continued to walk. She turned to face a tall, valiant guy with dark hair who emerged from the shadows.

His outfit, a deep blue tunic and pants tucked into well-worn boots, exuded a warrior's grace. A shining sword with a hilt encrusted with elaborate decorations that appeared to recount tales of bravery and triumphant battles was restrained by his side. Ryder was most drawn to his eyes, though, because they possessed an uncommon blend of tenderness and intensity, akin to the stillness before a storm.

The man nodded respectfully and came walking toward her, taking his time and being sure of himself. His voice, "Hello there," had a melodic tone reminiscent of the whispering in the forest. "My name is Victor. Who might you be?”

Ryder smiled bashfully at the handsome man. With an elegant curtsy, she let her red cloak cascade about her. “I'm Ryder."

Victor smiled warmly, curling his lips. "A name worthy of someone as captivating as you."

Ryder's cheeks flushed, but her eyes never wavered. "I appreciate your nice remarks, Victor. However, may I inquire, what a swordsman such as yourself doing in these woods?"

His face darkened, and he cast a quick glance at her herb basket. "There are rumors of a wolf in these woods—a crafty and ferocious animal. It's unlike anything I've ever met in terms of size and danger."

Ryder felt her heart skip a beat as her mind strayed to her grandmother's health. "I must bring these herbs to my grandma, who lives deep in this forest, to help her. I, however, shall not let fear stop me."

“Your face looks a little bit familiar. Is your grandmother Rosalee Hood?” Victor wondered.

Ryder proudly smiled. “Yes, she is.”

“You have her eyes and lips. You’re almost a younger version of her. Are you sure that you want to take this time to go see her?”

“Of course.”

Victor’s appreciation for her bravery softened and filled his eyes. “You deserve praise for your tenacity, Ryder. But please exercise caution. There is nothing like this wolf. Its eyes burn with a fire that seems unnatural, and its fur is as dark as the night. Many people who have come into contact with it have not survived to tell the story."

Ryder nodded, taking in his caution with a sense of both thanks and caution. "Thank you, Victor, for expressing concern. However, my heart begs me to go on. I have to go see my grandma and give her these herbs."

Victor gave her a respectful look, his eyes resting on the red robe she was wearing. "All well, then. May your tenacity protect you and the charms of your ancestry lead you as you travel down this path." He pointed in a different direction.

Ryder turned her attention to a new, stone-filled road.

“Take that path. It’s a little longer but it will definitely lead you to your grandmother safely.”

Ryder stared at Victor with curiosity. “Are you the Keeper of the Forest?”

Victor smiled gently without answering the question. He vanished into the woods, leaving Ryder to carry on with her trip, her heart strengthened by the encounter and the whispered promises of her scarlet cloak.

The deeper Ryder went into the woods, the colder it seemed, and she began to feel uneasy. The sound of rustling leaves became into a chorus of whispers, and shadows appeared to lengthen. Her mission grounded her as she gripped the basket of herbs firmly.

She was stopped in her tracks as she heard a cold growl reverberating through the trees. Her heart thumping, she slowly pivoted, and her eyes expanding, she saw a creature that appeared to emerge from the shadows themselves.

A wolf was standing there. Its dark, silky black fur absorbed the light from everything around it, making it nearly invisible in the twilight. Its chest let forth a low rumbling that shook the atmosphere and sounded like a warning.

Ryder’s spine tingled as she saw the intense focus of eyes that glowed like twin coals, staring at her. She felt fear tighten its grip around her throat. She tried not to panic, trying to remember the bravery she had once had, but fear took over her senses as she saw this creature.

The wolf moved forward, a stealthy hunter skulking in its target. Every stride was purposeful, every motion demonstrating its might. “What are you doing here?” the wolf asked.

“That’s none of your business.”

The wolf carefully moved closer. “Do I scare you?”

“You were in my nightmares.” Ryder slowly retreated.

The wolf tilted its head. “Was I?”

“You killed my grandma and tried to kill me. In my nightmare, you tried to impersonate my grandma to get to me. I don’t trust you.”

“Things are not what it seems, Ryder Hood.”

Then the wolf turned abruptly, disappearing into the darkness again as quickly as it had appeared. It seemed as if the forest let out a sigh, the tension vanishing from it like a dream come true. Standing there stunned and disoriented, Ryder’s hold on the basket gradually loosened. She could not believe that the wolf knew her name.

Another hour later, Ryder had a gnawing feeling of urgency when she arrived at her grandmother's house. A gentle, unsettling illumination filled the chamber as the door cracked open. She stepped inside with tentative steps, the herb basket falling from her fingers to the ground.

“Grandma, can you hear me?” Her voice quivered as she yelled.

The only sound in the eerie quiet that followed was the gentle rustle of cloth. Ryder's eyes grew wide as she saw Victor, the person she recognized standing close to the window.

“Victor, what are you doing here?”

“I just stopped by for a quick bite.” Victor pivoted, his eyes blazing with an unusual red hue.

Ryder’s words died in her throat before she could say another word. She was paralyzed by a sudden understanding that took her by surprise.

"Ryder," he moaned, his voice mingled with poison and honey. "My fear is that your grandmother will not be able to obtain your medicinal herbs."

Ryder's expression took on a horrified expression as she took in the spectacle in front of her. Her grandmother's body lay on the ground, eyes empty, skin pallid, and the air heavy with the stench of iron.

With hardly audible words, Ryder said, "You murdered her."

Shining teeth showed as Victor's lips curled into a menacing smile. "Yes, sweetheart. I am a vampire, not simply a swordsman. The allure of your grandmother's blood was too great to ignore."

Ryder was filled with terror as her mind tried to make sense of the terrifying scene that had happened to her. She was reminded of the old charms that had failed to keep her safe from the darkness by the weighty red cloak that had previously represented safety. As the realization dawned on her, she found herself at a crossroads between terror and incredulity, her life upended by a discovery more malevolent than any story she had ever heard.

Victor crept closer to her with a sadistic grin. “You see… all I need is the blood of a good witch to make me powerful. Now, I need the blood of a healer to make me immortal. I need you, Ryder. And nothing can destroy me now.”

Ryder was about to give up when she noticed a quick burst of movement. She was taken aback when the magnificent black wolf, Auron, appeared. He entered the cabin with an almost otherworldly grace.

“I can destroy you,” Auron growled.

Victor's victorious smile wavered in the face of Auron's intimidating presence. Tension buzzed in the air, an unseen struggle between forces that are beyond our comprehension.

Auron roared low in the room, his eyes flashing and his fangs bared as he lunged toward Victor. Victor tried to defend himself from the wolf's attack, but his confidence broke.

Ryder watched the lethal dance take place, her heart racing. The exact thing that had once made her fearful had now turned out to be her salvation. She could hardly believe what she was seeing.

Victor was overpowered by Auron's anger in a furious blur of movement and fury. The swordsman's battles became more and more weak, and his attempts to repel the wolf's blows were offset by the unearthly force.

Victor was rendered helpless as Auron delivered one last, sharp strike. His lifeless body collapsed onto the floor. The aftermath of the confrontation permeated the room, leaving behind an unspeakable weight of defeated darkness, along with the stench of blood.

Auron and Ryder's gaze locked as the room descended into a tense quiet.

Ryder caught a glimpse of ancient knowledge mixed with a kinship formed through shared adversity in their depths. “Are you the Keeper of the Forest?”

The wolf bowed respectfully. “Yes. I am Auron, Keeper of the Forest.” He looked at the grandmother’s lifeless body and sighed. “I’m sorry that I could not save your grandmother in time. She was always very kind to me.”

“You knew my grandma?”

“For a very long time. Your ancestors were the reason why I protect this forest. Long time ago, they saved me from creatures like Victor. In return, I made a vow to protect the forest and to protect you. You are not only a healer. You are destined to be a good witch like your grandmother.”

“Are there more vampires like Victor?”

“Unfortunately, there are. But don’t worry, Ryder. I’ll be around to protect you.”

“Always?”

The wolf nodded gracefully, then turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Ryder feeling amazed and appreciative all over again.

Once again, the encounter had turned the tides of fate, and Ryder felt both power and grief as she knelt by her grandmother's side. She had found an unexpected ally, the Keeper of the Forest that had saved her when everything looked lost. The woodland housed danger and rescue, darkness and brightness.