The Old Witch of the Forest 
Part 2. Into the Forest

Hand in hand they entered the forest.  The first thing Claudia noticed was the darkness.  It was dark and very scary.  The trees seemed huge and daunting as they ventured further in.

“This is great,” Jack said with an excited whisper.  It was so quiet and he seemed unwilling to break the silence.  “I bet there are plenty of rabbits in here.  I should have brought my sling.  Look Claudi, look, a path.”  There was indeed a narrow path winding throughout the trees.

“I want to go back,” Claudia sniveled.

“Let’s just follow the path for a bit.”

“No! I want to go back.”

“I’ll leave you here-”

“No.  Don’t leave me.” Claudia grasped Jack’s hand tightly.  It was sweating despite the coolness of the forest.

They reached the path and followed it.  Deeper they went until the stream was well out of sight.  The rustle of the trees caused Claudia to hug Jack tighter.  Once a rabbit darted out of some bushes and Claudia squealed.

“There ARE rabbits in here,” said Jack ignoring Claudia’s squeal that seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet.

They followed the path even further leading them deep into the forest.

“Jack, can we please go back now,” Claudia cried.

“Look Claudi, can you see that?  It’s a house.”  Jack pointed to a little cottage barley visible through trees.  It had a thatched roof just like their place.  It was in a small clearing and looked very cozy.

Claudia gave a small whimper and huddled against Jack’s sleeve.

“I bet the rumours are true that the crazy old witch of the forest lives there,” he said to himself wondering.  “Wait until I tell the other children of the village.”

“Which witch was that?” said a strange voice from behind them.  Jack spun around, Claudia screamed.  Standing on the path behind them was an old and hunched over woman.    Her face was wrinkled like crinkled parchment and she had knobs and warts all over her hands.  She looked very old and feeble.  But how did she get there on the path?  It had been clear only moments ago.

“Don’t be frightened my shy little ones,” she said in a croaky voice.  “I’m not a witch, just an old lonely woman who prefers the quiet of the forest to the clamour of the city.”

“Who are you?” said Jack uncertainly.  He was frightened but would not let it show in front of his sister.

“They call me Halgar.  And what are your names my pretty ones?”

“I’m Jack and this is my little sister Claudia.”

“Jack and Claudia.  Those are nice names.  You must both be very tired after walking so far.  Why don’t you come into my house just ahead and rest for a moment?  I get so few visitors.”

“Um, I’m not really sure about that.”

“Oh, come now dearie, there’s nothing to be frightened of.”  She said this as she started shuffling along the path.  When Jack and Claudia didn’t move she turned back and beckoned them.  “Come, come my little pretties, do not be afraid.  I have sweetmeats waiting for you, all that you could possibly eat.”

“Sweetmeats!  We never get to eat sweetmeats,” said Jack.  “Maybe we can visit just for a short while.”

“No Jack, I’m frightened.  I want to go home,” and with that Claudia started crying and calling out to mummy.

“Oh the poor little thing.  Come follow me dear Jack.  Some sweetmeats with hot cabbage broth will make those tears go away.”

So Jack followed the old woman, who shuffled along at a very slow pace.  Claudia, who refused to move, had to be carried in his arms.  When the old woman offered to carry her, she shrieked and hid her face against Jack’s chest.

The cottage was small but cozy looking.  A nice little hedge surrounded a colourful garden of all kinds of plants and flowers.  The path led right up to the front door.  With creaking hinges she opened it up and the aroma of freshly baked bread could be smelt.

“Come, come my pretties, you must be ravishing.”

So Jack, still holding Claudia in his arms, followed her inside.

Part 3. A Nice little Meal......