A Clearing with a big Tree

After trudging behind the horse Jack O Lantern and his horse for seemingly forever eventually he lead you to a small clearing where dead withered trees surrounded the clearing and were to close together there was only one opening into the clearing.

As you looked around you heard the of shifting trees before the opening seemingly closed behind you. Looking forward sitting in the middle of the clearing sat a giant tree grey tree with large branches and roots all grey and dead looking as well with the only prominent feature being its enormous size in comparison to the others trees.

Where as the other trees were of average size for trees this one towered high among even those trees and judging by the gigantic roots and tree trunk was almost ten times as big as the other trees. However you stood confused as the Jack O Lantern approached the tree bowing before it in respected before seemingly speaking to it.

However before you could think about your next move the Jack O Lantern man approached you before speaking. “Go the master wishes to speak with you.” Before you could be reply the Jack O Lantern roughly shoved you in the direction of the giant tree.

Looking around you saw it looked normal and decided that it was better to humor the Jack O Lantern at this point what did you have left to lose. Sighing you stepped closer and closer to the tree before you noticed a skull like face was carved into the tree trunk. However as you drew closer to the tree it came alive as its eye sockets burned with an eerie dark purple glow and skull like mouth began to move before it spoke.

“Why have you come to my forest child do you see ****?” The tree said in ghoulish like tone. “I was brought here for a reason I don’t know and I don’t know how to get back.” you replied. The tree stared at you before speaking. “Liar! Lies you have come to finish what you humans do best and have come to steal what little Honeysuckle remains!” The tree exclaimed much to your worry.

“Honeysuckle what? No listen I was brought here and left here and I don’t know how get out if you could just-“ The tree roared in anger. “What wait for your companion to find the last of the honeysuckle no! You may think are you smart human but I am not stupid like the other trees before more I will not fall for such trickery!”

“No I mean it I don’t what this place or-“ The Tree only got even more angry. “Your lies may have been the downfall of my brothers but I will not-“ Angry you shouted over the tree allowing your frustration and anger to bubble to the surface.

“LISTEN HERE YOU OVERGROWN TREE STEM I WAS BROUGHT HERE AGAINST MY WILL, LEFT HERE AGAINST MY WILL, AND BEATEN LIKE A TYPICAL SUNDAY MORNING, I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS HORSE CRAP MUCH LESS THE NEW CRAP YOU WANT TO PULL SO POINT ME THE WAY OUT OF HERE BEFORE I LOSE MY FUCKING TEMPER!” You shouted indignantly at the tree. The tree’s eyes narrowed “Watch your tone boy only one person has ever spoken to me in such a way.

“Yeah well I don’t give a shit about that the name is Nathan Blackthorn I have grown up with a life full of bullshit and frankly I don’t have time for your shit so point me in the direction home and I will be on my way and out of your hair for good.” You replied.

As you declared your name the Tree seemingly froze in contemplation before speaking. “What did you say your name was again boy?” It asked inquiring once more. “The name is Nathan Blackthorn you over grown tree stem!” As you stated this once more the tree stared at you seemingly in shock before laughing.

“Whats so funny?” You asked as the tree slowly stopped laughing. “I never thought I would see the day when Stephanie’s own son would return here much less meet me in the same manner that we first met in.” The tree said as it smiled as best as skull could smile.

At the mention of your mother you froze before it continued. “You were only a baby when we first met I remember as if it were yesterday your mother was unlike anyone else I had ever met she loved this forest even after it died. She cared for us bring water and fertilizer playing on my brothers and sisters yes she even brought us company and created The Watchers to protect us in her stead until she could find more honeysuckle for us.”

The tree sighed “Then one day she came and she brought you a small little babe. She was so happy and said that she wouldn’t be able to visit as often she used to because of you.” She then gave us the fog, the crows and the lanterns to protect us from the outside world. Of course people found us but now they stayed away and some even still kept up the trial despite the changes.”

“Trial?” You asked. “Yes a simple one really as this forest was easy to lose yourself in and the trial was simple you simply had to find your way out of here.” You scratched your head before speaking. “I am assuming it isn’t that easy is it.” The grey wither tree nodded. “Many people have died trying to escape this forest more so trying to destroy the forest in the process usually a watcher would take care of them permanently however.”

Looking at the tree you sighed before limping past the tree. “Where are you going Nathan?” The tree asked as you limped past the. “I am getting out of this forest nothing against you or your watchers but I have to get home maybe I can come back some other day.” You shouted as you neared the tree line. As you descended into the fog you limped along before stumbling across a worn stone path. Making sure to be as quiet as possible you soon over the course of an hour came across a skeleton wearing farm hand’s clothes.

After scavenging his backpack you found some bandages and managed to create a sling with some a sturdy tree branch before something shiny caught your eye. As you reached into the pocket of the backpack you found in your hands a small Colt M1911 in yours hands. Aside from rifle instruction your aunt and grandparents had given shown you how to handle handguns too perfect especially with these circumstances now. As you walked into fog your soon stumbled upon a worn stone brick road.