Over the River and Through the Woods

The projects I have that have a strict word-limit are some of the most challenging, but also some of the most fun.

It was old and evil-smelling, the bone shard that beat a cadence against her ribcage, matching her horse’s gait. Mother had slipped the necklace over Ellie’s head with trembling hands.

“There is great danger in the woods surrounding your grandparents and you, such a young girl. It’ll be the only protection you’ll have on your journey.”

Now, as the path took her farther into the wild, she was glad of this talisman, even as it bruised her, happy to have her father’s coat, as the drifting snow settled on her shoulders.

“Over the river, through the woods and right at the fork,” she repeated under her breath.

Though the river ahead looked frozen enough to carry the weight of horse and rider, she held the reins tighter as they rode. Within feet of shore, the ice began to crack and her mare almost lost footing. Only through Ellie’s skill did they manage to complete their crossing.

She reflexively felt for the shard, but her hand grasped only chain. The closer they came to the forest’s edge, the more the horse resisted. After reaching the tree line, her mount started and reared, violently throwing her to the ground. Nostrils flaring and eyes rolling, the spooked animal charged back across the river. Ellie watched, horrified, as it crashed through the thin ice and fell into the rushing waters below.

As Ellie despaired, dread washed over her. In losing the necklace, losing her horse, she was completely vulnerable. The woods seemed to hold her captive and she longed for the safety of her grandparent’s fireside. She slogged to the crossroad, accompanied by the eerie melody of windblown icicles.

“Stay to the right,” she reminded herself.

Something alive was holding its breath, watching her every move. Ellie shook her head, to loosen the fearsome grip of imagination. Dark eyes shining in the undergrowth were bound to be only glossy winterberries. She giggled nervously, reaching toward the fruit only to be arrested by the tang of sharp blood. A predatory smell. She began shaking uncontrollably.

Before she realized her feet were moving, she was running further into the woods, away from the hidden beast, but also away from the path. A guttural growl sounded close behind. She ran impossibly faster, branches tearing.

Ellie saw chimney smoke ahead, but it was still too far, she wouldn't escape. Turning, she saw, not a savage monster, but a small rabbit that smelled of sharp blood, holding a broken necklace. The starving thing couldn’t speak her language but Ellie knew, too well, the look of hunger. The same expression spread across her face

.…

She arrived at the cabin, gore-splattered. Grandma snatched her up, noting the fractured shard.

“Honey, that necklace was to mask your human scent. There's wickedness on the hunt for delicious little things like you,” she admonished.

Ellie sighed. “Well, I didn't come empty-handed. I brought something for the stew.”

She presented her blood-soaked jacket to Grandfather. He smiled, shining teeth glinting off his spectacles.

“Christmas stew, Ellie. Christmas stew!”