The Secret of the Woods: A Magical Suspense Book 1

By Sara Beth Harper

Leaving their rough street life behind, five children escape into the forest, which turns out to be more dangerous than their former life had been. Evil goblins-the orcs-and their dogs track them through the wilderness, desiring the magic piece they unwittingly acquired when Michael promised a dying boy he would deliver it to Camelot. They didn&

• Language: English
• Publisher: Editors Creative Media
• Release date: Feb 26, 2020
• ISBN: 9781952062049

Sara Beth Harper

Sara Beth Harper lives in the hills of southeastern Ohio with her big family. She was inspired to write by sleepless nights and a vivid imagination. She loves anything nature, cooking, friends, family, and Jesus. She holds him and her faith closely and knows she could not have written without Him!

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Copyright © 2020 by Sara Beth Harper.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, includingphotocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methodswithout the prior written permission of the publisher. For permissionrequests, solicit the publisher via the address below through mail oremail with the subject line Attention: Publication Permission.

This publication contains the opinions and ideas of its author. It is intended to provide helpful and informative material on the subjects addressed in the publication. The author and publisher specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this book.

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ISBN: 978-1-952062-05-6 Paperback

ISBN: 978-1-952062-04-9 Ebook

Rev. date: 02/18/2020

The crushing of wills, the ability to trust, answered prayers, and the impossible becoming possible. All this He’s done so who else can I dedicate this to but the Lord Jesus Christ.

DAVID’S STORY

In a land far away lived a boy named David. He was small for his fourteen years with dark blond hair and serious brown eyes. He lived in an unusual place—the magical kingdom Camelot. This is his story . . .

On his way out to the garden one day, David discovered a door standing slightly ajar. This particular room was normally locked, and few people were allowed within. He knew he should keep walking but, being the curious sort, couldn’t resist! He told himself he would just take a peek, but soon he was eagerly examining the things he found within. Suddenly, he heard footsteps approaching! Guiltily, he ducked under a table, which had a tablecloth of long, white lace. What he saw next horrified him!

An unfaithful servant entered the room and approached a plain-looking stone nestled in velvet and locked in a glass case. After fussing with the lock a bit, the case creaked open. He swiftly transported the stone to his robe and walked calmly and quietly out of the room.

David knew instinctively he couldn’t let him out of his sight. He followed him quietly at a distance. The servant left the courtyard and entered the woods beyond. After a lengthy walk through the darkening forest, in which David kept dodging branches and protruding roots, they finally entered the city. The servant walked down a bunch of winding alleys. He finally stopped in the shadow of a tree about fifty paces from the last building.

David waited with bated breath. Soon, he saw a form appear beside the servant’s. He strained to see in the gathering darkness. All he could make out was a tall man with a pointy goatee and a thin mustache. A shiver raced up his spine.

He heard their murmuring voices and crept closer. Very good! the tall guy said. Now I can go home and take my kingdom back! That will teach them to overthrow me. This he said with a rather puffed out chest.

Uhh . . . we. The servant chuckled nervously. You said I get half the kingdom if I bring the stone, remember?

I don’t quite remember, the big man said casually.

But, Nicholas, we had an agreement! the servant cried.

It changed! Nicholas roared. David saw the glint of a knife before he heard the strangled cry of the servant.

Gasping with horror, he turned and dashed headlong for the city! He heard the surprised roar as Nicholas realized what had happened. Hollow, thudding footsteps thundered behind him, driving him faster!—faster toward the safety of Camelot, Merlin’s castle, and the help he would find there.

He passed the first houses of the city and rounded them into an alley, hoping to lose the man there. In here, he had the advantage. He knew every corner of it. He dashed around corners and dodged around houses until he only heard his own footsteps and heavy breathing. Just to be sure, he hid on a porch for a good half hour, watching and listening. All was silent except for the normal sounds of the city: the rumbling of a cart passing by, the shout of a child, the muffled sound of footsteps on the street, and the murmur of voices on the other side of the wall. But he didn’t let down his guard until he could finally see the blessed lights of the castle rise up ahead.

Weak with relief, he hurried up to the gate, wondering if someone had yet discovered the stone was missing. He had a hand on the gate when he heard a voice that curled the hair at the nape of his neck. Where do you think you’re going, kid? Nicholas sneered. He yanked David off his feet and dragged him back down the pathway.

Shouting and struggling brought him nothing but a rough shaking that had him gasping for breath. Through blurry eyes, he watched desperately as the lights to the place he’d called home for over half his young life disappeared.

Nicholas kept a rough hand over David’s mouth. When they reached the outskirts of Camelot, he threw him to the ground. You thought you could get away, didn’t you? he sneered. You think I would let a little punk like you spoil my plans? He brought out the stone and caressed it gently. My plan worked, he said with an evil smile. Now I can rule my kingdom again! I can finally take back what is rightfully mine, he smirked.

He looked at David, cowering on the ground. I should just kill you and be done with it. But we need another chore boy. He grinned wickedly. So you can live. As my slave! He laughed and hauled David to his feet. Let’s go, boy! They’re waiting!

Eventually, they approached a horse. Nicholas tied David’s hand to a stirrup and then he mounted the horse. David stared at him in disbelief when he realized what he was planning to do. Nicholas smirked. Let’s see how fast you can run! Get up! He smacked the horse’s neck. It jumped and loped into a slow trot. David had always been a good runner, so he could keep up without too much trouble. But Nicholas decided to make a game of it. He nudged the horse faster and faster! David quickly saw he was losing. He had to do something before he was swept off his feet! Suddenly, he grabbed the stirrup with both hands and pulled himself up and swung his legs close to the horse’s belly. The sudden awkward weight caused the saddle to slide. Caught completely by surprise, Nicholas was flipped off the side and bounced off the ground a few times before his foot slipped out of the stirrup. But David didn’t see any of it! He was terrified! His whole body was bouncing in and out of the horse’s pounding hooves! No matter how badly he wanted to escape Nicholas, he was beyond relieved when his hoarse voice finally stopped the runaway animal.

Nicholas stumbled up dizzily, his clothes dusty and his hair in a disarray. What was that! he roared. He yanked David off the ground where he lay stunned, his bruised body throbbing. He saw the glint of his knife in the moonlight, red with the servant’s blood. He cringed fearfully and waited for the worst. Instead, he felt a pressure on his wrists. The rope dropped off. David sagged with relief when Nicholas put the knife back in its sheath. His relief didn’t last long, however, when Nicholas suddenly punched him in the stomach! Don’t ever do that again! he screamed. David doubled over, gasping for breath, willing his weak knees to hold him upright. Nicholas kicked him to the ground and stared at him in disgust.

Turning back to his horse, he recinched the saddle and grabbed another rope. David’s heart sank. Not again, he thought. But Nicholas had something else in mind. This time, he tied him on top of the horse and, next, a branch to its tail. Then he yelled at the top of his lungs! The horse, already skittish, took off like greased lightning! Feeling the branch at his heels drove him to a panic! David was thrown roughly around as he struggled to keep his balance. Branches slapped his face. The horse stumbled, and David thought they were done. But, miraculously, they both stayed upright.

After what seemed like hours but was in reality only minutes, he saw that they were approaching a camp. Hope flared! It was quickly distinguished when he realized it was Nicholas’s band of thieves.

The horse tore into camp so fast it couldn’t stop and ran directly into a tent! David was jarred from his precarious seat and hung awkwardly upside down. What am I going to do now? he thought frantically as he watched legs gathering around. Guns and knives hung from their hips. He was cut from the horse and crumpled to the ground, only to be once again almost trampled by the horse! Hands pulled him to safety, and someone led the horse away.

You have to help Uncle! David cried dramatically. Some men shot him off his horse and did this to me!

Just who are you? the one that appeared to be in charge asked doubtfully.

Nicholas’s nephew, David replied. But you have to go help him! There were so many men! They looked at each other uncertainly.

Nicholas is an only child, the first man argued.

No! David insisted. He has a half sister he only recently found out about. Aren’t you gonna do something?

Still, the men shuffled around uneasily.

David knew Nicholas would soon walk into camp and the gig would be up. He took a deep breath. They were yelling, ‘Give us the stone!’ he said innocently.

Let’s go check it out. They agreed abruptly. David hid a grin. It quickly disappeared when he saw only a handful was leaving. There were a lot of men! he said quickly. More than all of you together. He swept his arms over camp. He was rewarded when everyone left except an older man and three younger boys.

Come on, boy, the old man said. You’re probably hungry.

Yes, I am. David answered. But, first, I really have to go the bathroom.

Joshua, go with him. The old man motioned to the oldest boy.

No, really! I can find my way, David said hastily. He left quickly.

He dodged around tents and the debris that littered the ground. He reached the edge of camp and hesitated.

Reaching a decision in his mind, he ducked into the nearest tent. He rummaged around blindly, his fingers reaching in the dark. He darted back outside, clutching in his hands a skin bag that contained ham, apples, and biscuits. But the best thing was a razor-sharp knife with a fancy bone handle. It was a treasure, and the person he took it from would consider it a great loss. He quickly disappeared into the shadowy darkness.

Meanwhile, the bandits had come upon their leader. He was on foot but unharmed and had the stone tucked safely away. Can you imagine his rage when his men told him of David’s trickery! You find that boy! he roared. And don’t you dare come back without him! I have never seen such a dumb group of men, he growled fiercely. Tricked by a mere child!

David was well on his way when he heard the dull thudding of many hooves. He broke into a run, away from the city and safety and into the mountainous wilderness that surrounded Camelot.

He had gone on several hunting trips over the years and knew his best chance of survival lay in the vast forests! He ran until it felt like his lungs were bursting, but the horses drew ever closer. He saw their shadows, cast by their lanterns, dancing eerily on the trees. He heard the muffled voices of his pursuers, the snorting and hoof beats of the horses, and closer was the rustling of leaves he was dashing through, his heartbeat, and heavy breathing. He looked desperately for a place to hide. Suddenly, a creek bank dropped out in front of him! He grabbed a tree trunk to keep from splashing in. Even in the dark, he suddenly knew where he was! His heart leaped. Just a couple of hundred feet downstream were shallow caves carved into the deep bank from long-ago high waters. Now if he could only get there undetected. He climbed down into the frigid water. It was ankle deep in the shallows and to his knees in the deeper parts, so it wasn’t too bad. Only cold, so cold, it didn’t take long for his feet to grow numb that he could hardly feel the stones shifting under his feet.

He made his way downstream, ducking down close to the water whenever someone ventured too close.

Finally, he came upon the brushy tangle that hid the largest cave opening. He hesitated outside. Suppose a bear or something else lived here now? He bent down and groped for a stone. Finding one of suitable size, he walked quietly closer and threw it inside as hard as he could! He took a step back and listened. Nothing happened. He did that twice more before he was satisfied. Still, he entered cautiously. The damp cave sure felt empty. He moved farther in and started making himself comfortable.

He stiffened. Voices, suddenly loud and close, echoed through his hiding place.

He couldn’t have gone far! said the first voice.

I still say he headed for the city, said the second.

No, disagreed the third. He wouldn’t have made it so far, so fast. Besides, he’s too smart for that. Tricked us all into believing he’s Nicholas’s nephew when most of us know he has no family! He snorted in disgust. David could tell he had really ticked them off and grinned to himself. Well, the third voice said after a moment of silence, we’re not going to find him like this. And you know we can’t go back without him! David groaned. Somehow, he had to find a way back to Camelot!

He sat down with a thud and sighed. He considered eating an apple but decided against it. The longer he could make the food last, the better chance he had of making it back.

His mind wandered back over the hunting trips he had made in these mountains. His favorites were the times his dad and uncle had brought him and his brother. He couldn’t remember that much, being he was so young. But he could remember the feeling of freedom and innocence and happiness; of trying to be quiet as he accompanied his dad or uncle behind a tangle of branches that hid them from the creatures that roamed these woods, of running, wrestling, and yelling with his brother; of eating the juicy steaks of deer and bear.

He sighed. Those were good times for sure. He longed for the guidance of his dad or uncle as he sat scared in this dark hole. But that was impossible. His dad had been killed when his horse spooked and flipped his cart. David still remembered how scared and lonely he had felt. The only thing that had made him feel better was the fact that he and Matthew could go live with Uncle Ben and Aunt Miranda. It took some time to get used to having a mother. His own had disappeared when he was almost three years old, and no one knew what had become of her. He, Matthew, and their dad had settled into a routine that not many women approved of. But they had everything they needed, and David had always been happy and content.

But that had changed. And just when everyone was settled into this new routine, death struck again, this time in the form of a mine shaft collapsing and taking their uncle and seventeen other men. After that, Aunt Miranda fell into a deep depression and was no longer able to take proper care of them.

One morning, she took them by the hand and set off out of the city. She didn’t answer any of their questions except that she couldn’t take care of them anymore. David remembered the fear on Matthew’s face and felt a gut-clenching fear of his own shiver throughout him.

They left the city and entered the cool, shady woods on a path David had never seen before, though it appeared well traveled. They walked what only seemed like a short distance when around a bend, a huge, mysterious castle appeared! They stopped short and gaped up at it. It was so close to the city, but neither of them had known it existed! Their aunt pulled them on up the path, through the gate, and up the walkway. A man met them at the door. Aunt Miranda left with him, and a young maid took them out to the garden. In a couple of minutes, their aunt returned. She hugged them tightly. I’m sorry, she whispered. Tears glistened in her eyes. She straightened and left without once looking back.

As it turned out, they were at Camelot. They were amazed! All the stories they had heard about Merlin were not just fables as they’d thought. Everything was true!

The boys adapted to this new life quickly and willingly. Every day brought something new and exciting. They helped out in the kitchen and gardens in exchange for food and a bed. And Oscar was even teaching them magic! Oscar was also an orphan and had arrived eight summers ago. Anyone can work magic, he explained. Some people can just do it better. They have the gift, he said.

As it turned out, Matthew had that gift. And it caught Merlin’s acquaintance’s eye. So when he finished his visit and returned to his castle far away, Matthew went with him.

David felt an overpowering loneliness as he watched his brother ride away. Matthew turned and waved then again, until a dip in the ground swallowed him up. David tossed his brave facade and sank to the ground. Tears squeezed out and ran down his cheeks. In one way or another, he had lost his parents, brother, uncle, and aunt, and all before he was eight.