The Jungle

I've always enjoyed a casual stroll in the forest. I walked along the worn path alone, admiring the shrubs and greenery. It was always calm and quiet. As I walked along I noticed something odd. The ground to the right seemed very soft and unstable. I creeped closer to get a better look. There was a small crack in the dirt. I shrugged and went to turn the other way. My foot slipped on the slippery mud but I was able to catch myself. I breathed a sigh of relief. Suddenly the crack got bigger and the ground began to break! I tried to run but my feet were stuck. Soon I was falling. It was the most horrible feeling. I had no idea when I would hit the ground. I felt something hit my face. I looked and saw tree branches flying by. I could grab on to them! I reached out to grab them but they were just out of my reach. The ground was getting closer and closer. I started to panic. I tried to move myself closer to the tree. Unfortunately, it was too close. I hit my head on a large branch. When I woke up, I was laying on the ground. It was soft and lush. The forest down here was much more dense and green. Vines hung from the trees, moss was every where, but there were no animals. That was odd. I looked on my arms and felt my head. I had no bruises or cuts. Weird. I got up slowly. I had to find my way out of here. I walked a bit, exploring my surroundings. I had the weirdest feeling though. Like I was being watched. After walking a ways, I turned around and saw a man. He was older, wore a pointed dark blue hat and a robe of the same color. He carried a staff. It was Merlin! I was so excited! I had read all kinds of stories about Merlin, the legendary magician. He greeted me kindly. I asked him where I was and he responded that we were in the forbidden forest. He was the keeper of the forest. He had also seen me fall and had healed my injuries. I expressed my gratitude to him. He told me that he had to warn me of the danger I was in. Wolves roamed the forest. Wolves bewitched by evil. They were coming to kill me since I had invaded their territory. Merlin said he could hold them off but only for so long. We heard howling in the distance. He told me to run. I was to find a giant vine and climb up the cliff next to it. I thanked him again and vowed to keep his stories alive. He bid me farewell and I ran off. I could hear the howling get louder. I pushed on. I had to find that giant vine! I ran and ran until my legs were sore. I spotted the vine...finally! I stopped to rest for but a moment. I heard a growl. I looked up and saw some wolves a few feet in front of me. I was going to have to run for it. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I ran as fast as I could to the wall of dirt. It seemed stable. Using the vine for support I climbed up out of the reach of the wolves as fast as I could. One caught hold of my pants but I ripped it form it's mouth before it could drag me down. I finally reached the top of the cliff and climbed up. I looked around and saw a beach not far up ahead. I carefully and slowly walked to the beach. It was beautiful! The sand was golden and the water was a light turquoise. The sun was shining warm and bright. Exhausted, I laid down, curled up and fell asleep.