Until she came face to face with a frightened Anastasia. "My queen, can that really be you?"
Before the queen could answer, a raspy, whispery voice called to them from above: "if you value your lives you will leave the underground immediately.... The creatures are coming!"
The Queen knew to whom the voice belonged. It was a voice she had not heard for many years... The voice of the dryad, the tree spirits. The question was, could they be trusted...
Anastasia wondered who the voice belonged to. She glanced at the Queen who looked frightened—but only for a moment. Then the Queen’s expression returned to its normal icy glare.
ReplyDeleteAnastasia curtseyed. “Begging your pardon, your grace. Do you know the way out of here? I just want to return to my home.”
“I do,” said the Queen. ”But only those of royal blood can walk the paths of Kings and Queens. I’m sorry my dear. ”
“Please your grace,” Anastasia said. “Do you know anything about the Golden Tree?”
“The Golden Tree?” The Queen frowned. “That’s only a legend. I must return to my King now. Be brave, my dear.” The Queen walked deeper into the forest.
Anastasia tried to follow the Queen but soon lost her in the mist.
Then she heard the voice again. “If you value your life, you will leave the underground immediately…The creatures are coming.”
“I want to leave,” Anastasia shouted. “I just want to go home.” “But I don’t know how.”
Suddenly she saw a light in the distance.