It was a two and a half days walk to Roseglen. The walk was not a cheerful one with Fin complained that his feet hurt at every pass. Muriel and Declan were both worried about Marwynn. The only one who seemed unmoved by the entire trip was Morganse. She had been too busy erasing their tracks in case the shadows had decided to look for them. She even set a few decoy traps to trip them up.
The path they had been following began to thin and become overgrown. It was clear that not many passed through this way anymore. Declan noticed the size of the trees were also growing rapidly. He realized that he could not see the tops and the daylight began to dim as they entered Moura Wood. Some of these trees were so entirely large that it would take a few minutes to walk around their massive trunks. They walked on with Morganse in the lead checking they were still on the ever narrowing path.
They came to a foot bridge that crossed over a large stream. It did not look altogether too safe. “Fin, as the lightest, how do you feel about trying to cross first? Morganse asked.
Fin gulped “Wouldn’t it make more sense to send the heaviest first, then we know it is safe for the others? Muriel first then?”
“Ack! Listen Pup, I—” Muriel was interrupted by Declan, “I will go first.”
Morganse nodded and allowed him to pass. Declan reached out for the ropes and put his foot on the first plank. It seemed sturdy enough so he made his way slowly across. On the other side he waved at the others. Muriel went next and then Fin. Last to cross was Morganse who made it with ease.
They stood on the other side and saw the sign that pointed to Roseglen. Someone must have visited recently because fresh flowers had been placed around the sign’s base. There was also a newer sign that Declan read out loud, “Here lies the remains of the Roseglen Massacre, we ask that you be respectful and leave. To enter is to dishonor the dead. They deserve to rest in peace.” They all bowed their heads for a moment of silent respect.
A few steps down the path led to an opening with more flowers scattered around the base of an old tree trunk. Here there were ribbons hung in the smaller trees, one for each of the lives taken or stolen. The heaviness in the air was tangible.
Fin looked out beyond the stump and saw the overgrown forest with one pile of stones that looked like the base of a house. He sighed and stated “Well that was anticlimactic.”
Declan said, “It is abandoned after all.”
“The overgrowth is covering the remains of the village, can you not see” Muriel pointed.
Fin asked, “So, are we supposed to clear out the village?”
Morganse answered “Don’t you see Fin? This is the perfect place to gather supporters.”
Muriel still upset with Fin mocked “What’s wrong Pup, afraid to do a little cleaning?”
“On the contrary, I am looking forward to watching you clean.” He smiled at her and crossed his arms. “I on the other hand will be relaxing right here on this stump.” He patted the stump and the earth around them began to move. Frightened by the sudden breaking in the ground he jumped back from the stump closer to the others.
Declan trembled “What is happening?”
Morganse on the other hand was quite content, she even had a smile on her face as she cried out “Of course! Only a simpleton would think they all stayed away!”
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
“What do you mean?” Declan questioned.
The earth that had only been moving before, now seemed to be taking them up into the trees. The large trees that Declan had noticed earlier were supporting this plod of earth taking them higher by the second.
Excitedly Morganse answered “The village appears desolate, but it never was. They just moved up!”
“Moved up?” Declan asked.
The plod of earth he was standing on stopped moving and Declan looked up to where Morganse was pointing. There above the trees was a village in the branches. Each giant tree and branch had a rope bridge leading to another structure. A city in the trees, Declan was in awe! “Wow! That is incredible!” he exclaimed.
Fin, looking less nervous now that the ground had stopped moving, boasted “See what happens when you don’t work.”
“Fin” Morganse scolded.
“We should find the nearest tavern” Muriel said.
“You need something to lift your spirits?” Fin provoked.
“Anyone would listening to you, however, that is not the reason. That is where we can find a place to stay.” Muriel retorted.
“Muriel is right, let’s start this way” Morganse said.
They crossed the rope bridge to the first structure. The door was built into the side of the giant tree. Approaching Declan reached out and tapped lightly on the door. It opened and a small brownie appeared from inside. She had glasses and large eyes. Her apron had flour dusted all over and a bit of the flour was smudged under her nose. She asked in a sweet voice “Can I help you?”
Declan answered ‘Yes, we happened upon your city quite on accident and were wondering if there was a place we might lodge?”
She smiled lightly and said “yes, the tavern has an inn above it. It is a few trees to the north, stay to the rope bridges and you cannot miss it.”
“Thank you young miss” Declan added politely.
“Young miss?” she gasped in delighted shock. “Oh my! If you only knew that I am probably older than your grandmother.” She giggled behind her hands that were also covered in flour.
Declan returned her smiles and asked “What is your name miss?”
“The names Mops, such a delightful fellow you are” she beamed. “On second thought, I will take you to the tavern myself.”
They each in turn introduced themselves to Mops and she beckoned them to follow her “this way! This way!” she said through excited giggles.
Mops was a very talkative creature she babbled on about her family and held Declan’s arm as they walked. Muriel and Morganse kept smiling at each other every time Mops giggled at Declan’s responses. Behind them, Fin trudged along not looking altogether pleased about being so high above the ground.
Mops spoke loud enough for everyone to hear “You picked a good time to visit! We are celebrating this year’s harvest. Everyone takes a break and gathers for much food and merriment.”
“What is it that you all harvest?” Morganse asked curiously, noting that there was no ground for farming.
Mops turned grinning, “Tis funny you should ask! Us tree folk have learned to farm upward.” Morganse looked to where she was pointing and noticed an entire rope wall filled with what looked like rows of wheat, corn and other vegetables. Morganse looked back at Mops and smiled.
Arriving at the tavern they could hear the merry music playing and the laughter of the towns folk. The entrance was another door carved into the tree. This one however had a wooden overhang with elaborate carvings on either side. Mops lead them inside.
Declan was the first in and looked around, it was a hollowed out tree with all of the furnishings carved right in. There was a bar on the far left with a stairway disappearing behind it into the upper levels. It lead Declan’s eyes upward and he saw three floors with railings and different ribbons dangling in the air.
Once they were all inside, the door shut and everything became quiet. Declan nervously smiled at all of the staring faces. The gruff looking bartender barked “Who are you lot?”
The others hid behind Declan and he stood up straighter. He spoke more confidently than he felt “We are just passing through, we were hoping to stay a few days.”
The bartender questioned further, “How did you come to be here and who are you?”
Declan nodded and said “We were in search of Roseglen to pay our respects and came to the little clearing with the ribbons. Fin here leaned against the tree stump and it brought us here. This is Muriel, Morganse and I am Declan”
The bar keep held a serious expression “Is that so?” Suddenly his face flipped into a smile and laughter filled the room, he called out “Welcome! Welcome! Come in and join us!” The music began again and some of the tree folk began to dance around. Declan and the others breathed a sigh of relief and sat down at a nearby table.
