Gabe

Within
by Gabe

Far in a distant foreign land there lies a tree 1 Which can be reached across a treacherous sea. It is said to free cursed men. Yet to get to it you must cross a fen. A lad named Andrew seeks it, for Merlin put a curse on him. 5 This was cruel, for he had committed no sin. He knows not of sleep or dreams. His nights are filed with endless screams. It’s said a monster guards those shores. A creature with tentacles so powerful they can splinter oars. 10 No one who has seen that creature lives in peace, sailing upon a placid sea. No creature shall stop he. Those upon the ship purchase shore in three months and one day. Any beast or monster they come across they may slay. Their ship a simple wooden thing purchased from a dying friend. 15 Without warning, four glossy black tentacles ensnare them In fright the captain yells for his men to throw spears and javelins. Not a single weapon pierces the scaly skin. His ship is splintered the men are tossed some land upon the sandy shore. All sailors run in fright shaken to their very core. 20 Soon gasping for breath from exertion and fear. The men lie down and think about why they’re here. Upon awakening, they noticed that their employer did not sleep Thinking of their fallen friends the sailors began to weep. “Don’t cry you gallant men” this young boy said. 25 This is no time for us to lose our head. Suddenly there was a noise that rang through the forest, piercing like a knife It was a loud harsh woman’s wail sounding out in strife. Rushing to where the sound was made. The men found themselves being swayed. 30 A joyous site presented itself. Before them within a forest clearing stood a castle of extreme grandeur and wealth. Fleeing from a door, a woman rushes towards the men "Please help me". she cries; our princess has entered the fen. The men are filled with joy, Our employer will help though he is just a boy. The lad, a knight he soon shall be. We are traveling to the blessed tree. Next day, they travel forward, but no girl is found. So they must continue on to cover more ground. 40 Men are still in fear passing through in record pace Yet the boy still says they must make haste.

On the horizon there rises a tower. It is a structure of ominous power. They enter, and on the top floor there is the tree. 45 Also the princess lies bound, wishing to be free. The lad, he sees her and falls in love. Her beauty surpasses that of the fairest dove. She says to drink the sap to release him from the trap. The boy does what she says and, lying down, takes a nap. 50 He had a dream; it was his first. There he saw the root of his curse. A doppelganger cursed his dream, but the boy drank chamomile tea. Because of this the doppelganger must set him free. Forever more the lad slept sound. 55 And as for the princess; by his side she is found.

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