The man who carried forests in his heart stood where the trees gave way to grass and sunlight. From out of the failing shadows, he peered at the cottages in the glade. A mist of memories swirled about him, whispering that this place was once his home.
He could not remember what the hamlet was called; he could not even find his own name among his muddled thoughts. Like the briars tangled in his hair, identities were scattered in his mind. Husband. Father. Woodwarden. But they seemed distant and dim. He knew only this: when he had entered the forest, he did so in service to another, one who ruled the destinies of many. But deep within the oak and fir, he had lost his way, and something else had claimed him.
It seemed an age since the moss had seized his leather and steel, and the forest shades had crept into his clothing. His brown skin had deepened to sooty black, like the soil that had devoured his boots. Now his feet were calloused and caked in mud. Musty leaf mold and sweet resin drifted with him on the wind.
The same wind brushed the wooden chimes hanging from a cottage porch. They rattled with the breeze, an empty sound, but it quickly filled with bell-like laughter as three children dashed by. The sounds were familiar, but they echoed beyond a thin veil he could not pass.
The young ones shrieked in delight as a dark-haired woman chased them playfully. Their faces appeared bent and blurred, as if draped in ribbons of water, but he recognized each one. They were older than he remembered, though still as beautiful, with tawny complexions and raven-feather hair–the same as their mother’s. He recalled lying with her in the sun long ago, that hair spilling through his hands with the texture of a summer breeze. His cheeks ached as they fought the strange impulse to smile, and he relished the mix of pleasure and pain. The veil began to fall away.
A deep chuckle joined the chorus of laughs. A man, long-limbed and strong, stepped out of the cottage with a woodsman’s axe on his shoulder. The children rushed to him, and he gathered them with his free arm, giving each a tender kiss on the forehead. The woman watched, smiling.
A sense of intrusion gripped the man in the shadows, and he scowled. Something precious had been taken from him, and he strode out of the woods to reclaim it. But a voice, soft and feminine, stayed his step.
“My guardian.”
The words hung in the air behind him like the damp of the deep woods. All around, tree roots creaked as they stretched into the earth. A cluster of white flowers blossomed in a flurry and moss spread like spilled water. In a nearby nest, a sparrow’s new eggs hatched and her children burst forth into flight.
He turned to face his mistress, Lady of Leaves and Thistle Queen; Weald Maiden to the folk who lived along the borders of the forest.
She stood before him with skin of loam and hair like strands of hanging moss. Her jade eyes nearly slew him with guilt as she moved closer with the epic creep of the forest. “Why do you leave me when I need you most?” The sorrow in her voice seemed beyond measure. “Look…”
She gestured toward the lands beyond the wood, where the forest had once grown lush and green. Now, a swath of rotting stumps like a graveyard stretched from the mountains to the valley. The trees had receded far up the slopes of the foothills, cowering from the axes that had taken their kindred.
The great woods were all that remained of the earth as it was before men learned to burn and build, and the man who carried forests in his heart grieved for the fallen wilderness. Still, he could not tear his thoughts from the dark-haired woman and the laughing children. They were… family. The word came back to him, wrapped in staggering joy and sadness.
He turned away from the Weald Maiden, but she grasped his hand and pulled him back. He reached for his wife and children, straining as he let out a feral roar. But she would not release him, and he struggled in vain. His cries turned weak and desperate, like a cornered beast, and tears escaped his eyes. “How long have you bewitched me, lady?”
She pressed her body against him. “How long have I helped you to see?”
Her kiss calmed him while arousing long dead sensations. He tasted honey and wild berries, smelled pollen and blossoms and rebirth. The ecstasy and exhaustion left him shivering.
He knew in his bones that this had all gone before, that he had failed time and again to remember what he must and return to the glade.
And he knew his final chance had slipped away.
Deep within, where the forests entwined and choked his passions, a faltering love yielded at last to brambles and yew. Now there was only his mistress, and his only desire was to keep her from harm.
The Weald Maiden breathed in his ear. “Protect me.” He nodded, and from his belt he drew a knife carved from obsidian of rarest green, like sunlight shining through a birch leaf.
In the glade, the woodsman waved to his family and headed to the hills, his axe in hand. The man who carried forests in his heart gripped his glass blade and followed.
Nicholas (Nik) Ian Hawkins‘ fantasy fiction has appeared in FLASHSHOT and is forthcoming in Magic & Mechanica (Ricasso Press, 2008) and Return of the Sword (Flashing Swords Press, 2008). He welcomes visitors at http://nihawkins.wordpress.com.
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54 Responses to “THE WEALD MAIDEN’S WILL • by Nicholas Ian Hawkins”
Comments
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March 5th, 2008 at 12:47 am
Someone else who doesn’t know the difference between “lie” and “lay”.
March 5th, 2008 at 5:16 am
I like this one a lot!
March 5th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Hi Nik,
this is very powerful and evocative writing that gives a real feeling of place and your MC’s quandry. Enjoyed it very much.
Cheers,
Mark
March 5th, 2008 at 8:34 am
“Lying” means “being prostrate”; “laying” is transitive (takes an object) and means “putting [something] down.”
The only instance of either of these words I can find here is “He recalled lying with her in the sun long ago,” which IS correct (at least in North American usage, I don’t know about elsewhere). So it seems the author does know the difference.
(Excellent story, by the way, Nik!
)
March 5th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Slow, perfect poetry. This was not only interesting and unique, but so beautifully conveyed. Too many great words and lines to point them all out. Thank you!
March 5th, 2008 at 9:12 am
“Like the briars tangled in his hair, identities were scattered in his mind.” And just got better from there. I must admit, I’m not a big fantasy fan, but this is gorgeously written.
March 5th, 2008 at 9:20 am
[...] Day Fiction. If you’re interested in a reading a quick piece of fantasy flash fiction, go here. And feel free to leave a comment there or here, if you’re so [...]
March 5th, 2008 at 9:34 am
I’m also not a fantasy fan, but this story grabbed me. Beautiful piece, Nicholas.
March 5th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Fabulous. Loved it!
March 5th, 2008 at 3:20 pm
Thank you all for reading and leaving your comments. I’m glad the story was well received.
March 5th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Congratulations to P.M. Lawrence for trying to nitpick at grammar instead of enjoying the story in its entirety, and then not even nitpicking correctly. Way to go!
March 5th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Any chance of writing a longer story with these characters? I smell prequel…
March 5th, 2008 at 8:10 pm
Beautifully done, Nik. Congratulations
March 5th, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Nice work indeed–lush evocative writing here, and an interesting story.
March 6th, 2008 at 2:20 am
A passionate tale Nik. Well done!
March 6th, 2008 at 3:45 am
it’s good to see someone still appreciates and understands what makes a good fantasy tale. Way to go!
March 6th, 2008 at 7:57 am
Great Story. I love how you use your dicriptive words. Your ending was just great. We got the idea without all the gore. Ken
March 6th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Great Job! Terrific story. Beautifully written.
March 6th, 2008 at 10:42 am
Nik,
This is extremely well written and I was in a trance for about 3 minutes and I want to read more…What was your inspiration for this story? I am just wondering because it is similar in theme to a couple different books I have recently read, which I really liked by the way! Way to go!
Joe
March 7th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Nice bit of fantasy. Very descriptive, extremely well-written.
March 8th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Amazing striking first sentence – it’s stuck in the back of my mind, words an author always likes to hear.
Sorry my remarks are late – I read your tale at work, Nik, the day of, then I got distracted by a meeting and forgot I’d never commented.
Everyone’s expressions here are all true and then some. No trampling of beautiful phrases has happened here, good sir!
March 9th, 2008 at 7:11 am
Wow! You can tell a tale like taking a photograph! Awesome descriptions and entertwining yet unveiling of the story. Makes me want to read more….
Great job!
March 17th, 2008 at 9:30 am
I’ve read this before, when you posted it last time.
March 17th, 2008 at 9:39 am
Do you mean they actually posted my story twice, or are you insinuating that this story is just like another that’s already been posted? If that’s how you feel, why not just say that, and maybe make a suggestion for how I could have made this different?
I’ll take constructive criticism anytime, Avis, but you can keep your bitter sarcasm, just like P. H. Lawrence can stay at home with the rest of the grammar police.
Writers should help each other, not beat each other down.
March 17th, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Nik, e-mailing you about this. Feedburner literally posted this story to avis twice. I saw the e-mail, and we’ve been having issues with Feedburner lately.
March 17th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Man, do I feel like a jerk. Curse you, Feedburner!
March 17th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
And my sincere apologies to Avis.
March 18th, 2008 at 12:01 pm
Thanks, Nik! I knew it was just a simple misunderstanding!
March 25th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Beautifully written and delightful to read. I love how the contrast between the forests and the plains infuses the whole story from the opening sentence to the final conflict.
It took me a while to subscribe, but I’m glad I did. The stories on EDF have been excellent, and this one is a gem.
March 26th, 2008 at 9:28 am
Gripping and emotive – you told enough to give me a sense of complete story, but left enough unsaid that it kept my imagination engaged. Nice piece of flash. Congrats!
March 29th, 2008 at 6:21 pm
[...] story, “The Weald Maiden’s Will,” appeared in Every Day Fiction on March 5. I’m proud to be a part of [...]
March 31st, 2008 at 12:57 am
[...] The Weald Maiden’s Will [...]
April 2nd, 2008 at 7:46 am
While I’m a fantasy virgin, I was very impressed with your story! I was entranced with the details and descriptions. I read the entire passage with focus and interest (quite a feat for someone with pseudo-ADD!) Way to go Nik–I’m anxious to read (and learn) more–
April 4th, 2008 at 2:40 pm
Nik, I think so far this is my favorite story of yours. It is very well written, and beautifully descriptive. It reminded me a lot about the short piece you wrote about the Nymph dreaming of skyscrapers Sorry, I don’t remember the name of the piece, but the images still stick with me. Keep up the great work. I’m sorry it took me so long to read this. Home life has been busy as of late, and it’s only about to get worse. Keep in touch.
Solomon
P.S. I thought Avis was being a jerk too until I read further down, so don’t feel bad. =)
April 7th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
[...] in Top 25 at EDF “The Weald Maiden’s Will” is bouncing around the Top 25 Stories list at Everyday Fiction. It’s been hovering [...]
April 14th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
This is a really good story if it were written by a 6th grader.
April 14th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
Excellent, Nik! Even 2nd-graders can recognize terrific writing!
April 14th, 2008 at 2:47 pm
To me, this reads like very mature and sophisticated fantasy fiction. I’m curious about which aspects of the story you found childish?
April 14th, 2008 at 2:48 pm
I was just kidding around. I like this story.
April 14th, 2008 at 2:50 pm
Emoticons, my friend, emoticons.
April 14th, 2008 at 3:24 pm
What a beautifully written story. Bravo
April 14th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
It’s good writing. Not terrific writing, Moron.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Seriously. Is 90% of this site just about writing how much you all love every story here? Is everyone afraid to hurt feelings? I rarely come across constructive criticism. Just a bunch of ass kissing. And come on, People. Think of a new word besides “Emotive.” I’m done with this site. So if you’re going to respond, I won’t see it. Have great day and get a backbone…all of you.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:04 am
Not at all. If you check some of the other stories, you’ll notice sometimes pointed criticism.
I’m not sure what you’re fed up with. There’s no attempt to silence anyone. We don’t particular care for childish insults, but we don’t delete them, nor do we delete legitimate criticism.
The problem might be that you’ve chosen a particularly well received story to rant about. Check some of the other stories and you’ll see that some of them are actually panned.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:09 am
For those of you following along at home, Doug and Jones are the same person. They’re posting from the same e-mail and IP Address.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:23 am
I took your advice, Jordan. Your point is valid. I read more and more stories and did observe more constructive criticism as opposed to just praise. Thanks.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:23 am
Thank you to all who have commented recently.
Doug/Jones, this story has been pretty well received so far, which I’m proud of, but I also know it may not be to everyone’s taste. If you have a specific critique, I would be happy to hear it.
As Jordan said, many other stories have received pointed, tactful criticism, which is one of the great features of EDF–immediate feedback from readers, writers, and editors.
April 15th, 2008 at 6:35 am
Thanks Doug!
I confess, I hadn’t expected to hear from you again. I’m glad you took the time to peruse our other stories.
You’re certainly welcome to post constructive criticsm. Many of our authors appreciate it.
April 29th, 2008 at 5:36 am
Ahh…when i finished this story i had that wonderful trance-like feeling a good story brings when it’s finished, the exit from immersion.
My only nitpick is occasionaly i got a little bit lost in descriptions…but seriously that’s tiny compared to thise brilliant story.
Fantastic piece.
April 29th, 2008 at 7:29 am
Thank you for the compliment and critique. Much appreciated!
May 1st, 2008 at 12:04 am
[...] would like to thank Nik Hawkins for his contribution of $5. Nik is the author of the popular story The Weald Maiden’s Will. His other work can be seen in the Flashing Swords Press anthology The Return of the Sword and [...]
May 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
[...] short story I’d like to highlight this month is “The Weald Maiden’s Will” by Nicholas Ian Hawkins. It is published in the March edition of Every Day Fiction. Feel free [...]
November 2nd, 2008 at 10:54 am
[...] I just found out the that the editors over at Every Day Fiction have selected my story The Weald Maiden’s Will as part of their forthcoming print anthology, The Best of Every Day Fiction 2008. What an [...]
December 8th, 2008 at 6:10 pm
[...] lucky enough to have my fantasy story, The Weald Maiden’s Will, included among this great diversity of style and setting (and quality of content). And I have to [...]