However, his excitement soon disappeared when the Warriors of the Forest abruptly jumped out from behind the stone and threatened to curse Peter. He was so relieved that he used all that was left of his energy to jump into the air with excitement. When he inched closer, he could clearly decipher the script on its surface. All he needed was one glimpse of the stone for him to know that it was the one. Peter was drained of energy, trudging through the forest, when he saw it. He thanked the mice for their help, and continued on alone. They gave him tips on how to find patterns in the trees and provided him with a map. Are you in any need of assistance?' Charmed by their innocence and kindness, Peter didn't hesitate to accept their offer. 'We are the Warriors of the Forest, here to protect you from harm and guide you on your journey. Then, like the owl he had met earlier, they too spoke. Peter stumbled backwards as they approached him. In their pockets were miniature pocket knives carved from wood. They looked like mice, but were wearing tiny leather boots and brown leather sashes around their waists. He was beginning to loose confidence, as no clear pathways were visible, when he encountered some strange creatures. With that he was gone, swept away by the same tornado that had summoned him.īoth startled and confused, Peter continued into an unfamiliar part of the forest. Be careful who you trust, not everyone is as they seem,' he advised. There's something I'd like to tell you before you go. 'Peter, I, Eldridge, have been watching over you for quite some time now. Then, much to Peter's astonishment, he began to speak in a deep voice.

He was dusty brown in colour and had large golden eyes from which Peter could detect a sense of knowledge and experience.

Perched in the centre of the newly decipherable forest floor was a wise, old owl. He watched the tornado intently, until it cleared to reveal something very unexpected. Leaves from the forest floor were forced up into the air. If Peter failed to find the stone, they would be imprisoned by their curse of misfortune eternally.Īs he approached the centre of the forest, a small whirlwind formed in front of Peter. The mission of finding the engraved stone at first had seemed impossible, but he knew that it was the only way to lift the curse on the Beetle family, back in Franville. The trees seemed to move ominously in his peripheral vision, but, as he turned to face them, were as still as the cool autumn air.

If he didn't know any better, Peter could have sworn that the thick forest that now surrounded him was alive.

A Curse Set in Stone by Erica Hollis