|
"Hi," you say, and introduce yourself to her. You don't expect much of a reaction from her, but she looks up at the sound of your voice, and her eyes meet yours. "Juleidah," she whispers weakly. "I am Juleidah." "Hello, Juleidah," you say as warmly as you can. "Do you live here in the castle?" "I have been here almost as long as I can remember," she replies with a sigh. "Many people once came to this palace, but so few remain...and it is lonely here..." Her voice trails off and her gaze drops to the floor again. "Well, I don't think I'm going anywhere for a while. Would you like some company?" You sit down beside Juleidah, leaning back against the wall, and your thoughts start to drift. The trees led you here, with no indication that there was a safe way out. Is it possible that the same thing happened to Juleidah, many years ago? How many years has she been trapped here, with no company except for a few desperate travelers like herself--and like you? You stare moodily at the gate and the forest beyond, wondering if there is anything at all you can do to help this woman, even though you barely know her. "Look, is there anything I can do for you?" you finally say. "I hate to just walk off and leave you here. I'm not really familiar with this place, but maybe together we can find our way out...I could take you somewhere or something..." "Your offer is appreciated, stranger, but not necessary." You spin around, just in time to see Juleidah spring to her feet and toss her tattered coat aside. The person in the doorway is no longer a sad old beggar, but a tall, strong young woman dressed in a close-fitting suit of patched leather that covers her from her neck to her ankles and wrists. Her black hair is arranged in a series of small braids, and her skin is decorated in an intricate pattern of lines. The battered tin cup at her side has transformed into a shining silver knife. The new Juleidah smiles at you. "Perhaps I have not lived here quite as long as you thought." You scramble to your feet. "But who...how...why..." Juleidah's expression turns serious. "There are strange things in the forest, and not all of them are good. It is my job to guard the castle and to make sure all who enter will do no harm to anything within." She steps away from the doorway and makes a small bow in your direction, gesturing for you to walk through it. "Any travelers who would put their own troubles aside to care for those of a helpless old woman will always be welcome here." |
� � 
� � 