![]() Abigail (A Faerie Tale)A Story by Klep![]() In the spirit of the classic fairy tales that read me to sleep as a child.![]() ABIGAIL (A Faerie Tale) BY GREG KLEPPER I Deep in the woods, in a
small house, lived a young girl. From the moment of her birth, nobody had ever heard her utter a
sound. Even in great pain, she was silent. Her name was Abigail. Abigail’s parents at first believed their daughter's silence to be a phase. But as the years
passed, she stayed mute. Still they held faith: one day their daughter would find her voice. By
the age of seventeen, Abigail had become quite beautiful. Her long brown hair hung down to her hips. Every day her eyes
grew bluer. Her beauty and grace attracted the attention of many of the men in town. Being
mute only served as a minor setback for Abigail. Her sense of hearing and sight were quite strong. A keen observer, she understood everything much sooner than most children and the townspeople
found her quite remarkable. Each day, while her father was away at work, Abigail's mother educated her on a variety of
subjects. Blessed with a strong memory, Abigail learned easily. Fascinated by
flora and fauna, she knew the local plants and animals better than anyone else
around and to communicate with others, she spoke with her body, hands and eyes. Though Abigail was a model child, in recent months, her mother had sworn she had seen signs of boredom in her daughter's face, faraway looks of longing. In truth, Abigail was growing tired of her lessons, tired of her small house and the smaller garden out back, tired of the riverbank and the pears she picked. Abigail was growing tired of the whole village. Every day seemed too much the same, too routine. But little did Abigail know, that one afternoon, during an ordinary visit to town, her life would change forever. And so, this story truly begins. Abigail
walked with her basket in hand. Intending to pick up the loaf of bread and a
chicken for dinner, requested by her mother, she made her way across town
passing several vendors and shops. She purchased one loaf of bread from the baker and continued on toward the market. En route to the butcher, Abigail entered the market square, when she was suddenly struck from behind. Her feet rose high in the air, and her head hit the ground with a thud. Abigails basket flung from her arm, its contents scattered. Checking for signs of hurt, Abigail slowly got up and gathered her belongings. “Curses!”
yelled a wiry, little man. “Do you not keep an eye out for smaller creatures?”
Elegantly dressed, with a long gray beard and a red velvet cap, an angry dwarf dusted off his elbows. As
he rose to his feet from his knees, he yelled, “Have you no decency? Apologize!” Certain
the collision had been his fault, Abigail found the dwarf to be quite rude. Regardless, with the goodness of her nature, she bent down and let the dwarf know without
words, she was sorry. “Watch
where you are going!” he screamed. “You surely have broken my arm!
Well? Why don't you speak, Girl?” The
shoemaker heard what was going on and chimed in, “Leave the girl alone. She cannot speak. What business do you have in our
village?” “My
business is my own,” the dwarf
shouted angrily. “You would do well to keep out of matters that do not concern
you.” Then he turned to Abigail and said, “Oh, this is all your
fault!" The dwarf paused and took a deep
calming breath. "Girl, would
you know where I might find one to accompany me for the day while I collect
treasure?" He said with a peculiar smile. "I
will pay most generously, and only need help carrying my findings, for my body is weak and small. Without someone’s aid, I would need to make several trips.” Although
she disliked the dwarf,
Abigail saw their meeting as a wonderful opportunity. Since her father’s
accident, her family had little money. She could already imagine the look of happiness
on her parents' faces. Abigail smiled and pointed to
herself and wondered if she would do. “You!?” the dwarf laughed hysterically. “Nothing but skin and bones, you are much too weak!” Abigail disliked his mockery. She grabbed a large pumpkin from the vegetable stand, and lifted it high above her head. The dwarf laughed. “Even I could lift such a puny thing.” Frustrated,
Abigail put down the pumpkin and lifted the little man by his waist, high up
above her head. Kicking, the dwarf yelled, “Put me down!” Then laughing harder than before he said “Light as a feather myself, I need someone with muscles and meat on their bones." Eager
to prove her worth, Abigail walked over to the blacksmith's tent and lifted a rather
large chunk of metal up past her
knees. The dwarf laughed once more, but after glancing to the sun, which was beginning to sink in the sky, the dwarf's eyes widened with alarm. “Very well, you will do, but we must make haste. Unless we arrive before the sun sets, the Dark Woods will not permit us to enter.” After a few hours walking, they came out on the
other side of a mountain path that Abigail had been taken on once as a child. Across a
small field, they could see the Dark Woods. Barely visible, the sun was setting behind the mountains. II
“Alas,”
said the dwarf, “perhaps we have arrived
too late. Once the sun sets, no one may enter the Dark Woods.” Abigail
pointed to the last sliver of sun. “Come. Quickly!” exclaimed the dwarf as his little
legs moved with incredible speed. Abigail ran after him. Between two tall trees
with leaves of shining silver, he located the entrance. Inside
the Dark Woods, everything
blackened. Because of the canopy
formed by the tree branches, Abigail saw there would be no light from the moon,
or stars to guide their way, Closing her eyes tightly, Abigail prayed. After a few moments, she opened them to see hundreds of fireflies flickering all around her. She hoped their light would be enough to guide their way. “Silly Girl,” said the dwarf, “do not dawdle. We must walk quickly.” Following the dwarf as he led her deeper into the forest, Abigail shook with fright. The little man seemed to know the woods all too well. With each step, she felt colder. From the trees with their jagged branches, to the shrill cries that echoed through the cold night air, she felt surrounded by evil. The night is black, she thought, the largest of beasts could go unseen. Finally
they came to a small clearing, surrounded by the tallest trees they had
come across so far. “Wait
here,” said the dwarf. “You may not follow me beyond this point.” Abigail struggled not to feel panic. “Do not worry. Once I have
finished, I will return to collect you. Then we shall carry my findings back to town.” the dwarf said with a smile, “Then, I
will reward you greatly.” Knowing she had little choice, Abigail
nodded. “Be
seated on that rock, where you will be safe from the bugs and rodents,” said the dwarf. “Do not leave this
clearing! The woods will swallow you up if you do. You must promise to await my return. Do not move from that
spot!” Nodding, Abigail watched him
disappear into the depths of the forest. Cold and scared, she shifted round on
the rock trying to find some semblance of comfort. After what seemed like hours, she could no
longer sit. Rising to her feet that had fallen asleep, Abigail stumbled round till her legs felt normal once again. Then she returned to the rock and began to eat small bits of bread from the loaf in her basket. Thirsty, Abigail wondered how to relieve the dryness in her mouth. Focused, she listened carefully till she discerned what she believed to be the faint sound of flowing water. After tracing the sound back to a narrow brook on the edge of the clearing, she cupped her hands and brought icy cold water to her lips. Abigail
drank till her thirst subsided, and then returned to the rock. After what
seemed like hours more, she began to worry. Could
something have happened to the little man on his journey? As she paced
round the clearing, she feared she could not fend for herself in the dangerous
woods. Dropping to her knees, she began to cry.
“Foolish girl,” said a high-pitched
voice from above her. “Such sadness! Never have I seen such a soggy sight!” Abigail
took her head from her hands and looked up. In a tall tree above her, she saw a
white mouse hanging by his
tail, and staring at her with big eyes. Surprised and embarrassed, she stared
back. “Why
do you cry? Wait a moment. Perhaps I know.” The mouse said in a presumptuous tone. "Serves you right to trust a dwarf; his
intentions were anything but noble.” Confused,
Abigail wiped her tears, and stared at the mouse. “Have you no sense? I remember the
last he led here,” the mouse
said as he made his way down the tree. “Such a tragedy! If you do not heed my
words, surely you will be HIS next victim.” Instinctively trusting the mouse,
Abigail rose to her feet. “Why do you not speak?” asked the mouse. Abigail
signaled with her hands to explain she was mute. “You cannot speak?” She nodded in agreement. “A speechless human? Most uncommon! If you like, I will do my best to lead you from this place. If you stay here, you will meet a fate worse than death. We must hurry. HE will arrive soon.” Abigail agreed and gathered her things from
around the rocks. “This way,” the mouse said, taking a path to the left of the
stream. Abigail
followed. “I have heard he rewards the dwarf splendidly. How easy it is to
be fooled by someone dressed in such finery. You are most
fortunate that I got to you before he did.” Abigail
nodded. “He pays the Dwarf great riches for each that
he lures to this place. Most of the girls don't budge
until he collects them. Strange, they are usually much plumper than you. He must not be very hungry tonight." Abigail exhibited a look of confusion. “Deep in these woods, where all men
fear to tread, there is a palace. It is there that he lives" strongest in the wood.
Once you cross his
path, there is no escape. He
will make you his meal like the others. Do you understand?” Abigail‘s
eyes opened wide with fear. Petrified at the thought of being
eaten, she burst into tears. “Do not cry; we all fall prey to something. As you must be wary of him, so must I be wary of owls and hawks.” As
Abigail looked at the mouse, again
her eyes brimmed with tears. “Oh yes. I had almost forgotten. You
cannot speak." After thinking for a few moments, the mouse began to smile. "Perhaps I may be of assistance. It has been said that somewhere in these woods, is a magic pond. The water from this pond can cure any ailment with a single drink. I have heard that even those dying of old age can be restored. Perhaps if you found it, the water would enable you to speak.” Abigail’s
eyes widened. Suddenly, her whole body tingled with excitement. Believing
all things happen for a reason, she
wondered if she had fallen prey to the dwarf’s wiles, if only to find this magic pond, and unlock her
voice. Fiercely determined,
she dried her eyes. She longed to run in all directions and knew not how to
choose. “Stay
calm, Young One. Though I know it exists, not once have I met one who has found
it,” said the mouse. “They say only those truly in need
of it's power find the pond. Though you may be one, it does not matter. You will not survive in these woods on your own. And I must leave. Dear Girl,
go straight home, grateful for your life.” But Abigail could not go home. A way to
find her voice was her dream come true. She shook her head no. “Sorry,
but I must leave you,” the mouse said. “I am late and my
wife is awaiting my return.” Abigail tried not to feel panic. “Poor Girl. Perhaps you can come home
with me,” said the mouse. “though my wife will surely be
furious..” Determined
to be brave, Abigail declined the offer. “Very well then, but be careful.” Pointing to a path off to the side, he said “Travel in that direction. When the air grows crisp and white with mist, look for the snow owl. He will be a great help to you. If you change your mind, you can find your way out of the woods by the stars in any clearing. Do you know how to read the stars?” Abigail smiled and nodded. “Good,
Smart, Girl, I thought you might, though it is rare for your gender. Look for
the Big Dipper. If you follow the two stars at the end of the cup upwards, the
next bright star is Polaris. Follow the North Star and it will lead you
out of this place.” After heading
towards the woods, the mouse
turned back, waved, and said, “Farewell.” As soon as the mouse disappeared, Abigail began to regret her decision. Cold and alone in the dark woods, she hadn't a clue where to find the magic pond. Mustering her courage, she walked in the direction the mouse had advised. With each step, she became more fearful for her life. Terrible sounds echoed through this part of the forest, the deep growls of wild beasts; the shrill cries of animals in pain. Suddenly, a bush to her right began to
shake. Terrified, Abigail wondered, is this the end? III
A small white paw appeared
from behind the bush and a fox stepped across the way. His fur was a snowy white, and as Abigail bent down to see him, the light
of the fireflies showed his gleaming eyes were green like emeralds. “Hello Dear Girl. I haven’t seen one
of your kind in ages,” said the fox. “What brings you to this dangerous place?” Abigail
tried to explain without words that she could not speak. “You are very beautiful but I
am puzzled by you. I am the
white fox. You are fortunate to have
crossed my path. I shall
accompany you as your guardian. Once you have grown comfortable enough with me
to speak, perhaps we shall be wed.” Abigail
would not have known what to say had she been able to talk, but she was in no
position to refuse company. And having the fox beside her made her feel safe. “So,
then you agree?” Abigail
nodded. “Splendid,” he said. “Lead the
way.” Abigail knew only what the
mouse had told her. First she must
find the snow owl; she
motioned to the white fox to walk by her side as she followed the path. After
a mile or so, swirls of white fog obscured the way. Now in a new part of the forest, the air was clean and
crisp and the sound of
rushing water filled her ears. Dimly illuminated by the light of the fireflies, Abigail spotted a dark pond to the right and ran over with excitement. She
wondered, could this be the magic pond? Kneeling, she cupped her hands and filled them
with water. Just as she was about to drink, Abigail heard a shout.
“Noooo!”
exclaimed the white fox. “Do not drink that water!” Startled,
Abigail spilled it onto her lap. “Those who drink from that pond are
cursed.” The
wet spot on her dress began
glowing a dark black, Abigail sighed with relief. And as she kissed the top of the fox's head,
Abigail knew that she would have been truly lost without him. As they walked on, Abigail listened, while the white fox boasted, for what seemed like hours of saving her life. Though Abigail worried what would happen if she was to marry him, she focused on her goal. Then out of nowhere, Abigail heard the hoot of an owl. Peering around, she could not see him. “What?”
the white fox asked, staring. “What’s wrong?” Abigail
heard the hoot again. Her eyes darted from side to side, but the white mist in
the treetops kept her from seeing clearly. “The
owl?” asked the white fox. “Think nothing of him; he will not hurt us.” Clueless as to where to find the pond on her own, Abigail knew she must find the snow owl. The thought of
hearing her own voice for the first time insured she would not give up.
Following his hoots, and the flutter of his wings, again, she stopped to
listen. As the fog dissipated, her view was enhanced by a full moon. The Snow Owl sat on a branch just above her head. As his amber eyes gazed deep into hers, she fell into a trancelike state. When he spread his wings and took off, she returned to her senses. Knowing she must follow him, Abigail ran. The fox followed, and then pulled up alongside her, the two running together. “Why do we run?” Consumed with excitement, Abigail just smiled. “That is all right.” said the white fox. “You may speak to me when
you are ready. Then we will surely be married.” After several moments, the fog returned and began to
obstruct their vision. Still they
ran on following the owl’s hoots. Suddenly a fallen branch caught her dress, Abigail
was stopped short. A few steps
ahead, the white fox did not see and ran on.
Abigail tried to free herself, but the branch was too thick to break.
Without the white fox at her side, she feared for her life. When she heard heavy breathing, and a deep groan, she closed her eyes tight. A large pair of hands violently lifted her from the tree branch, tearing the skirt of her dress. When he flung her over his shoulder, she tried to fight, but he was too strong. Over 10 feet tall, his skin a leathery grey, his eyes cold and black. With teeth as sharp as needles, and a pointed head, he wore a crown of bone. “Delicious.” the ogre crowed
while his jagged mouth salivated on Abigail. “You will make a fine meal, for you are braver than the rest
and I do not care for screaming.” Terrified,
Abigail looked round for the white fox hoping he had witnessed her kidnapping.
Happy to see him hiding behind a large stone, when the white fox signaled her that he would follow, she was given hope. IV Silently
the white fox tailed the ogre, careful to ensure he was not seen. Watching as
the ogre knocked each obstacle from his way with a single blow of his fist, the
white fox followed them for miles, praying Abigail was still alive. When
they came to a ten-foot-wide river, the ogre put Abigail down, grabbed hold of
a tree, and plucked it from
the ground. Placing the tree across the river as a bridge, he threw the still
unconscious Abigail back over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes, and crossed
the river. Fearing she was
already dead, the white fox followed. And with each step the ogre took, the ground trembled. When the ogre came to a giant boulder, he picked it up like a ball with one huge hand, and tossed it aside. Behind the boulder was a stone stairway leading underground. the ogre walked down and the white fox followed. Inside the
palace, the fox hid behind a stone pillar as the ogre carried Abigail through
the hall. Two dwarfs, armed with spears, stood at the end of the hall, blocking
a large doorway. When the ogre growled, they stepped aside and let him pass. Crouched
low, moving quickly and quietly, waiting for the right moment before moving on
to the next pillar, the white fox crept through the huge hall, staying out of
sight. When he neared the dwarfs, again, he hid behind a pillar. Forced to
watch and wait, he prayed he would be in time to save Abigail. When the dwarfs
turned to each other whispering, the white fox ran through the great doorway. Inside,
he saw a grand dining room. Sitting at a table forged of solid gold was the ogre. In front of him on a huge platter lay Abigail, still
unconscious. Again hiding behind a column, the white fox hoped she was still alive,
and wondered how to to save her. When
the ogre picked up a huge knife to carve Abigail into his supper, "brave and true", the
white fox flew across the room, jumped onto the table and attacked. Using his sharp claws to scratch and his
sharper teeth to bite, the white fox was still no match. Undaunted, the
ogre laughed. Determined
to save her, the white fox
leapt higher, and sank his teeth into the ogre’s throat. Enraged, the ogre took
the knife and plunged it into his the fox’s side. The white fox’s
jaw loosened, he stumbled backwards, and fell off the gold table, his snow
white fur stained red with
blood. Grabbing
the fox by his tail with one hand, and clutching his throat
with the other, the ogre made
his way across the dining room. At the door, he dropped the fox, let go his own throat, reached down and picked up one dwarf in each hand.
Holding them by their necks, he banged their heads together with all his might.
Dashing them to the ground, the ogre picked up the fox again by the tail, walked across the hall, and up the stairs leading from the palace. Swinging him in circles above his head, the ogre threw the fox with great force. Landing on what felt like razor sharp thorns, the white fox, in great pain and inches from death, could only think of how he had failed Abigail. As tears fell from his green eyes, he imagined how horrible it would be for his Abigail to be eaten alive. Suddenly
the thorns melted away, and his pain diminished. Within moments, the dying fox
lay in a large glittering pool. As he floated on the sparkling water, the white
fox felt his wounds heal, and life flow back into his limbs. In water up to his thighs, stood a man with a
plumed hat, dressed in the finest of clothing. Handsome and tall, his eyes were as green as the
finest emeralds. Within
seconds, he raced back to the underground palace, down the stone staircase, and
through the hall. Arming himself with the spears of the fallen dwarves, he
entered the dining room carefully. Hiding behind a column, the man saw the ogre sitting in the same seat as
before, drinking from a goblet as Abigail lay motionless on the
golden platter. Swiftly
but cautiously, the man moved down the length of the dining room till he was
about ten feet behind the seated ogre. Running forward as fast as he could to
gain momentum, with all his strength, he drove both spears through the spindles
of the chair and into the evil ogre’s back. Howling
in agony, the ogre rose to
his feet. With deafening screams, he tried to pry the spears from his chest. Hastily, the man picked up Abigail off the table. Bringing his face to hers, he was happy to feel her sweet breath against his cheek. Still unconscious, at least she was alive. Holding her in his arms securely, he hurried across the dining room, through the hall, up the stone steps, and out of the palace. Standing on a low stone wall, he searched in the distance till he saw the glittering pool, which was drying up more with every passing moment. Quickly, he carried Abigail over and gently laid her afloat. With one hand supporting her
head, the other trickled water through her parted lips. Surrounded by
the glittering pool, Abigail looked more beautiful than ever. And when she opened
her eyes, the same deep blue
as the ocean, the man knew how
deeply he had fallen in love. “What's
happened?” she asked. Overjoyed by the sound of her own voice, Abigail's eyes pricked with tears. As
the man lifted her into his arms with a big smile, he said, “Praise be to god! You
are safe now. I am Prince Henry." “It's
you.” gasped Abigail as she
gazed into his emerald eyes. Moving towards him just as he reached
her, they embraced. “Dearest
fox," she said wiping tears from her eyes,
"I have never felt safer than with you by my side. How
may I repay you?” Prince Henry gazed into her eyes and asked her for her name. "My name is... Abigail" she said with a teary smile. "I've never said it out loud before. You know, I quite like it." And as Abigail gazed into his shimmering green eyes, she agreed to honor her promise and marry the man who had saved her life. V Arriving in Abigail's village as the sun began to rise, Abigail's parents, who had been worried sick, praised the heavens that she was safe. And when Abigail spoke, both her mother and father cried tears of joy. The prince then took Abigail, her family, and all of her friends back to his castle where a huge celebration was held to honor his return and their engagement. And Abigail laughed. And Abigail sang. And Abigail shouted with glee. And everyone in attendance was in agreement- her voice was beautiful. © 2016 KlepFeatured Review
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4 Reviews Added on March 27, 2010 Last Updated on October 26, 2016 Tags: fantasy, dark, fairy tale, grimms fairy tales, fables, classic, fairy tales, faerie tale, brothers grimm, homage, childrens stories, kids, children, all ages Author![]() KlepNew York, NYAboutNYC Based writer / filmmaker. Genre hopper. Try to never write the same thing twice. Mostly screenplay-centric, since that's where I find I'm strongest. Using this site for all other writings. .. more..Writing
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