Night of One Hundred Horrors (Night 2) - Don't Walk In The Woods At Night [#35]

Welcome to Night Two, today's horror story is on the shorter side. A tale of caution to those who walk in the woods at night.

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            When you walk the dark road in the Forest of the Free at night you must never stray from the path. Even if you do remain on the path you must never wander, neither within the forest nor your mind. The Forest of the Free is not a place for idle curiosity, it is a convenient and dangerous path. If you do not heed these warnings, you will not be blessed with a chance to regret it.

            If you hear the rustle of leaves and the air is still, you must run. If a twig or branch is broken and it is not under your foot, you must flee. If a chitter echoes from an unknown source, you must escape. Do not try to locate the sounds, do not look in the direction of the sounds and do not attempt to stand your grand. The creatures of the forest are not mere animals. A pack of ferocious wolves or a bloodthirsty grizzly bear would be preferable to what you might see in those woods.

            In the unfortunate instance, you find yourself unable to flee the area, there is only one thing you can do. Close your eyes and pray to whatever higher power you believe in. No matter how confident you are in your strength. Regardless of what weapon you carry with you and in spite of the number of allies you bring with you. It will end all the same.

            When you see them your first instinct may be to hold still and stay low. You might think they won't see you, they will. You might try to strike first and target their eyes or legs, you will not have the chance. If you have allies, perhaps you'll try a diversion, sacrifice another so you may live to see another day. You won't.

            There is a saying used by all peoples who live around the Forest of the Free. Whenever someone goes missing within the forest it is said they are "lost." To call this wishful thinking would be false. It is merely easier to say than the alternative.

            I know you think these are exaggerations or nonsense. After all, why would we live near such a dangerous place? I will not refute your accusations, it is your funeral. However, as long as you respect the forest, and watch your back, you should have no issue. Trust me, even this endless fear can be tolerable given enough time.

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Hope you enjoyed tonight's story, remember I've got a story coming out on Saturday as well.
Until then, Read, Comment and Enjoy.