Hidden

Looking around, he stood frozen in place, fear gripping him, in response to the rustling noise. Back behind him amidst the scrub the noise continued. It seemed to him that it was staying in place for its volume was unchanged. Standing in a forest, just off the main path. Brought here by an impulse, no that's not it. I was standing... How did I... I was brought here. By whom? Now standing still like a statue he scanned the forest floor looking and listening for any indication to what it might be.

Another sound, this time he notices the scrub of to his right moves slightly like a gentle breeze blowing just over its top. Our hero takes a step in the direction of the movement, stops, listens. Nothing. Taking a few more steps, still nothing. Continuing on he notices what appears to be a clearing. As he reaches the bushes standing waist high he sees a circular clearing and what seems to be a cauldron. Looking around for signs of life he sees two paths heading away. This cauldron is forest green in color, covering the clearing without encroaching on the nearby scrubs. This is out of place. No leprechauns around. No gold inside the pot. This forest is immaculate and why would this be here. For a note, having difficulty understanding this.

Walking around the object of desire, nothing under or connected to it. Turning his attention to above, the forests ceiling searching for clues. It contains no hints, only revealing the sun peaking through openings like the holes in a torn up umbrella. One interesting aspect there is no moss growing in this forest. The coolness and dampness blanket this place, yet no moss. Strange. Upon further inspection the immaculate nature contained within punctuates this forest. Appears that someone takes great pride in their domain. The pathways appear groomed as if swept, maybe on a daily basis. The scrubs seem trimmed, uniformly manicured. All this strikes him as being odd. Is magic at play here; or is a groundskeeper involved. And what is the cauldron doing here. A possible trap. Or is fortune smiling down on him.

Still mulling over these questions he walks up pausing after a few steps, still nothing. Continues on slow and steady. Reaching the black pot looking left, than right, clear. Leaning over, he looks over the cauldron's rim. Quickly moves back and glances nothing. Taking a breath, not traps were triggered. Chancing a closer examination, he notices folded paper. Bending over further into the pot he grabs his fortune. Standing up holding up before him unfolding the paper, its a note. Suddenly lowering his discovery, looking around the forest, scanning for any sudden intruders, appears empty. Raising up the note to read. Written in bold black ink are two words. Unfortunately it is in a language unknown to him. Could it be an ancient language. Stymied he thinks what gives. One step forward two steps back. When will a break come my way. Folding up the note, tucking it away in the back pocket of his jeans.

Nest to the cauldron his attention turned to the paths laid out before him. One path going right and the other left. The paths were narrower than the main path he arrived on. Still they were neat and well defined. He studies them puzzling through this dilemma. Which way and why? Stating the obvious they wound through the forest in opposite directions. Nothing appears different about either path. Both are narrow. And both lead deeper into the woods.

This is an excerpt from a WIP

Any suggestions? Any opinions? Anything...