Witch of the White Wood

We had all heard the tales. Stories of a woman who lived alone in the forest just outside the village. We had grown up believing that if we misbehaved or refused to go to sleep at bedtime, she would find us and cook us for her supper. Because of them, I had always behaved like a good little angel. Now, as an adult, I wanted to uncover the truth. I went to the lord of the township and requisitioned an expedition into the woods. My childhood friends and I made up a force of warriors, probably the most highly respected archers, warriors, and knights in the land. We would uncover the truth about the Witch of the White Woods. Now, as we trekked through the snow and gazed out beyond the surrounding trees, we grew uncertain as to the existence of the witch or any other mythical being in these enchanted woods. Still, these woods were indeed evil. A sleepless malice lay over them, brooding in cold contempt, residing in shadows as black as night. We would find her, or something else. It was our third day of hiking when we found her. A woman garbed in grey rags, hood over a gnarled face. The hag clutched a staff made of root and a white owl perched upon her shoulder. She let out a cackle that pierced our ears as if she meant to pluck our very sanity out from our ears. She then turned and fled. We charged after her, letting arrows fly, and shouting profanities in her direction. She continued to cackle and with stunning speed, raced on ahead of us. I yelled to halt our party for we had lost her. We regrouped but much to our chagrin, less than half of the original group was here at the rally point. We looked for what seemed like ages but found no sign of them. Fear crept into our hearts and stalked our bravery like predator and prey. We were forced to make for home. We walked back seemingly for weeks never seeming to gain any ground. I stopped to look at my weary companions. We had lost more of us without knowing. Something was happening but I could not place it. The witch was toying with us, taking us in the night in her home territory. days passed by and now I am the sole remaining member. I now write this entry to anyone who finds it. There is a true danger in this forest, and it is the Witch of the White Wood.