Tales From The Great Oak: Mountain Demon Part 1

In a far, far off forest lived an ancient oak tree. No one knows what the name of the oak tree is or maybe it doesn't have a name to begin with, therefore denizens of the forest, especially the children just calls him Grandpa Oak. Due to his age Grandpa Oak often sleeps. Despite that everyone in the forest respects Grandpa Oak greatly. That's because Grandpa Oak is incredibly knowledgeable and had helped numerous humans, elves, beastkins and plant-folks to solve their problems. The childrens especially loves to listen to his stories.

One sunny morning in a certain part of the forest. Voices of young children could be heard.

"Grandpa Oak! Grandpa Oak! What story are you gonna tell us today?" Asked a beastkin child with fluffy wolf ears.

Hearing the question. The other children also perked up their ears. Their innocent eyes shows anticipation.

"Hmm... let see... Have I told of everyone the story of the mountain demon?" Replied Grandpa Oak in a booming voice while patting the head of the fluffy-eared beastkin child.

Due to Grandpa Oak's huge stature his voice is rather loud. But once he tells a story, his voice becames milder and pleasant to the ears.

"No! You haven't!" Shouts the children in unison.

"Alright then. I will tell everyone the story of the mountain demon. So everyone please be quite and listen." Said Grandpa Oak.

Long, long time ago there was a settlement at the foot of a great mountain range. Its a small village belonging to the human kind. The villagers who lived their were believers of the mountain god. Thus they hold the mountain range as sacred. The villagers are also very superstitious and rarely go to the mountains unless they have to with exception of the young boy named Norn.

Norn just like other children loves to play. While his peers usually play inside the village. Norn will often slip out to play in the mountains. His adventurous spirit often gets him into trouble with his parents. Who constantly worries for him. Despite that though Norn still continues with this habit.

The reason Norn likes to play in the mountain is because he can always see new things there. He also doesn't believe in the mountain god. For him the mountain god is just a made up story to prevent people from exploring the mountains.

One day a great commotion broke out in the village square. Curious Norn, along with his parents went there to take a look. There they saw the village hunters being surrounded by the village folks. They seem to be telling everyone something. To hear better Norn slip through everyone and went to the front where the hunters are and what he hears surprised him.

"Where not lying! We really saw a demon in the mountains!" Said one of the hunters.

"He's telling the truth! We really saw a demon! It was hiding behind the rock formations. It had greenish-black hair, sharp-looking claws and multiple long horns!" Shouted another hunter in a terrfied voice.

Hearing this the villagers started to panic. Norn can even hear the fear in their voice. Even the usually brave Norn is starting to feel a bit apprehensive at the same time he can feel his excitement growing.

"A demon! That sounds really exciting! If I could find the location of the hunters describe then maybe I can see for myself how scary that demon really is." Norn thought.

Anyone, especially a child will be terrified of the mere thought of a fearsome demon. But Norn is no ordinary kid. He is the most adventurous person in the village and for him finding the demon is just another adventure. The mere thought of an exciting adventure fills his heart with expectations.

Just as he is about to ask the exact location of the demon. A big hand suddenly lift him up from the cuff of his neck. Turning back his head he saw his father giving him a reprimanding look. Knowing that he got caught, he smiles awkwardly. Nonetheless he had already made plans for his next adventure. Turning his attention back to the hunters he saw them being escorted to the village chief house.

Knowing that the show is over he walks back home with his parents. All the while being lectured by his mother.

Several days after the event in the village square. Life in the village had returned to normal with the exception of one certain child. Knowing full well that his parents are watching him. Norn decides to lie low and act as if the news of the demon does not cocern him. But the truth of the matter is that he had made preparations and is just waiting for the right opportunity.

to be continued...

Hello everyone! It's me @riovanes for a little introduction of my new work called "Tales from the great oak". As everyone has surmised from the title it is a series of stories told by the great and kind Grandpa Oak. The stories are mostly lighthearted ones aims for children but can still be enjoyed by adults.

Since it is aim for children it will also contains some moral lessons that children can learn from. So not only will it be entertaining it will also be educational.

I will try to release one story a day but depending on the lenght I might need to cut it into parts like this one. Also, if I fail to publish one story a day I hope everyone can excuse me as writing stories, especially fictional ones can be very difficult. This is it for now. I thanks everyone for their time.