The day dawned brighter than usual over the little town of Draub. Galahad was treated to a meal of bland corn cakes and goats milk and the villagers all wished him the best of luck on his mission. This village now had a reason to hope, despite the wishes of King Morpheus.

Once again the ravens swarmed in the skies as Galahad made his way to the heart of the kingdom, and once again after a few hours the unkindness took to the trees to witness his progress.

As Galahad reached the center of a thick, unnamed woods, the trees began to bustle and move in odd ways. The very shrubs scurried from sight and all the fauna of the forest was moving in a swirl of action. On the road before Galahad was the Wizard of Wood.

The Wizard bid that Galahad turn back now or face the might of a twisted land. And with that shambling masses of foliage moved in around Galahad in the shapes of the most hideous of creatures. Galahad refused and unfettered his sword, preparing to face these monstrosities of nature.

The shrub-beasts moved in and whipped Galahad with their vine tendrils, slashing at the exposed skin they could reach. They tried to tangle him but Galahad was to fast and proficient with his sword to be caught but such devices. As he slashed his way through the multitude of animated bushes, great, ancient oak trees moved in and took great swipes at him with mammoth oaken arms, knocking Galahad around as if he were but a toy. The Wizard of Wood laughed now seeing the trees were having their way with the battered knight.

But Galahad was cleaver and knew he loved the land. Knowing that his sword was now useless against these trees, and would become dull is he kept hacking at them, he took a different tactic. He got up on one knee and took his sword and plowed and circular furrow around him. A circle, and ancient symbol of protection, and in this case a furrow showing he wanted to tend the land. The trees would not cross the circle drawn with the love of the land that Galahad possessed.

Seeing this, the hostile trees began to pelt Galahad with many acorns, whipped from long arms, and moving at the speed of bullets. One such acorn struck Galahad square in the forehead and bloodied him badly. The crimson stained seed fell to his feet, and he fell on top of it.

Again, the wizard rejoiced in the fall of the knight, for even his ancient magic could not protect him completely. It would not be long before a speeding acorn found a truly tender spot and did the failing knight in. But he could not see everything that Galahad was doing.

Galahad, on the ground grasped the damaging acorn and worked his fingers into the ground, digging a small hole. He popped the seed into the hole and with a silent prayer covered it up again. He reached around and freed his water skin, watering the newly planted acorn, again with a reverent prayer for the love of the land. The magic would not take. He needed to give something back to the land and so poured the last of his wine on the little mound.

With a ripple of the deep and ancient magic, the acorn sprung to life and the ground calmed. The forest was lightened and the embattle oaks were stilled in place in the glade of the battle. Sunlight pierced the veil of misery and wholesome magic infused the area around Galahad for many miles. The Wizard of Wood was thus defeated and since he was within the wholesome magic, was transformed into a weeping willow tree, dark, but inviting to travelers who may one day pass this way.

Galahad took rest in the hopeful glade as sparrows and all manner of small woodland creatures looked on. This forest would now have some hope as well in its’ heart.