The LEGEND of Shiloh Woods: Chapter 1

Chapter 1: New Knowledge

The LEGEND of Shiloh Woods written by Oklahoma author Joseph L. Scavetti, is a fairytale of present times. Set in the Ozark Mountains, this is a fun and fanciful tale of the inner workings of nature. Readers are encouraged to keep an open mind while exploring the possibility that in nature things are not as simple as they seem…more exists than the obvious. Enjoy this excerpt from Chapter 1 of The LEGEND of Shiloh Woods:

“I was in the fog before I realized I had reached that level on the mountain. The fog gently swirled as I moved through it. I slowed my pace—then stopped.

Within the fog, I found both silence and warmth. I had never known that feeling. Such must be the security felt by a butterfly in its cocoon or a child in its mother’s womb—

peace quiet and nurturing warmth.

The path leveled and I moved out of the fog as quickly as I had walked into it. I emerged from the mists to see the road crossed by a rocky outcrop. Small pockets of water identified it as a streambed in wetter times of the year.

‘Top of the mornin’ ta ya, Chronlicler.’ The voice startled me as it shattered my reverie—it was totally unexpected.

Sitting on a fallen tree trunk beside the road I saw the old man. He crossed one leg over the other knee as he smiled. I stared in surprise. His attire blended into the colors of 

the forest around him.

‘I did na mean to startle ya. I be a friend who’s been awaitin’ yer arrival,’ he continued.

As my wits returned, so did my manners.

‘A good morning to you too, sir’, I managed to respond. I cross the dry streambed and approached the stranger. He appeared to be no more than four feet fall including his tasseled cap. His clothes were rather rumpled –light green shirt and brown pants. What appeared to be a cow’s horn hung at his side. It was attached to a leather strap over his shoulder. Later, I noticed he was also carrying a leather pouch and water flask.

‘I was startled only because I thought myself completely alone out here. I am…’

‘Tha Chronicler, a teller of tales,’ he interrupted. ‘I’ve been expectin’ ya fer quite a long time now. Come sit a spell and catch yer breath. There be much I wish ta share wit ya this day.’”

If you found this passage intriguing, be sure to purchase your own copy of The LEGEND of Shiloh Woods by Joseph L. Scavetti on Amazon or Barnes and Noble today!