She has ‘witch’ written all over her!
🌕 The Brothers Grimm and the Hunt for the White Mist Chapter 3
A steamy haze rose from the leafy ground as Jacob and Wilhelm wound their way down a path into the Rhön Forest. Despite the morning sun hanging pale and distant in the sky, barely any light pierced through the thick canopy. The damp air carried the scent of wet leaves, which sent a strange chill down Jacob’s spine. The more they walked, the darker the forest became, as if the trees were swallowing the daylight.
Jacob pulled his moth-eaten jacket tighter around his neck. “It was nice of Rinkrak to put us up for the night, but I’m still not convinced there really is a crimson wolf out here.” He tried not to think about the pair of glowing red eyes he had thought he’d seen.
Wilhelm leaped over a fallen log. “What I don’t get is why we couldn’t go out at night. The wolf only kills young maidens. Last time I checked, we weren’t young maidens.”
“Let’s just keep going. Rinkrak said Maid Maleen’s hut was just inside the tree line.”
Wilhelm scoffed. “Are you sure about talking to this Maid Maleen person? If she really is a witch, she’ll probably take one look at us and turn us into toads.” He looked over his shoulder as something rustled behind him.
“We don’t even know if the magic exists,” Jacob said, keeping an eye on the gravel path, “so anyone is a good person to talk to. Besides, witches aren’t real, Wilhelm.” He jerked back when a gnarled branch snagged his sleeve. He frowned as he untangled himself. “That’s strange. I didn’t see that branch so far out on the path just a few seconds ago.”
“It must have fallen from the wind.”
“Except there’s no wind in here.”
The brothers glanced around. There were no rustling leaves, singing birds, or chittering creatures in the underbrush.
Wilhelm shifted on his feet uncomfortably. “This is a forest. Shouldn’t there be animals? Especially in the daytime? Maybe this lady is a witch after all and scared all the animals.”
“Let’s just keep going,” Jacob said, walking past the branch. They didn’t have time for superstition.
The gravelly path wound deeper into the trees, where the sunlight barely filtered through the web of gnarled branches. The air thickened with the damp scent of moss and something sour, like overripe fruit.
Then, through the morning dew, the hut appeared. It slumped against the trees with warped wooden walls. Triangular green vines covered in dewdrops clung to its sides. A twisted chimney coughed out a feeble stream of smoke that spiraled into the canopy of pine needles. The door barely held on to its rusted hinges and stood slightly open as if it had been left that way on purpose as an invitation or a warning.
A sharp crack echoed behind them. The brothers whirled around, but the forest stayed unnervingly still.
“What was that?” Wilhelm whispered. His gaze flicked between the twisted branches behind them. “It sounded awful. Horrendous. Monstrous!”
“It was probably just a twig,” Jacob muttered, even though he wasn’t convinced.
“Monstrous twigs!”
SNAP!
That was closer this time, somewhere to their right. Jacob narrowed his eyes as he glanced over his shoulder. “Hang on. Where’s the path?”
Wilhelm followed his gaze. “It’s gone!”
The way they had come was now a wall of intertwining branches. Fuzzy triangular leaves clung together like fingers clasping shut. Thick and impenetrable, they formed a barrier where open space had just been.
“What kind of trees are these?” Jacob said, gulping nervously. “It’s like they’re moving on their own.”
“They’re nettle leaves,” a voice said.
Jacob and Wilhelm turned sharply. A girl stood in the hut’s doorway, watching them with an eerie stillness.
“It’s all right,” she said. “They won’t hurt you. Hi. What are your names?”
Wilhelm made a strangled noise. “Jacob, that must be the witch hag. I mean, she just asked us what our names are right off the bat. You can’t get any witchier than that.”
The girl tilted her head and slipped into the shadows of the hut’s doorway. “You must want something,” she said from the darkness. “No one comes into this forest without a reason.” Her voice, surprisingly, wasn’t old and raspy like a witch’s. It wasn’t cackling or cold. It was soft, almost amused.
Then she stepped forward again. Jacob’s breath caught in his throat as the shadows released her. She was beautiful, not like court ladies or princesses, but in a way that made his stomach twist uncomfortably. She looked wild and untamed. Her black curls spiraled around a sharp, olive face. She had piercing ice-blue eyes that looked like they could see right through him. She wore maroon trousers—not a dress, to his disbelief—tucked into her boots and a loose white shawl that was draped over a tightly laced red bodice. The contrast made her seem both careless and cautious, like a painting half-finished but somehow more striking because of it.
“You seem surprised,” the girl said as she stepped closer. “You were expecting an old, ugly witch, weren’t you?” The girl smirked at them as she walked past. The scent of fresh dirt clung to her. She walked over to the wall of branches and ran a finger over one of the leaves. The nettles quivered. “Don’t be afraid, my children,” she whispered to them. “I don’t think they’re a threat. Actually, I know they’re not a threat just by looking at them, the weaklings.”
The branches trembled and then slowly unraveled like obedient pets. They peeled apart, revealing the path again.
Jacob just realized he had been holding his breath. “How did you do that with the leaves? Is it magic?”
The girl held up an arm where a vine of nettle leaves wound around it like a snake. “Anyone who is one with nature can control it.”
Wilhelm nudged Jacob. “That must be Maid Maleen.”
“Yes, I—” The girl blinked. “Wait. Maid? Who said I was a maid? I’m not a housekeeper. It’s just Maleen.”
Wilhelm pointed an accusing finger at her. “That’s definitely Maid Maleen. Jacob, she’s a girl wearing trousers. She has ‘witch’ written all over her! Witchy trousers!”
Maid Maleen rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. “Wow. Really? Keep up with the times, please. This is the 19th century, after all. We’re basically in the future. Girls can wear trousers.”
“Yeah, if they’re witches!” Wilhelm hollered.
Jacob wasn’t so sure if she really was a witch. Something about her was off-balance, but the gentle way she looked at him made him think twice. He pointed to the leaves slithering around her arm. “What kind of plant did you say this was?”
“They’re just nettle leaves,” Maid Maleen said, turning away from Wilhelm with an exaggerated lift of her chin. “What are you two doing out here anyway? I don’t like visitors.” She paused, then waved a lazy hand at the curling vines. “Well, they don’t. I’m more social than them—obviously because I can talk.”
Jacob hesitated, then stepped forward. “I’m Jacob Grimm, and this is my brother, Wilhelm. We were told you might know something about Alba Nebula Magicae.”
At once, Maid Maleen’s face lit up. Her eyes glinted like a struck match. “You believe in it, too? That’s great! I was starting to think I was the only one who did.”
Jacob exchanged a glance with Wilhelm. “Actually, we don’t necessarily believe in it. We’re just asking around in case it’s real.”
Maid Maleen’s shoulders fell. “Thanks for making me look like a geek for no reason.”
“Can you help us?”
With an almost theatrical wave of her hand, Maid Maleen gestured to the hut. “Why don’t you guys come into my house?” She winced. “Sorry, that sounded creepy.”
“Creepy witch alert,” Wilhelm muttered.
Inside, the hut was as odd as its owner. Dust floated in the dark forest light that streamed through the crooked windows, swirling in lazy spirals. Just like Rinkrak had said, bottles cluttered every surface, filled with murky potion-like contents. A cauldron at the far end of the room let out an occasional puff of steam that filled the space with a scent like mint and burnt toast.
Jacob stepped across the uneven wooden floor. His eyes followed the back of Maid Maleen’s head as she led them to a warped wooden table.
Wilhelm sat down with a loud huff, only to choke on dust as a plume shot up around him. “Fancy hut.”
Maid Maleen barely glanced at him as she pushed aside some vials. “It’s not that fancy.”
“I know. I was being polite.”
Maid Maleen set three ceramic glasses on the chipped table. “Want something to drink?” She caught their expressions. “Don’t worry. They’re not potions since I’m sure that’s what you were wondering. I don’t even get why you think I’m a witch.” She picked up a broomstick and began sweeping absentmindedly around the table.
Wilhelm winced as the bristles scratched against the floorboards and mouthed “Witch” to Jacob.
Jacob shot him a look before pointing at the cups. “What’s in these, Maid Maleen?”
“It’s just Maleen,” the girl snapped.
“Are you trying to poison us, Maid Maleen?” Wilhelm asked.
Maid Maleen let out a long, suffering sigh. “Okay. Ignore me.”
Jacob peered into the dark green liquid. “Is it safe to drink?”
Maid Maleen plopped into a chair, picked up a cup, and drained the dark green liquid in a single gulp. She set the cup back down with a loud clack. “Of course it’s safe. My precious nettle leaves would never fail me. Not many people know this, but nettle leaves actually have many healing properties. They relieve sore muscles, prevent sneezing and itching, treat blemishes on the skin, help with hair growth, treat dandruff, improve kidney and respiratory health, and increase urination frequency to help reduce bladder inflammation. They’re also rich in Vitamin C and A, which I’m sure your dumb little peasant minds have never even heard of.”
Jacob arched a brow. He wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or insulted.
Wilhelm blinked. “I’ve literally never heard of half of those words you said. There’s more proof you’re a witch.”
“I’m not a witch!” Maid Maleen shouted.
“Fine. You’re a hag.”
“I’m not a hag!”
“Why are you screaming at me?” Wilhelm screamed. “Are you putting a curse on me? You’re so deranged, Maid Maleen!”
“I’M NOT A MAID!”
“Everyone, calm down!” Jacob cut in.
Maid Maleen snatched up the glasses with a sudden, jerky motion. “You know what? I don’t have anything to drink after all. Stay thirsty.” Without another word, she strode to the iron cauldron in the corner and tossed the glasses in. A billowing column of silver smoke rose out of it. “So, why are you two out here? Hardly anyone ventures into the Rhön Forest these days. You said you’re looking for the white mist magic?”
Jacob tensed but forced himself to focus. “Right.” He was eager to steer the conversation back to their mission. “Our mother told us about it. We need to find it and bring it back to her. She’s dying, and it’ll save her life.”
Maid Maleen went still. The firelight flickered against her sharp cheekbones. “Your mother’s dying? That is… unfortunate.”
“Do you know where we can find this magic?”
Maid Maleen drifted toward a window. She pressed her fingers to the fogged glass. “I do. It’s deep inside the Rhön Forest—in the very heart of it.”
Jacob eyed her strangely. “You know that as if—”
“I’ve searched for it?” Maid Maleen finished for him. Her lips curled into something between a smile and a smirk. “I’ve gone into the forest a myriad of times to look for this magic. Well, only once. Last night. I found out there’s no way you can possess the magic unless the dark forest allows you to. I nearly escaped with nothing but my life.”
Wilhelm snorted. “That’s a good thing to escape with.”
Maid Maleen ignored him. Her fingers traced the patterns against the glass. “The magic can’t just be taken. Not by force, not by clever tricks. The forest chooses who is worthy.”
Jacob felt a chill creep up his spine. “And it didn’t choose you?”
Maid Maleen laughed, but there was no humor in it. “Apparently, my soul is too black.” She turned back to them. “Strange, isn’t it? I don’t remember doing anything particularly evil in my life. I apologized to that fox when I accidentally stepped on its tail last night.”
“Well, you are a witch,” Wilhelm said.
Jacob expected Maud Maleen to snap back and deny it, but instead, she stepped closer and peered at him with her intense, icy blue eyes. “But you, Jacob… your soul feels light. I’m sure the forest would let you take the magic.”
“Now she feels souls,” Wilhelm muttered. “Witchy.”
Jacob’s heart pounded. The way Maid Maleen spoke and looked at him unsettled him in a way he had to admit he didn’t entirely dislike. “Maid Maleen, can you take us to the center of the forest?”
For a moment, she only watched him. Then, a smile ghosted across her lips. “I think that can be arranged.”
“So…”
“Yes, I’ll take you.”
Wilhelm raised his hand. “Can I ask some questions here before we follow this witch hag into a creepy forest where there’s a demon wolf lurking around? Actually, I wouldn’t be surprised if the witch is working with the demon wolf. Jacob, I think we should rethink this plan.”
“Wilhelm, we don’t have time,” Jacob snapped. “Our mother is dying. She could die at any second. If this magic is real, we need it now. We need to know as soon as possible if it’s not real so we can find another way to save Mother. Actually, I wonder if all she needs is some nettle tea. According to Maid Maleen, it treats a lot of symptoms.”
“But we can find the magic without her—”
“Not fast enough. Maid Maleen knows the forest.”
“That’s right,” Maid Maleen said airily. “I know the forest like the back of my hand.” She held up her palm, then frowned at something on her wrist. “Hm. That’s new.”
Wilhelm sighed. “But why does she even believe in this magic? Why is she out here by herself? Where’s her family?”
“I don’t have a family,” Maid Maleen said quietly.
Wilhelm’s shoulders sank. “Oh. Sorry.”
“You better be.”
Without further explanation, Maid Maleen snatched a battered leather satchel and slung it over her shoulder. “We leave at once. I’ll just pack some tea so we have something to drink along the way. If we get hungry, we’ll catch a quail or something. We’ll figure it out along the way.”
“Do you have to bring your evil nettle tea?” Wilhelm moaned.
“Yes, I do, Wilhelm. I’m currently drinking it to reduce the inflammation in my urinary tract.” Maid Maleen snatched a glass bottle. “We just need something to store the magic in—if it appears to us.” She tossed the bottle over her shoulder, ignored it as it smacked Wilhelm in the head, and picked up an empty jar. “This’ll do.”
“Can’t we just use our pockets?” Wilhelm asked, rubbing his head. “Our leather trousers are pretty sturdy.”
“Leather?” Maid Maleen said distractedly.
“Yeah. What do you wear?”
“Nothing.”
“You wear nothing?” Wilhelm spluttered.
“I mean, I wear something,” Maid Maleen said quickly.
“Yeah, your witch clothes,” Wilhelm said, eyeing her treasonous trousers. “Too bad we can’t pay you to guide us since you could use that money to buy a dirndl dress.”
“That’s right,” Jacob admitted. His face turned red. “We can’t pay you anything.”
“Payment isn’t necessary,” Maid Maleen said. “At least not right now.” She placed the jar in the wash bin. As if summoned, a gnarled nettle vine slithered through the open window and curled around the faucet like a patient snake. Maid Maleen stroked its leaves absentmindedly. “As soon as I clean this jar, we’ll go. We need to travel as much as we can in the daylight since it’s too dangerous after nightfall because of that wolf. I’m a young maiden, so I’m pretty susceptible to wolf attacks. Apart from that, we must be careful.” She lifted her gaze. “Not many people venture into the heart of the forest and come out alive.”
Next Up in 2 Wednesdays: The Little Red Riding Hood
Lena set her basket on the floor and stepped closer to the bed. “Oh, Grandmother, what large hands you have!”
“The better to take hold of you with.”
Lena winkled her nose. “That didn’t sound weird or anything. But oh, Grandmother, what a terrible large mouth you have!”
Wilhelm peered around Jacob. “She’s talking about you, Maid Maleen—”
“The better to devour you!” the deep voice thundered.
Lena screamed as the sheets flew off the bed. A blood-red wolf rose from the tangled quilts. Its bristling fur glinted like thousands of needle-sharp blades. Muscles rippled beneath its sinewy limbs as it reared onto its hind legs and towered over them. Jacob gasped as a familiar pair of glowing red eyes stared down at them all.
What Did You Think?
Drop a 😊 in the comments if you made it to the end! I’d love to know your favorite line, scene, or ridiculous moment. Feedback fuels the fun, so don’t be shy.
Spread the Laughs
If this gave you a chuckle (or an eye-roll in a good way), share it with a friend who loves fairy tales or dark fantasy (and humor of course!).
Catch the Next One
Can’t Wait to Read More or Just Want it on Your Shelf?
