Id been walking through the New Forest for hours, enjoying the hush, the scent of pine, the fresh air and the birdsong. It was all calm until a sudden snap of branches sounded behind me.
I spun round and froze. From behind a line of trees a pack of wolves emerged, at least eight of them, grey shapes slipping silently over the fallen leaves, drawing nearer. At first I thought they were just passing by, but then I saw they were heading straight for me.
A cold knot formed in my chest. I sprinted for the nearest oak, my rucksack sliding off my shoulders and landing in the grass as I clutched the bark and hauled myself up, my arms shaking.
The wolves closed in around the tree, their low growls merging into a terrifying chorus. One of the beasts leapt, clamped its jaws on my boot and hauled me down. I let out a scream, broke free, and barely managed to stay upright. My heart hammered as if it might burst out of my throat.
I knew I couldnt hold on for long. My mobile was still in the pack, and help was miles away.
Then, from deep within the woods, a sound rose that made the hair on my arms stand upa deep, heavy rumble, not a wolfs howl but something lower, as though the earth itself were speaking.
The wolves tensed, their ears flicking, bodies coiled. In the next instant a massive figure stepped out from the shadows of the trees.
A bear emerged onto the clearing.
He moved slowly, sure of himself, each step echoing like a drum in my chest. He stopped a few paces from the pack and let out a roar so powerful the leaves quivered and birds scattered from the branches.
The wolves shivered instantly. One tucked its tail, another backed away, and within seconds the whole pack vanished into the thicket as if it had never been there.
The bear stayed alone. He lifted his massive head, glanced upwarddirectly at me. His gaze was heavy, not angry. For a few heartbeats we simply stared at each other. Then the animal gave a soft huff, turned, and slipped back into the forest, melting among the trees.
I was left perched on a low branch, unable to move. I had escaped death only because another predator had intervened. As the fear began to ebb, I climbed down, retrieved my rucksack and looked in the direction the bear had taken.
Thank you, I whispered.
The forest was silent save for the wind rattling the branches and, far off, the distant hoot of an owl.
Since that day Ive often returned to the New Forest, leaving a slice of bread and a spoonful of honey on the clearing. Whenever the mist rolls over the ground, I swear I can feel warm, intelligent eyes watching from the trees.
Perhaps it was just a coincidence. Or perhaps, in that very wood, somethingor someonehas been keeping watch over me.
