They say that in the heart of the forest, there’s winter in the middle of summer. Tam went to see if the opposite was true.
He challenged the forest. His mighty sword vanquished his foes. A boy and his stick, leaving frosty nettles broken behind.
“Where to, soldier boy?” a magpie laughed.
Tam bowed. “To summer, sir.”
“Then march on, and get your warmth from the Queen.”
“Why the hurry?” a squirrel asked.
“I go to the Queen,” Tam said.
“Have a care, she’ll heed your words, not what you say.”
In the heart of the forest, Tam stepped off snow onto lush green moss. Leaving winter behind, he shivered, then marched on.