'More leaves move and soon thousands are fluttering. The branches
untangle and a way opens for us. Branches curve around to form a
ladder and we climb up and over the branches that are too thick to bend.
The branches on the other side bend and open to let us to pass. We
reach the ground near the trail.
'We turn back to Omar the Oak. The tree's leaves flutter, its twigs twitch,
and its branches wave slowly. We wave.
'Thank you, Omar,' says the Princess. 'Thank you for helping us across.
We will never forget your kindness.'
'The rustling of the leaves becomes louder, and form words. 'Good-bye,
good-bye,' says Omar the Oak. 'I wish you well. Be warned. You must
prove that you deserve to leave this enchanted, tangled forest. Be
warned! You must deserve!'
'How must I show that I deserve to leave this enchanted forest?' The
Princess asks Omar the Oak. 'To whom must I prove it? What must I
do to 'deserve'?'
'The rustling gets louder, and we hear again, 'You must deserve to make
your way out of this enchanted, tangled forest. Be ready.' The rustling
is very loud.
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