Prince Sieghard and Wilhelm soon came to the entrance of the forest after their departure. The Black Forest certainly had a foreboding aura around it, and the prince was surprised to see how dark the area was. The horses even seemed uneasy and almost frightened.

"The witch should be in this general area," Wilhelm mentioned, motioning around in front of this. Prince Sieghard said nothing, as he had figured that they were entering the forest near where the witch was said to live.

"What are we waiting for?" the prince asked sincerely, leaning forward on his horse.

"We're waiting to make sure that nothing is going to ambush us. While there are rumors of magic here, I'm more worried about wolves at the moment. Not many travelers come through here anymore, so I can imagine they're hungry," Wilhelm teased while glancing in the dark shadows. The prince sighed.

"Are there any wolves?" Sieghard wondered, exhausted by the hunter's personality. 

"I think we should be able to move forward," Wilhelm answered before kicking the sides of the horse. Sieghard followed Wilhelm into the forest, leaving daylight behind.

Sieghard was rarely scared or unnerved, even though he was a young man. He firmly believed that nothing could startle him, but that was before he went into the Black Forest. While he wouldn't say that he was frightened, he did feel uneasy walking through the trees. He wasn't sure if it was the lack of sunlight or if it was just the shadows themselves, but he would be more than happy to leave this horrid place.

Wilhelm was more confident in the strange place. He had made several journeys through the trees, and he was one of the few that have even made it out of the Black Forest. While he believed the stories and myths that other travelers had told, Wilhelm never saw or experienced anything strange. The only time he was scared of something was when he saw wolf activity. 

The two men traveled deep into the forest as Wilhelm glanced at a map, guiding them through the maze of trees. Sieghard wondered if Wilhelm actually knew how to read the map, or if he was just guessing. It wasn't until they found a small cottage in a small clearing that Sieghard actually knew that Wilhelm knew what he was doing. However, the prince realized that clearing wasn't quite correct. There was no sunlight, and the house was surrounded by trees.

"I think this is it," Wilhelm whispered as he dismounted and drew his sword. The prince followed suit as they approached the cottage. Sieghard gripped the hilt of his blade tightly, unsure what was going to pop out of the house. Wilhelm reached out and tapped on the door. There was some shuffling from inside before an older woman came to the door, opening it only slightly.

"Who are you? What do you want?" she asked in a deep, raspy voice. She had dark brown hair and her eyes shone blue, making her look no older than her mid thirties. 

"We have a few questions for you," Wilhelm informed, keeping his sword at hip. The woman glanced down at the blade before looking up at Sieghard.

"What's the prince doing here?" she wondered aloud before swinging the door open. The two men watched as she walked further inside, beckoning them to come in. Reluctantly, they followed. "It's been a while since I've had guests, so please excuse the mess."

"We won't be staying long," Sieghard informed, making the woman laugh.

"Good to hear. I do have a great many things I need to do today," the woman stated as she came out with a kettle and a few tea cups on a tray. She motioned for them to sit as she set the tray down on the small table in front of the sofa. "What can I help you with?"

"Are you the witch of this forest?" Sieghard immediately asked, leaning forward as he sat on the couch. The woman stared at him critically before smiling.

"What's it to you?" she whispered as she poured herself a cup of tea.

"Have you left the forest recently?" Wilhelm added, hoping to drive the conversation away from that topic. The woman glanced between them.

"No, I haven't left the forest in the last few weeks. I did leave during the summer, but not since then," she answered Wilhelm before looking at Sieghard. "And I have been accused of being a witch, but I prefer the name Greta. I would also would prefer if you don't spread rumors that I am a witch. I just prefer the solitude of the forest."

"Of course," Wilhelm answered as Sieghard only stared. The prince wasn't sure how to respond, as he was sure that she was a witch.

"Was that the only reason why you are here? To ask me my travel habits?" she asked, looking back at Wilhelm.

"No, I had a few more questions," the hunter replied. "Just so I have a general feel, how do you feel about King Klaus?"

"King Klaus? I don't know, I guess I don't have an opinion," Greta answered noncommittally with a shrug. Sieghard looked at the floor, upset with the answer. 

"Do you know anyone who would want to harm him?" Wilhelm continued, surprising Greta as well as Sieghard. Then Greta smiled, almost as if they had given her a gift.

"Have you heard of Schneewittchen Castle?" Greta asked with a small laugh. "I think you better check that out. There's rumor of a murdering vampiress."

"A vampire?" Wilhelm implored as Greta nodded.

"I wouldn't be surprised if she killed your king," Greta added as Sieghard stood immediately.

"How did you know that he died?" Sieghard demanded, his hand on his sword. Greta stared at him, unfazed.

"Because you wouldn't be here if he was alive," she answered, smiling up at the prince.