This story begins during an argument between Grandpa Hector and Arthur.
„I want to go home,“ Arthur whined „When I was your age, I spent more time among these trees than at home. The same cannot be said of you. Don‘t you want to go outside and play with your friends?“
„But I don‘t have any friends to play with, Grandpa.“
„So what are you waiting for? Go and make a friend. Go outdoors, play, get dirty and scrape your knees. This forest is yours, enjoy it sooner rather than later.“
„Later than what? You‘re old and you still come here.“
„It‘s never too late to go to the woods, Arthur, but people don‘t respect this precious place anymore. And something terrible is about to happen: a big industrialist from the city has bought a considerable part of the forest. There‘s no doubt he‘ll log everything to build. I predict dark times for the woods.“
Arthur didn‘t answer, but from his gaze, it was clear that the speech had left an impression on him. „Arthur, do you hear that noise?“ Grandpa said, „it‘s the spring. Now let‘s fill up the flask and eat the snack we packed.“ When they reached the edge of the forest, Arthur cried out: „My book! My copy ofGulliver‘s Travels, the book that Grandma always used to read to me. It‘s disappeared. I must have lost it in the woods. We have to go and find it, Grandpa, we have to!“ „Are you sure you didn‘t leave it at home?” „Very sure,“ replied Arthur desolately, „I always carry it with me, always.“ „If that‘s the case, I think I know what happened. See Arthur, there are many legends about this forest, but there‘s onethat‘s more sinister than all the others.
People say that a demon lives these woods. This horrible creature terrifies explorers to make sure they stay away. Anyone who claims that they‘ve seen the demon also says that they‘ve lost something on that occasion.
And what‘s more, he‘s also a quick rascal!“ „Listen to me carefully Arthur, if you really care about that book, you must go into the woods to look for it. But you have to go by yourself. Only children can get near to
demons without them noticing.” “Do you know where your name comes from?
It‘s a Latin name of Etruscan origin meaning man-bear. It‘s the name of a great leader. Does the name King Arthur mean anything to you? So man-bear, will you face the forest or will you let yourself be defeated by
fear?“ And as he spoke, Grandpa took hold of Arthur‘s hand and they returned home together.