The Ringmaster

Out past the lanes, at the edge of the forest, there is a narrow path. You could swear it wasn’t there yesterday. You follow it into the smothering darkness... until there is a light. A small, glittering light dancing between the distant trees. You follow the light deeper into the forest. It’s getting colder now. You can see your breath. A branch snaps behind you. You look. Nothing. Then... Next year, no hero is safe... from the Ringmaster.