Deacon’s Nook was a sleepy town in western New Hampshire. According to a local legend as old as the town itself, a witch lived in a cottage deep in the woods east of the town. Rumor had it that she was a refugee from the trials at Salem – a disciple of Satan who used the blood of children to extend her life to an unthinkable length.

Despite (or perhaps due to) the peril described in the legend, children were drawn to the woods east of the town. It was considered a rite of passage to journey into the woods alone and pick a black rose from the witch’s garden. Though hundreds of children had embarked on the bold mission during the town’s many years, there was no credible account of anyone finding the witch’s garden, much less returning with a fabled black rose. Sadly, there were some that did not return at all.

Peter Lawson’s uncle had been one of the unfortunate boys that never returned from the woods. All of Peter’s relatives claimed that Peter looked just like his tragic uncle. The resemblance sparked many a conversation about Peter’s uncle’s fate and thus Peter was subjected to countless warnings about the dangers of wandering in the woods.

But having inherited his uncle’s stubborn nature and determination along with his looks, Peter ignored the warnings and set off in search of the witch’s garden. He headed east in the dead of night. He walked alone as was the custom. He did not use a flashlight to light his way. No one ever did. The risk of drawing the witch’s attention was too great.

He walked for quite a distance. Soon he began to feel more like a weary hiker than a bold adventurer. Tired and defeated, he turned back. Though he was certain he was retracing his steps, Peter had a growing sense that the path was leading him in a direction other than home. The forest grew quieter around him until there were no sounds other than those of his feet and his breath. The trees were twisted and withered, bearing the appearance of tortured souls writhing in agony.

Finally Peter came to a clearing. Before him was a wall of hedges taller than a grown man. The path led to a gate between the hedges. It was with conflicting feelings of triumph and dread that Peter realized he had reached the witch’s garden.