Part 3a

Inside the trunk were the carved figures that the woodsman had carved from the timber of the dark, dense forest. The princess’ heart sank. This poor deluded woodsman will not be able to help me, she thought to herself and look of despair crossed her face. The woodsman laughed, a deep, rolling laugh.
“Do not despair fair princess, all is it not what it seems my Lady.”
The woodsman disappeared into the dark recess of the cabin and emerged with a jar, with what looked like honey inside. The princess was more confused than ever now. Was the woodsman going to bribe the Black Prince’s warriors with toys and honey?? Along with her desperation, she was now becoming frustrated with the woodsman and feared she was losing much valuable time with her quest to save her father’s kingdom.
The woodsman told the princess that the jar contained the sap from the large oak tree that stood in the centre of the forest and with that, he removed the lid. He slowly poured the thick, gloopy sap into the trunk. The princess gave out a sigh, as if at that moment that the last drop of hope drained from her. She bowed her head to the ground but something made her raise her head again. The sound of creaking timbers came from within the trunk. A sound that reminded her of a voyage she took with her father across the Black Sea when she was a child. The creaking became louder and more frequent. Then a head appeared from the trunk. The princess was startled, fell back then got up and ran as fast as she could. She hid behind a large tree and stared over at the trunk. The carved figures were rising out of the trunk. One by one they grew, the size of a man, and stepped out of the trunk. Before long there was a whole army of wooden soldiers stoodstanding to attention beside the woodsman’s cabin.

So awesome, enjoyed the read :) above grammar is technically correct but sounded not quite natural :)