Free Ascent of the Aliomenti by Alex Albrinck

said that there are more of you living in this forest. Do all of you who live here eat this fruit? Where are the others?”
    The woman nodded. “Our numbers are not large, and grow only infrequently, through bringing in outsiders by choice. Most of us have lived here an exceptionally long time, and have come to tire of constant companionship. I chose to build my hut in this spot, away from the others, because the isolation is preferable to the potential companions. Others, those who are younger, do live in a sort of community, but after decades together most move away to isolated parts of the forest. But yes, all of us have eaten and continue to eat the fruit. As you’ve discovered, it is delectable.”
    Eva’s face tightened. “How did this place come to exist?”
    “Don’t tell her, Aina.”
    The man’s voice was a deep baritone, and the trio spun to find a man of modest height and build, sporting light brown hair, in their midst. His lips were pursed in an unmistakable show of displeasure. Will was uncertain as to the cause of the expression. Was he angry that Aina might have been prepared to tell the history of this group? Or was he instead disturbed that three strangers had worked their way into their impenetrable forest?
    Aina glared at the man. “Ambrose, leave me. My guests require hospitality.”
    Ambrose folded his arms across his chest. “I don’t think so, Aina . Your guests are not residents. They must stand before the villagers and request leniency for their trespass. The crime is not minor, nor is the punishment.”
    Aina waved him away. “Begone, sir! We shall arrive as we are able. Tell them to prepare for us if they so desire.”
    Ambrose rolled his eyes, and moved with an effortless grace as he vanished into the trees.
    “Trespass?” Will asked.
    Aina shook her head. “It is an ancient law. We have long sought to protect this forest from outsiders and keep the fruit from others, though our reasons have varied. Many believe outsiders incapable of handling the gifts, and that is their reason for enforcing our boundaries. Others wish to keep the benefits only for themselves, and thus seek to restrict access to the chosen few. Ambrose has held both viewpoints in greater dominance at times, but feels both are valid and encourages both. We typically have greater time to assess each new entrant to this forest, for the thorns and bristles surrounding the perimeter cause significant physical damage, and we must first nurse those individuals to consciousness before assessing their candidacy. We can discuss current community needs and necessities during the recovery period.”
    “Wait,” Will said. “What do you mean by a candidacy?”
    Aina shook her head. “I am not permitted to explain further. You must come with me to the remnants of our village, where our people centralized for centuries before electing to lessen their proximity to each other.” She stood and strode into the forest on the same path Ambrose had followed. With a shared glance and no other available options, the trio followed her.
    The well-worn trail meandered through the trees like a river carving the land, curving and undulating like a snake slithering through the dense forest. Without any indication that the visit to the village proper would be pleasant, it was difficult for the trio to enjoy what might have been an enjoyable walk. The air was fresh and pure, the plant life colorful, and the sounds of the wind in the trees melodic.
    After a brisk fifteen minute walk, they came upon a clearing filled with huts of a style similar to that used by Aina. Ambrose was one of several individuals milling around, huddled with several others in deep conversation. Will had little doubt as to the subject of that conversation. They did not allow others in the forest, they did not permit others to eat the fruit, and in the minds of the forest residents the three of them had committed the most serious of crimes.
    As he walked, Will wondered