Free The Auric Insignia by Perry Horste Page B

tighter before letting go, moods lightened. Before they could strike up a new conversation, the calm of the woods was broken by the flapping of wings as a blackbird landed on a twisting branch of a nearby bush. Folding its wings, it let out a beautiful call that reverberated through the area. The Kappas listened as if they heard more than just the delicate notes of the melody itself.
         - What is it, did it say something?
         - It was a message.
         Having completed its task, the blackbird took flight once again, its aerodynamic shape vanishing between the trees through which it had just arrived.
         - And?
         - It was for you, you’re to join Korri at the meet.
         - Okay, where’s that?
         - They also sent a guide.
         Ippan pointed towards the direction the bird had taken just seconds before.
         - Keen eye Ippan, had you had wings, I would’ve thought you were a hawk.
         - Well do share, for those of us that are apparently blind....
         - Humans, am I right, Ippan?
         The hefty kappa smiled and nodded in agreement.
         -.. Can’t see what’s right in front of them.
         Roarke ignored the glib remark and squinted, trying to distinguish what was ostensibly so evident. Right when the frustration was starting to get the better of him, he saw movement. Jumping from branch to branch was a squirrel rushing towards their small group. Stopping in front of Roarke. it immediately started chattering energetically.
         - What is it saying?
         - It’s wondering if you can see it yet?
         - Oh really?! I’m sorry, don’t you two have anything better to do? Why don’t you make like one of these trees and leave...
         - Ouch, the human strikes and strikes true!
         The duo promptly started enacting a dramatic scene where they both sustained mortal injuries.
         - After you I assume, lead the way, pipsqueak.
         As he was walking away, he heard his new friends burst out in uncontrollable laughter.
         - Idiots....
     
    ***
     
     

A scar that even the blind can see
     
    Walking where he did, he felt small, like a child walking through a great hall filled with treasures, each new surpassing the one before. He saw slim silvery trees that shot like arrows from ground, their reflecting leaves giving its smooth bark an almost glowing aspect. Plants that looked like ivy dipped in blood, climbed its way up trees with dark trunks with white stripes, ending in a crown comprised of black leaves. Beyond that was the green backdrop that seemed to consist of every tone of green there was, like a whole rainbow to itself. He walked by thorny brambles that almost appeared to move and entwine its surroundings to the beat of a pulse unheard, a heartbeat of the forest.
         Roarke had no idea where they were headed, if they were going straight or if their path was twisting and turning. His diminutive guide offered no conversation let alone answers, and only stopped to see if Roarke was still following and immediately resumed its march when it saw that that was the case. Roarke followed loyally, not knowing what lay before him as the forest managed to be both massive and awe inspiring but at the same time, close up and forever labyrinthian. Suddenly, having been previously hidden from view by vegetation, Korri’s familiar shape materialized. Roarke’s temporary travel companion abandoned its earlier modest pace and set off towards its matriarch. Korri picked up the critter and proceeded to offer it a big nut, for services rendered. Seemingly overjoyed, the critter settled on Korri’s shoulder as Roarke finally caught up with them.
         - Hi.
         - Hello.
         - So what now?
         - We wish to speak with you.
         - Who’s we?
         - Members of the Kappian decree.
         She jerked her head towards a faint path that continued behind her.
         - .. And hopefully you will