Menolyrical; Final Friday Fiction

Book; JOHNATHON LIVINGSTON SEAGULL (Richard Bach)

8; TERRIBLY SORRY

12; LIMITATIONS

16; SAID DRYLY

Continuing the tales of Hindertwig. To see the first, click here.

Hill Bert and Low Sooz slowed their pace as they came back into the village. They had not shared a word between them since leaving that awful scene of the murdered Hindertwiglet and the two-legger flesh eaters feasting upon it. Hill Bert was trembling inside at the thought of telling Vidge.

He didn’t have too long to think about it though. The whispers of the undergrowth had announced their arrival, so Vidge was waiting for them at the Centree. The leader’s expression asked the question.

‘Vidge, Sah,’ began Hill Bert, using the deferential title, ‘we are terribly sorry to report that there is truth to the tales. We saw with our own eyes creatures who walked on their hind legs only and used their forelimbs to act heinously. Sah, they had murdered a Hindertwiglet and placed it over that which we believe to be ‘fire’, and it turned the flesh molten. Those beasts tore at it and gnawed upon it and the bones. The smell was sickening beyond words, the sight one that can now never be unseen.’

‘Next you’ll be telling me you will suffer nightmares and day horrors,’ Vidge said dryly. Hill Bert was taken aback and heard Low Sooz gasp at this harshness from their revered leader. Vidge softened his tone. ‘This was not meant to hurt you. It is just that you must do your best to leave that image where it lies and not carry it with you. This is the way of the forest.’

Low Sooz spoke up now. ‘Vidge, Sah, something in your voice says to me that you knew exactly what we would find; that it was no myth. Am I right?’

There was a long pause. ‘Follow me to the stream. We must discuss this out of the hearing of others.’ Vidge turned and led the way. Once they had refreshed themselves, he took them along to the ridge and they settled down to look over the treetops to the far perimeter of the forest. Vidge spoke again. ‘Twiglets, please know that this task I set you is because you are to become leaders when I am gone. It is not for some time yet, so rest easy! However Hill Bert, you currently are fourth, but your heart and thinking are much wider and stronger than either of Rooper or Pal Sun. Low Sooz, you are ninth, but your loyalty and trustworthiness shine strong. As first and second, you would lead Hindertwig in meaningful ways. To do this, you must overcome your current limitations. You must start to challenge Rooper and Pal Sun. I love them dearly, but they have not the spirit of true leadership. This challenge was not meant to scare you, but to strengthen you in the knowledge of the greater world. One can only protect others when all the facts are yours.’

Hill Bert and Low Sooz, astounded, bowed their heads in acknowledgement of the honour bestowed upon them.

(492 words © Yamini Ali MacLean 2018)