Trogging through these weeds. The trees were really annoying me. I think I’ve grown since I’ve been here. These little sprites I hold from danger seem to have become a permanent company. Locke had almost called me out on the beach today. Before the matriarch had her say. I was letting them frolic a bit too much. I shouldn’t gush. They’re just so adorable. Little things. They don’t bother me at all. I’m a mountain and I don’t fear losing too much of myself.

In fact. I think if they took a bit of me it might just help. I’m still growing. That’s the problem. Tallest man in the world. For sure now. In this world at least…

I don’t know how I always do it. I’m really just a pacifist. I’m standing there minding my own business when that pig lunged at her. I could feel its hate. I could see its rage and I knew what had to be done. I did it. I brought the hammer down on that pig’s head and I felt really bad about it afterwards. But then Nora made me build that bridge and then I was throwing trees at what looked like kids. 

Everyone is so small to me. I cannot believe they mean to destroy me. They couldn’t possibly. I’m so massive. I know better I can take it but I shouldn’t allow myself to be beaten. I felt really sad with every tree I ripped from the root. And threw at those angry creatures. But what they did to those goblins burned my heart. The soap too. Real smart. 

So as ever I trudged along. Silently singing my favorite song. These sprites keep me company and play along as if my own personal symphony.

I'm at least eight feet tall if not nine. I feel the same but stronger. My sight has been getting better. I feel as if I’m healing in this place. This space.

We march through the woods strangled jungle vine. I’m pushing past trees as if they were shrubs. I can feel my strength has no bounds. I’m a little scared to interact with tiny things. I’m afraid to touch anything, that I might break it. I don’t want to do that. Every step I take I crush what’s underneath. I apologize. 

It’s weird. We’ve been in this jungle but we haven’t seen any of the sprites. Just my two. Nobody has said anything I wonder if they’ve forgotten? Maybe I should say something?..

How do I tell them about the sprites without speaking?

Maybe I should show them the two I have with me. Then maybe it’ll click in their minds that there aren’t any around us. There has to be a meaning to it. If it were that important I’m sure Nora would have figured it out by now. She is a summoner after all. This is her plane. I’m wondering if she can hear me thinking. She can control me through thought after all. 

I wonder how far it goes. I should never have broken my oath. Should have stayed silent. Quiet giant. But then again. I wouldn’t have been there to save Tye. To save Nora. To cross the broken bridge… 

I have to keep going and figure out how to communicate what it is I’m seeing. Tye can usually read my mind. I’ve got to get his attention. But these damn weeds and vines and crawling through this thicket makes it impossible trying to keep up with everyone without destroying everything in my path. It’s all so complicated.

Brent feels the two sprites hugging him at this moment.

Huh… can you help me tell my friends what all this means?

They look at him oddly then resume playing mindlessly.

They’re adorable. Just too adorable. 

“That’s it!” Nora shouts with a hiss. “Shhh” she puts her finger to her lips. 

“Are we here?” Tye whispers out loud.

“Quiet. Yes, I think we are. This is the entrance to the cave. It’s not very big so…” Nora trails off looking to Brent. “I don’t think you’ll fit.”

Brent looks to the hole. It’s got wood around it and a discarded cart with pickaxes. 

Brent shrugs.

“He says yeah definitely not.” Tye whispers to Nora out loud. 

“I think you’re going to have to stay behind.” Nora tells him. 

“No.” Locke states firmly. 

“No?” Nora asks back, shocked. 

“Yeah no. I agree. We can’t just leave Brent out here all alone. He’d be a sitting duck. Someone has to stay with him or something.” Tye states firmly.

“I’m going to need all of you. I’m already losing one of you.” Nora complains.

“Yeah well, we don’t do sacrifice’s, Lady. Ms. Summoner. So figure it out.” Tye replies.

“I can make you.” She threatens.

“You can but I swear to god you’ll regret it. I don’t know how but we’ll find a way to resist you. We can fail.” Tye responds back. 

“What?! How dare you?!” She replies. 

“Yeah I agree with Tye on this. I don’t wanna say I’ll commit suicide but I can’t leave Brent behind. Remember the pact?” Corin inserts herself.

“Oh.” Nora states. Recalling the pact she witnessed them make after landing in her world. “Well that was between yourselves. Not with me. I’ve no need to honor such things.”

“Look lady, we come from a place who’ve had to deal with royalty and people like you and we ended up overthrowing them. We won our freedom there and we’ll do it again. I don’t know how but we’ll find a way.” Tye retorts.

“I really need all of you though. It’s not a game. This demon. It’s so strong. Everyone needs me to do this. I need to do this. Gran gran can’t hold out like that forever. We’re wasting time.” Nora argues back.

“No you’re wasting time. Pick two of us to go and one of us to stay with Brent. That’s what has to happen. Do not make us go against our will. I swear on all that I love I will make sure we fail.” Tye shoots back.

“Fine. Then you’re the one who gets left behind.” Nora declares. “Now that we’re done with this mutiny I need Corin and Locke to come with me. Goodbye. Keep the pathway safe for our escape.”

“As you wish.” Tye replies back 

“I’ll see you soon.” Corin tells Brent as she passes him by.

“Don’t fuck up. We’re counting on you.” Tye states to Locke. Grabbing his arm as he pushes forward.

“I don’t fuck up. That’s a Lancaster thing. I’m the martial arts champion.” Locke replies confidently as she pushes her glasses back to her face. “I’m counting on you to keep him safe.”

“Oh will. Don’t worry about us.” Tye replies. 

“I was talking to Brent.” Locke shoots back.

“Yeah well, keep our little Corin alive otherwise I’m a beat the shit outa ya and rename your dojo something stupid.” Tye shoots back aggressively.

“It’s time. Let’s go.” Nora demands. 

Obstacle 41. Thoughts