33 Chapter 33: Visitors

Whatever parasite the bear had, doesn't seem to be able to propagate well in a humans body. A few more hours of waiting, and all the pain and weakness is gone. I'm glad, I'm not sure what I would have done if that bear got me permanently sick.

My heartbeat was strong and steady. I calmly surveyed the blanket of green and brown in front of me. Using some mud, I was able to make my own version of basic camouflage, it even worked to hide my scent a bit.

I'm perched behind a bush with a few small gaps in the leaves. I can see the shuffling form of a wild boar in the distance. He doesn't seem to notice me yet. So edging forward a fraction of an inch I focus on my network of vines, that dot the landscape.

I've been in the forest for a few weeks now, and any hesitance I had for finding and killing my own food is long gone. I've even seen that bear a few times, but I still haven't had the confidence to try and take him all the way down.

The boar keeps his shambling pace, until he takes one more step to the east. Finally within reach of my insidious vines, they lash out like a coiled spring. They latch onto the fatty thigh of the boar, bringing out a harsh keen.

Quick as a flash I jump forward, in my hand is the broken remnants of my short sword. From the handle, there is perhaps 4 inches of iron blade jutting out. Thanks to a surprisingly resilient armadillo type monster my finely wrought iron blade was turned into scrap metal.

I plunge my blade fiercely into the boars neck, it attempts to kick a few more times before it stops.

"Phew, one more dinner sorted." I pat myself on the back taking my food back to camp. My long stay has caused my camp to improve a bit. With creative use of vines, my previously camped cave, has been remodeled. I use my veins to be my doors, furniture, and even most of my kindling. The constant magic has been very draining on my mind.

While I was smart enough to leave a vine with Arith and Maya, they haven't needed me, so I have almost no knowledge of the outside world. That suits me just fine. My exile to this forest, has been far more helpful and therapeutic than the grueling life and death experience that I was anticipating. Due to the close proximity to the wild untamed lands of a forest, my inner forest has been able to flourish.

I focus on my inner realm and fall in easily enough. The trees around me are now in full bloom. Eye catching yellows, and reds dot their flowers. The entire space is awash in fantastic colors, that all stem from my mystical thorned trees.

As I tumble out of my space I get on with my chores. Cleaning, and draining my boar meat, getting water ready, and starting my fire. All taken care of with quick practiced efficiency.

Munching on boar meat I sigh happily. A full stomach is one of life's most simple, and most profound joys. Second only to sex.

*Crunch Crunch*

The sound of crushing leaves, and I jump to attention. For the last few days animals had been very good about avoiding the area that I had claimed. Every so often, a bigger creature will try their luck, but so far no big issues.

I strain my ears to find the source of the leaves. "OH, really?"

'Huh, did someone just talk?'

I crouch down hiding myself in the plants, as I stalk closer to the sound of voices. "Yes, really! It's around here, just a few more miles!" Hm...Curious, they seem to be lost?

The strangers come in to view as the make their way across the river that I've been using. It appears to two harmless people. One seems to be about my age, a hardened military sort of man. His body is strong, and it seems like he's confidant with the ax he has hung across his shoulders. Next to him, there is a young man. He has bright green eyes, and blue hair. From the adoring expression, and the curt voice of the man, the kid is most likely not here against his will.

I'm a bit unsure if I should show myself. While they don't seem like bad people...'oh come on Masamune! Your tree friends would be so disappointed in your hospitality! If they're bad people, just lose em in the forest. It's not like they can actually follow if you don't want em to.'

I nod my head once having reached a sound decision, and I stand from my hiding spot.

Both the older man and the kid stop dead as I appear in front of them. Mouths agape, they stare at me like some kind of apparition. With no small amount of chagrin I call out, "Hey you two lost?"

The young man blinks twice before giving me a beatific smile, "Yeah we are! Can you help" a sudden hand is clapped over his lips. The older man gives him a cold, withering look before turning to me. His expression is blank, and guarded. "Quiet Boy!" The older man strikes the younger firmly making his eyes bulge slightly, and I can't help but chuckle slightly.

These two are great! It's like an old vaudeville act.

The older man, with a bit more composure, finally responds. "Yes, we are heading through this forest, do you know where the nearest town might be sir?"

His tone was very odd when he talked to me. As if me answering his question would be doing myself a favor!

Well don't blame me, you brought this one on yourself old man, a small secret grin is in my heart as I reach out my magic to make sure all of my vines are awake.

Prep work out of the way, I stand up straight and tall, and with a deep imposing shout I call to them, "FOOLISH MORTALS, How dare you violate my sanctum! Don't you see that this is the land of Kings!" Each word causes the trees around me to flap and wave. It's like a cataclysm as birds and other animals flee from their woody homes.

The old mans face has gone ashen white, mouth slightly agape. He simply stands there too stunned for words. Looking at the kid he seems to be slightly better off. He seems to at least be processing what is going on around him.

Truth be told I was worried that trick wouldn't work. It's quite difficult to make the network of vines I control all move in sync. However, if I'm very careful even great towering oaks can be turned into my playful little marionette.

I force my vines to buckle the ground as the burst forward, no longer hiding beneath the earth. The strong vines fence in my two guests, and the sharp glint of the thorns dissuades any retaliation.

The young boy falls to his knees attempting to stammer an apology, slowly the older man follows. His eyes never leave my face as he kneels against the mighty storm that is a druids rage.

"Please lord...We did not know if we can only pass..."

Unfortunately my poker face couldn't hold. I burst out into a powerful laugh. "Ha ha ha ha." My laughs echo loudly into the now silent forest.

Wiping a tear from my eye I drop the vine shield from my guests. "Come on guys, I bet your hungry. I should have some good meat left."