New Chapter…enjoy.. I sure am.

Chapter two Meetings

With the first step on this new path the weather seemed to change .A slight warm breeze was blowing in his face, Sun halfway across the the blue sky. About time we had some good weather he thought. May and June were his favourite months and this was a perfect example of their days.There were more orchards on either side of the, wide road?Easily wide enough for two cars to pass each other.“When did that happen Min?Her response was just a sniff then to dart across to the other side for a pee.“Yup, there you go.”

As they walked along..gravel crunching away..his hip and knee seemed to be easing as was the near constant pain in his back.There was a flicker of blue that he just caught out of the side of his eye.Looking around for a dragon fly or jay but there was nothing.“Hmmm, weird.”As the sun was beginning to warm him he removed his jacket and stowed it in his bag.Checking for a snack found a couple of granola bars, a snickers and two water bottles. Not much but better than nothing.

Still the road meandered through the orchard, the trees were coming to life with fresh green leaves and the hints of blossoms. Far far ahead we’re the traces of smoke in the sky, white and grey drifting up and the smell of woodsmoke was bringing back memories. The family sitting around a fire. Hot dog and sausage being cooked on sticks. A cold beer. Cuddling in a blanket. The crackling and popping of the logs. Shaking his head the old man laughed and reached down to pat Min. “Great times lil one..great times. Let’s get shaking”. Again there was a flash of blue in the corner of his eye, a bit brighter this time but still he couldn’t focus. Removing his glasses these were also put into a pocket on his side bag, maybe that would fix whatever was amok with his eyes .

Now the trees were beginning to thin out. The tidy layout of the orchard was mostly gone from both sides of the road and it was simply scrub land. A mixture of bushes, a stand of pine or two, a roll of prairie. Not let go but just never cultivated or used. Land as it had been for thousands of years. The smell was of growth with the hint of rot and wet. The drone of the occasional bee was broken by a caw of crows or the squawk of a blue jay. No airplane or car horn. No roar of engines or the judder of a semis brake. Nothing of civilization at all. Not even the usual trash that would show that people had been here, not unnaturally cleaned just never done. No cigarette butts or bottle tops, no Kleenex or plastic bags. Just poop…”thanks MIn..I’ll get on that”. . “Argh..what is that”. It felt like someone was flashing a laser pointer in his eyes..not enough to damage but enough to annoy.

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Still nothing to show for it he rubbed his eyes blinking hard…nothing. “Bah…let’s go Min”.

Heading toward the faint smoke trail seemed a good idea and considering there weren’t any other options off they went.The low stone wall on either side of the road got lower and less defined over the next hundred meters until it had disappeared entirely.Still a fairly maintained roadway though, and“what the hell”, a crossroads with another sign.. The eye flashes were coming faster and faster causing him to sit heavily to the ground.Minnie jumping on to his knee and pawing at his chest…yipping wildly.. The light was overpowering, all he could feel was the constant thrumming of the light in his eyes, skin, brain, every part flashing flashing….Connection opened.

“It’s ok girl, he’ll be back in a second” the voice was very close. “Here he comes, hi there my friend, welcome to the world”.

Coming back to himself the old man found that he was lying on the ground in an ungraceful heap. He seemed to have knocked his head as he landed because as he looked up he saw Minnie nose to nose with a small person..a very small person. Standing no taller than his knee, wearing a grey hooded robe . “ A tiny monk, Min getaway from that, it might bite.” The being stamped its foot…”I am no monk and I don’t bite, I am a greeter and facilitator. I am here to welcome you and aid you, once.”

The old man struggled to get up, unable to sit cross legged he settle for leaning his back on a nearby rock. “Fine, not a monk. I might as well go with this, what and who are you and, I have many questions but I need a drink first”. He started to reach into his bag when he noticed a tall glass of iced tea sitting on the ground next to him. Complete with ice and a yellow straw. “Your favourite I believe.”, the creature said.

Taking his sip he raised his glass to the being..”cheers, excellent thanks. As long as I am going along with the insanity..what should I call you?”. The small person straightened their robe and gave a small bow, “My name is Elaith and I am pleased to meet you. And you are?”. “William Harris” he replied. “But just call me Will, William sounds like an actor or serial killer to me.” Elaith nodded and sat beside Will. “I have much to tell you but I must say you are taking this rather well. Most newcomers adjust but it is a process and takes time”. Taking another drink of the excellent iced tea gave Will a second or two to think. Newcomers? Facilitator? At this point further in seems the only way to go. “As for taking things well? I think I died back there. Of exposure or a heart attack, either one but I am pretty sure”. Raising an eyebrow at Elaith, ”let’s hear it.”.