The Last Tree

Chapter three

Adam fades into the distance as the squid floats in the trees. He doesn't know what to do. Adam is being taken, without the power of the stones his sliver will lose its magic. It's what’s keeping him alive. Without another stone near him, he'll die in a matter of days. The squid feels panic as he speeds through the trees to his sisters. 'Elder sister! What do we do? Adam has been kidnaped!'

'Brother squid? What happened?' The smaller sister tree asks, it has grown since he brought the stone back. Encasing the stone in her bark and enriching the soil she's rooted in. Spreading her influence with each day.

'It's Adam, he went into the city. Even after I told him not to, and the guard has him and took him away! What do we do elder sister?' His tentacles flailing wildly in distress.

'We'll have to go save him. And we will need some help. Child come here.' A lone figure emerges into the top of the crater. It's hooves biting into the earth as it descends the path to sister trees. 'This horse will help you carry some water.' A pouch Adam made appears filled with water. 'To keep you hydrated.' The horse snorted and stomped at the earth ready to go. The forest stirs with the knowledge that Adam is missing. Many animals run beside them, while the leaves of the trees dance in the wind. They head towards the edge of the forest to the barren land that was once green. That was once filled with life. They reach the edge of the forest, a girl stands there torn. She looks intimidated by the forest. No humans has stepped foot in the forest since sister tree was attacked. Adam doesn't count because he's a part of the forest. The squid slows the horse to a walk but the girl already seen him. She gasps not use to sea life. The squid absently realizes he should probably look different if he encounters more humans. 'What is your business here girl? And be quick I have business to attend to.' She shakes as his voice echoes in her mind.

"I- I just wanted to warn Adam's brother he's been kidnaped. I thought if I brought him to the tree the guards would look at him and then dismiss him. I didn't know I swear. He's just the first person I've ever seen who came out of these woods. He seemed harmless enough so I thought I could get everyone to see that." She was crying now. Her shaking worse as she got worked up. "He seemed nice and I just wanted him to not get hurt because I've seen so many people get hurt and I'm tired of it. So please can you help me find his brother?" She's pleading by the end of it. She's obviously still scared but she perseveres. Brother squid is impressed.

'So girl, you're not only trespassing in the forest of the sacred tree but also asking for help?' The squid inquirers intrigued. The girl nods, 'well Emily,' she flinches at him knowing her name. 'I am brother squid and I was wondering if you'd help me with a something. Stand very still for a minute.' The squid glides down from the horse who snorts nervously being close to a human. 'Calm child she won't hurt you.' He soothed a tentacle down the horses neck calming the frightened animal. The squid looks back at Emily. She looks ready to bolt. Looking around for exits. 'If you help me with this I'll help you.' This of course was a test to see if she'll be patient. She looked unsettled but nodded none the less. The squid hasn't seen much humans other than Adam and he wasn't here so he couldn't very well change his shape to look like him. The squid sighed before he concentrated on the girl. Circling her as he saw details of humans he will need. Finally done he stops in front of her. Feels the shimmering of magic in the air as the stone in his head begins to work. The squids body begins to reshape and the girl gasps. She steps back scared.

“What's happening?" Emily trips over a stick tumbling to the ground in her haste to hide.

'Do not be afraid,' brother squid assures as the transformation finishes. Stands before her as a man. He was taller than her, long hair that reached the middle of his back. It was tied back in a braid and his pale skin shined in the light. 'Well can't say I'm surprised by your fear but again I'm not going to hurt you. I actually need you to take me to Adam, I am his brother.' Brother squid tilts his head as she falls to the ground, she fainted. Brother squid was not expected this, she needed to tell him where Adam is. He sighs as he bends down to pick her up. 'Calm child it is just me.' The horse nervously lets him put Emily on and then mount it. Brother squid urges the horse to take the first step out of the shade of the trees. They take off into the sandy ground. Galloping into the barren desert. 'I'm coming Adam.'