Fallon said, "come, the daylight does not last forever."
As the moving stairs descended, Alaisdair said, "I am ready to do your bidding, but there are still questions."
"Yes, I know," said Fallon, "and I shall answer all as you and I go through the supplies you take with you."
Under a tree was a small nugget easily put into the traveler's pocket. Before Alaisdair could ask more questions, Fallon picked up the chunk and handed it to him, holding up one finger on his other hand, indicating one moment as he saw Alaisdair open his mouth to speak.
"Now, young master, sit - you are allowed against this tree - it is friendly as is his offshoots. Three parts of this portion of the enchanted forest still hold a grudge, but the trees closest to the Fort are all nice.
The Nugget you hold in your hand will expand to become a vast net, and inside the net, another small bag containing your filled water flask and a snack.
There is another pouch that holds two spikes for climbing the mountain. You will need them to get to the top - yes, by the look on your face, I see you understand you are going back the way you came.
When you rest to take your repast, sit in the middle of the trail so the trees and rocks will leave you without harm. They are not villains only holding a grudge against the war, damaging and killing off so many of them."
Alaisdair blurted out, "But the Griffin is a bird."
"Ah, yes and no," said Fallon. "The Griffin is half Eagle and half Lion."
Alaisdair squinted into Fallon's eyes, saying, "Are you serious? How is that even possible?"
"Does the magic word work? Or do you want our society's guess on the possibilities of how some diverse creatures merged and became another? I see the scoffing look you wear. Your apparent disbelief of magic needs a scientific explanation.
During the war, creatures were paired up to fight as one. For example, the Eagle rode the Lion and, when in danger, sank its claws into it, lifting it to safety. The linked animals fused when the fire descended from the heavens, forming another creature. They both were blessed with their minds intact, but some needed to cede complete control to the most dominant of the two. However, the ultimate pairs successfully learned to work together and knew instinctively when to surrender or lead,
Fallon said in his most officious tone. "They are the ones chosen as first guards of defense for the new kingdoms settled in this land called Myst, away from mankind's idea of civilization.
So, now, as to the net, the green loop edge opens it, press it," said Fallon, "And, to close, press the red edge, but for now, leave it open."
Alaisdair followed Fallon's directions, and he mouthed, "Wow!"
Fallon said, "It is large enough to bag both the mother and the cub/chick."
Alaisdair had a different thought on that but kept it to himself. First, he needed to see the cub/chick and Mama Griffin again.
"Since the food and the spikes are compressed tinier than the net, I will put those two nuggets in my left pocket and the net into the right," Alaisdair replied as he decompressed the net. "It's best to waste no time, so I am back before twilight. Where do I put the package when I return to the Fort?"
"The large cistern at the foot of the hill is the entrance to the portal. I will wait for your return and pull the switch to open Griffith. I wish you fleet feet and a speedy, safe, and successful journey, Master Monster Hunter!"
Alaisdair turned to Fallon, who stood at the entrance to the trail, saluted, and bowed. "See you anon, Commander."
Alaisdair started a steady trot and soon was soaring above the ground at an even keel as he thought of the wildlife he was not seeing but would try to entice when stopped for his repast.