Startled, Alaisdair shook his head and said, "Huh, I thought I was awake. First, I thought the animals were talking, and now it's a tree."
"Harumph. My name is Big Red, and yes, I am a tree, and yes, I addressed you, Master Monster Hunter. But, unlike the animals that get downright chatty with humans when they find one that listens and understands, we stand firm and don't let the average human know we can speak to them."
"Your name is Big Red?"
"Yes, it is young Master, and you are far from being the average human. You are our new awakening, and we do not wish to go through another war and fall back into more years of despair. So, as Hilda said, yes, you are awake, and yes, we can talk with you."
"Big Red? My name is Alaisdair Peyton. I hate war. I hate fighting, And killing is not acceptable. So if you can help me in my hunt to prevent a war, I will believe that the trees also talk."
"The faster way for you to get to the mountain top is to bring you up to the top of our treeline, and I throw you. But it would be best to keep your feet running to keep the momentum going," said Big Red.
"I'm much more agile when I run," Alaisdair replied. "I can easily remember that step in the journey. Will you stay with me until I reach the portal?"
"The entire Forest is with you until you reach the portal, and the Griffins are on their way to Griffith. We are all honored to be a part of your first hunt. It is crucial to all of us that you succeed. I don't know if we could survive another distressful millennium as we just went through," Big Red said somberly.
"Thank you, Big Red," Alaisdair said, "I doubt I will ever be able to tell you how much I appreciate your help. Please express my gratitude to all the others helping me as well. So what is the next step?"
"I will lower my left branch; you step into the middle. Then, I will lift you over my headline. Do you have anything more troubling you before we take this track?" Asked Big Red as he lowered his limb.
"There is only one thing troubling me. I am unsure of the timing because I don't know if the mother, Griffin is at the nest." Alaisdair pondered.
"That was the next thing - I got the report from the last stand of trees moments ago. The Queen has just arrived and is feeding the cub/chick.
The stand has its limbs upright and appears to sway violently in a windstorm. The cloudy rain cover and the wind are a planned diversion. The limbs will go parallel when you arrive, so slow but ready to be deposited on the mountaintop. In other words, keep running slow a little," said Big Red.
"If all goes well, you will be back at the Fortress Portal within two and one-half hours or less.
Also, I know this will shock you, but when I launch you, you will be several inches above the oily, rain-slick
passage. you will travel. There is nothing to worry about; keep those feet in action even when you land on the mountaintop. Do not stop moving as you need it to return," Big Red added.
"Wow," said Alaisdair, "I truly am impressed with the precision of details to make this a smooth hunt."
"Yes, thank you, young Master. That is why I am the Commander in this Forest to keep harm to a minimum. Please step into the middle of the palm of nettles, and I will lift you," said Big Red. Do you have your net ready to open?"
"Yes," said Alaisdair with a big grin as he held up the nugget with his finger on the green edge.
"Okay, then wait until you hear me say 'go.' Ready, get those feet in position, "GO!" yelled Big Red as he thrust him toward the mountain." Big Red was pleased when he saw Alaisdair in motion - yes, long strides and an even steady gait.