With a loud snap, Jack stepped squarely on a dead branch just beneath the leaf litter.Tolan turned and spoke softly,
“Even the forest bison are quieter than you.”
Jack shrugged and waved a hand at an insect.
Tolan went on,
“If you wish to die today then continue without looking for where to put your feet first.”
Tolan waggled a long finger for emphasis,
“Walk as I do. Stop when I signal you to stop and move when I signal you to move.”
Jack nodded and leaned against a large red oak.
Tolan frowned.
“Did I say to lean against that tree?”
“No.”
Tolan sighed.
“Surely the gods sent you as a test.”
© Erik Hansen 2017
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