Ma Tsawke

Chapter Seven

Beneath the forest's sheltering canopy, a new day unfolds as Tanhì kneels on the trail, movements deliberate. Her nimble fingers glide over tracks left in the soft mud, each mark telling a story of Pandora's life. 

She brushes nearby plants, feeling their textures, and breathes in deeply—interpreting the faint messages carried on the wind. The art of tracking becomes another lesson and Jake is her eager student.

"Until you open your eyes, you will not see." She chastises, firm but patient.

A subtle eye roll from Jake does not escape her. In response, she nudges him to engage with the world around them, insisting he stop complaining and truly try.

I'm learning to read the trails, the tracks at the water-hole, the tiniest scents and sounds. Tanhì's a good teacher. Confusing but good nonetheless.


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Concealed behind a screen of leaves, they observe a breathtaking scene—a herd of massive, armored hammerheads wading through the shallows of a crystal-clear lake. The creatures move with steady grace, forming a protective barrier around their young, safely tucked beneath their towering legs. 

A sonorous, resonant trumpet from the lead bull shatters the calm, prompting a flurry of vibrant Tetrapterons to take flight into the sky. An explosion of vivid hues of purple wings shimmer against the alien heavens, leaving Jake in awe.

Caught in the enchantment of the spectacle, Tanhì notices the childlike wonder painted across Jake's face. She tilts her head and with a gentle tug on his elbow, she guides him in a different direction.

Jake meets her eyes briefly before she releases his arm, deftly parting a large leaf to clear their path. Eager to explore, he steps forward, only to walk straight into the oversized plant. Stunned, he pauses, his jaw hanging in disbelief as Tanhì muffles her laughter, a sparkle of mischief bright in her expression.

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Tanhì stands in serene stillness, ears dancing with a life of their own, attuned to the subtle whispers of the environment. With eyes gently closed, she imparts her wisdom to Jake in a soft, melodic tone.

"When you hear nothing, you will hear everything. When you see nothing, you will see everything." 

Jake blinks twice, pursing his lips, quickly shutting his eyes when she checks on him.

Sometimes I have no idea what she's talking about. But can't blame me for wanting to hear her voice anyway.

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Jake and Tanhì move silently through the underbrush, their steps blending seamlessly with the rhythm of the forest. Ahead, a formidable male Hexapede strides into view. Jake lifts his bow with steady hands, the arrow drawn and ready. 

Tanhì's expression is unreadable as she observes his every move. Jake tracks the creature with unwavering focus. For a moment, the world seems to hold its breath. Then, with careful control, he lowers the bow, releasing the tension without a shot.

It's been a month and I'm still not allowed to make a kill. She says the forest hasn't given permission.

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Tanhì and Jake slither through the lush undergrowth, moving with the utmost stealth. Her slender fingers point, signaling for him to stop. She gestures toward a break in the foliage, and he carefully parts the leaves.