Did you catch Monday's blog feature with Mikieboy's story from last year's anthology? It has a particular take on nature, magic, and many of our site members enjoyed it. Take a look at the excerpt I chose below! 

Quote

 

Upon arrival at the temple, the group’s guide paused and said, "Mr. Davis, these saplings are robust and healthy; we have deemed them the most suitable for you to take with you."

Jerrod Davis respectfully examined the cedar saplings, gently touching their needles. He then turned to Itsuki Sato and replied, "These are beautiful. We deeply appreciate and are honoured by the opportunity to receive such esteemed trees."

Sato offered a polite smile, though he privately questioned the appropriateness of gifting these trees. Such species already thrive along the west coast of North America. However, my responsibility is to prepare this offering on behalf of our government. With this in mind, he nodded courteously. "Many believe that these trees are the dwelling place of spirits known as Kodama. Therefore, we advise that they be treated with the utmost care, as causing harm to a tree is regarded as a serious matter."

Davis appeared surprised. "Is that so? What is believed about these Kodama?"

Maintaining a composed expression, Sato responded, "Kodama are considered the shy guardians of ancient forests, embodying our respect for the natural world. It is traditionally held that felling their host tree may bring misfortune or even fatal consequences for those who disturb the tree's vital spirit. Under threat, Kodama are said to be capable of imposing curses or acting with notable hostility."

Davis blinked and answered carefully. "I see. Well, I can confirm that these saplings will be treated with the greatest respect and reverence. We will not be felling them."

Sato nodded, indicating to the two workers that they could begin digging and preparing the year-old trees for travel to Canada.

The two botanists watched the men working. They used burlap to gently wrap the branches of each tree. Then they dug around the tree and under to free the root ball, which was then also wrapped in burlap. The saplings were placed into two wooden crates which would hold them securely. The I.D. tags, required by the Canadian Border Services Agency to admit the trees, were attached securely to the burlap and the crate itself.

As the final sapling was wrapped, the forest's whispering echoes grew louder. So loud that the men stopped their labours for a few moments. They straightened and looked around themselves. The trees glistened brightly. The workmen spoke to Sato in Japanese.

Sato gazed up into the full-size cedars and shook his head.

Davis watched the exchange and noticed the whispering reverberations. From the corner of his eye, he'd noticed the water droplets held by the tree's needles, shining in the sun briefly. I wonder where the Kodama are hiding. He smirked just a little.

 

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