Page 14 of Hollow

“I can always take it on one of my walks.”

“That’s a nice offer, but it’s a few miles to town.”

“I do not mind.”

Nikolai let out a low croak, insisting Dimitri establish well-deserved treats for his labor.

“I already get plenty,” Dimitri answered. “No need to ask for more.”

“Are you talking to me or the…” Jack pointed to the crow perched on Dimitri’s antler.

“Ah, yes, this is Nikolai. He has taken it upon himself to lead the murder, should I ever require assistance.”

Jack’s shadowy expression contorted into a question mark until returning to a smiley face. “I totally forgot they were called that. Here I was thinking you were plotting a murder. Well, more murder. Well, I suppose you didn’t really murder anyone. That was all me.”

Jack laughed aloud, a bit nervously. Dimitri had learned that Jack did not like silence, always finding ways to fill it, whether with his television, his telephone, his random muttering, or the need to sing songs.

“So, would he actually murder for you?”

“Most definitely,” Dimitri said plainly. “He awaits my command to peck out the eyes of my foes.”

“Wait, seriously?”

Dimitri grinned. “No, mostly he wants me to do him favors and give him treats.”

“Can you understand him?” Jack asked. “Can he understand you?”

“Of course,” Dimitri said, tossing his last torn chunk of bread for Nikolai to chase. “Leshy can communicate with all of nature and her servants.”

“That’s really cool,” Jack replied quite eagerly, then he stared out at the forest and seemed to panic. “Do you think the fog cloak upsets nature or her servants?”

“Doubtful, the mist offers mystery. Nature enjoys such wonders. Plus, it creates a stronger current of magic in the atmosphere. What is not to like?”

“Dang, you’re going to have to explain all this to me,” Jack said. “Despite spending my entire life in these woods, I’m not a very woodsy kind of person.”

“No?”

“Not in the least. Pretty sure that’s why my mom made this.” Jack pointed to the cottage. “I’m a glamper all the way.”

“A what?” Dimitri tilted his head curiously.

“It’s a bougie bitch who knows they deserve the best modern technology has to offer,” Jack explained, which only further confused Dimitri.

“How about I explain all the beauty and wonders of nature, and you provide better definitions to your sentences.”

Jack cackled. “Oh, man, totally valid. There’s so much I gotta catch you up on.”

“How about we start with your video games. You seem quite enthralled by them.”

“Definitely.” Jack smiled. “Do you want to build, kill, or romance? Because I’ve got games for everything. We’ll avoid online gameplay for now. I don’t think you’re ready for forty-year-old incels or twelve-year-old trolls.”

“You know trolls?” Dimitri asked, following Jack inside. “I have not met many trolls. They are quite vulgar things.”

“Not those kinds of trolls,” Jack said, then paused for a moment to think. “Well, kind of those kinds of trolls. Just not monstrous. Well, maybe in attitude.”

Jack slapped Dimitri on the back, ushering him inside first.

“I’ve got so much to introduce you to.”