Ant's Arc

Chapter 11 of 12

Ant turned to the smaller ant and nodded. They walked together along the trail, their leaves rising and falling with each step. The path wound through the hills and eventually split at a worn signpost. One branch continued toward the peaks. The other curved back toward lower ground. The smaller ant chose the upward path. Ant followed. After a short climb, they reached a wooden gate stretched across the trail. Two posts held a rope barrier that blocked the way forward. Beyond it stood a stone booth with a heavy door and carved pillars. A figure stepped out from the doorway and raised one hand. "Only one leaf-carrier may pass at a time," the figure said. "You must choose who goes first. The second waits until the first is out of sight." Ant looked at the smaller ant. They had been sent to travel together. That was what his colony had intended. But the rule was clear, and the figure did not move aside. The smaller ant shifted their leaf and spoke quietly. "I can wait. You should go first. You have carried yours longer." Ant felt the weight on his back. He had carried it alone for so long that he had forgotten what it meant to share the burden with someone who understood. Now he was being told to leave that behind. He stepped forward and stopped at the gate. He looked back at the smaller ant, then at the figure blocking the path. "No," Ant said. "We were meant to carry these together. If the rule says we cannot walk side by side, then we will walk one behind the other until the trail widens again. But I will not leave them behind." The figure studied him for a long moment, then stepped aside and lifted the rope. "Then go," the figure said. "But know that the path ahead does not widen for many miles." Ant nodded and walked through. The smaller ant followed close behind. The booth and the gate fell away behind them as they climbed higher into the hills.