11
By mid-morning, the woodfolk had left the damaged area far behind them and were strung out along the Great West Road through the forest. Crossing the road undetected was always a major undertaking for a large group. Its width made it impossible to cross via overhanging trees, and their ability to flick into hiding was too short-distanced to take them right across its breadth. Consequently, they had to cross where the road surface was rocky and they would leave no footprints. They chose a straight section of road that curved out of sight about one hundred yards away to the east and disappeared over a hill towards the west. Lookouts were placed on the curve and on the brow of the hill to give warning of approaching travellers.
For over an hour, they remained hidden in the bushes near th
