4
Prince Jarand’s column moved at a gentle trot along the road to the lake. As they entered the forest the road surface deteriorated, and they had to slow their horses to a walk. All around them, the forest watched and waited. Captain Harkell sent two soldiers to scout ahead. The birds fell silent as they passed and the sound of their horses’ hooves seemed unnaturally loud. It was not long before soldiers began to exchange furtive glances and to peer anxiously into the gloom between the trees. The trees on either side loomed over tangled bushes and it was hard to see more than a few yards into the woods. Even the little wizard, who was used to living in these woodlands, was unnerved.
After a while he kicked his horse and managed to raise a trot to bring himself up alongside the prince. O
