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As they headed back towards the firesite, it became apparent that Waterstone was displeased. He kept his eyes forward and did not join in any of the laughing and joking that was going on around him. His mouth was set in a grim thin line and when they arrived, he left immediately to retrieve Sparrow and retire.
Tarkyn watched him leave but knew that the woodman was deliberately using Sparrow as a barrier to any discussion. When he brought his eyes back to the group around him, he found Stormaway’s gaze upon him. He gave a little shrug and returned his attention to the people around him.
The home guard moved out at c***k of dawn the next morning. They headed up the same narrow path but swung away to the left when they reached the wider space at the top. At this altitude, the pines had
