“What did you expect me to do? Take time out to explain that I hadn’t given her that trust while she was still so vulnerable? I don’t think so.” Tarkyn waved a hand. “You can go and explain it to her any time you like.”
Waterstone, who was not interested in this angle on things, suddenly asked, “Are you now saying that we are effectively free to ignore your commands if we so wish?”
Tarkyn shook his head. “No, I am saying that I don’t think the forest will suffer much if you do.” When Waterstone looked puzzled, the prince added gently, “Your honour will still be at stake.”
The woodman digested this and grunted. After a short silence, he mused, “So the main threat to the forest seems to be caused by direct threats against you. Is that right?”
“So it would seem,” agreed Tarkyn. “And the l
