18
It was an hour before dawn when they reached the forest on the other side of the grasslands. Already the sky had lightened and the first birds were beginning the dawn chorus. The clear sky had let out all the heat of the earth and the early morning air was frosty. People’s speech came out in clouds of mist. Everyone was cold and tired and the children were whining with fatigue and hunger.
“This is where life in the forest is undesirable,” murmured Danton to Tarkyn.
Tarkyn nodded tiredly. “Still, I wouldn’t complain too much, if I were you. We’d have been here nearly two hours ago if we hadn’t deviated to Tolward’s house. And we could have rested more along the way.”
Waterstone strode over, still full of energy. “Come on, you two. Not much further now. There are ready-built shelters
