8
As prince and liegeman neared the woodfolk’s new firesite, a delegation came forward to greet him. He glanced with some trepidation at Danton, thinking that the woodfolk were about to remonstrate with him. But no. As soon as he was close enough, they brought forth a huge bunch of wild flowers and a stone flask of their finest wine.
“Tarkyn, this is to say thank you to you for saving our forest,” said Tree Wind with a big smile. “You are a true Guardian of the Forest, and we would all like to thank you for the enormous effort and courage you showed in fighting those ghastly parasites.”
All the surrounding woodfolk smiled and murmured agreement.
For once, Tarkyn’s court training completely deserted him. He stood there, stunned. Danton’s finger giving him a gentle prod in the ribs broug
