13
Shortly after this, the lookouts signalled the all clear and the woodfolk were able to cross the great west road undetected. For the next few hours, they made good time through woodland sufficiently dense to provide cover, but well-spaced enough for them to thread easily through the undergrowth. Tarkyn was surprised when the woodfolk called a halt in the late afternoon, deep within a dark beech grove, and proceeded to set a fire and prepare the evening meal well before their customary time.
“There are several miles of open grasslands ahead of us,” explained Running Feet. “It would not be safe for us to cross it in daylight. So we will rest here for a few hours and then travel on under cover of darkness.”
“So, I gather you’ve been this way before?”
Running Feet raised his eyebrows. “
