26
Hidden within the trees, the woodfolk watched the Vines depart then listened until their footsteps along the path had faded. In the distance they could hear the faint sounds of a carriage’s wheels crunching along the gravel of the road.
“Right,” said Waterstone. “Let’s move deeper into the forest. This firesite is too close to that road for my taste.”
“I agree.” Autumn Leaves swung down out of the trees and set about making cups of tea. “Might as well drink this first, now that the kettle is boiled. Then we’ll head off.”
Autumn Leaves realised that Midnight was standing next to him looking forlornly along the way Tarkyn had gone, tears in his bright green eyes. The solid woodman crouched down next to the little boy and tried to reassure him, using images, that Tarkyn would be back f
