When the woodman and the sorcerer rejoined Danton and Stormaway, they found them deep in conversation with Summer Rain. Stormaway looked around as they arrived and said buoyantly, “She’s cracked it. Summer Rain has come up with the perfect plan for dealing with the wolves.”
“Well done,” said Tarkyn, falling into the natural assumption that their actions were aimed at pleasing him. After a moment, he frowned. “But I didn’t know you could use magic.”
“I can’t,” replied Summer Rain. “But magic is not the answer to all problems.”
“True. So what have you come up with?”
“Poison. Stormaway can dope the wolves’ food. It doesn’t have to be lethal, just enough to put them to sleep for a few hours. Stormaway and I can easily concoct something.”
Tarkyn beamed. “Brilliant! We were all so focused o
