They left the workshop behind for a day of travel and gathering. Further up the river valley where the ground rose into rolling hills stood a small stand of timber Mara had tended for years. It was her practice to select only mature trees that were ready to yield and to leave the rest to grow undisturbed. She had asked Elias to come along not just for strength but for company. The change of scene would do them both good she said.
The road wound upward between banks thick with green growth. The air felt lighter and fresher carrying scent of pine and wild herbs instead of the familiar sawdust and wax. Elias drove slowly enjoying the open view. He had spent so long moving only by safe routes or shaded ways. Now he could follow the curve of the land without scanning every turn for trouble. Ma
