CHAPTER NINETEEN
“This place is cursed,” Ged said again. The old soldier lifted his hand and traced a symbol in the air to ward off evil spirits. The others looked around balefully, and Broderick got the feeling they didn’t want to be there any more than he did.
“I think we should travel further into the tree line,” Broderick said, pointing. “The entire forest can’t be dead.” All but Marc shook their heads in disagreement. Marc led his horse over to one of the blackened trees and tied the reins to one of the few branches that seemed sturdy. Then he turned and addressed them. “Let’s move it,” he ordered. Grabbing his arming sword from the saddle, he strapped the sheath around his waist. With a nod to Broderick, he walked forth into the woods.
Broderick admired the man’s courage. He looke
