“How many woodfolk were present when my father made them swear the oath?” asked the prince slowly.
Finally, Waterstone dragged his eyes away from the fire to face him. “About one hundred and sixty.”
“Oh no!” breathed the prince. “That means I forced forty more woodfolk to swear the oath who had avoided it before. Blast it! I wish I had known.” He looked at Waterstone. “Not you though. You were there the first time, weren’t you?”
Waterstone nodded and looked morosely back into the fire.
“Where’s Stormaway?” asked Tarkyn suddenly.
The woodman glanced around the firesite and spotted the wizard on the other side of the clearing. “Over there,” he replied shortly.
“Good.” He returned his attention to the woodman and regarded him through narrowed eyes. “You’re struggling, aren’t you?” asked
