65
"Silverwood, it's wonderful to see you," I said as I got to my feet, "the other trees said you couldn't make it."
"I wouldn't miss this for all the Void."
Silverwood smiled, but the bark around his mouth seemed stiff, unable to bend fully with the expression.
"Is everything okay?" I asked.
“Everything has gone exactly as planned. Actually,” Silverwood exhaled sharply, “everything has gone better than I planned."
"I'm not sure I follow,” I said.
“Yes," Silverwood continued as if I hadn't spoken, "everything has gone exactly as planned. Although the death of the siren was a nice bonus."
My heart went cold.
“Ah, now you understand,” he continued, "I can see it on your face. Now you understand that I am not on your side. And now you are wondering if I've ever been on your side,
