22
Had they but known it, their intention of offering Tarkyn protection would have been most unwelcome at that stage of the young prince’s life, bent as he was on declaring himself to Lapping Water. But luckily, long before they caught up with him, Tarkyn was back in the circular clearing with the others of his party, celebrating his betrothal to Lapping Water.
Their celebrations were still in full swing when, between one sentence and the next, the woodfolk around Tarkyn and Harkell fell silent. When Tarkyn went to speak, Waterstone held up his hand and rose silently to his feet. Quietly, the woodfolk unsheathed their knives or reached for their bows. Some stayed close to Tarkyn while others melted into the surrounding trees. Then a little figure came running into the clearing.
“Dad! Da
