Tarkyn looked them over pityingly. “You are those people who have been trapped by the forest, are you not? And you have been trodden into the ground by your failure.”
Shamefaced nods answered this question. “Some of us have chosen to stay to avoid the world outside. Some of us cannot find the path out. All of us have a fear we cannot face,” said Boravar heavily. “We are bound within this Forest by our failure, Your Highness.” The burly sorcerer bowed his head in shame.
“The lore of both sorcerers and woodfolk is that this Forest may keep you here indefinitely if you are unable to face your fears.” The prince let the silence develop before announcing, “But I tell you now that I, Guardian of the Forests of Eskuzor, do not accept that premise.”
Looks of confusion gave way to uncertain hope
