"I shall leave that in your capable hands, Brother Leonov."
They left the beach, following a route taking them almost directly east. Not so much a path as bare spaces between trees, resulting in an uneven stroll, and several times Charlaine tripped on roots that poked through the surface. Marlena, for her part, took things in stride, walking quietly while scanning the surrounding area. Leonov kept up a decent pace, only slowing occasionally to get his bearings.
"Is this much like your home?" asked Charlaine.
"I grew up in Ruzhina," the Mathewite explained. "The forest there is thick, but there are hills to the east, much like those found here."
"Ruzhina? Isn"t that where the Volstrum is found?"
"Yes, in the great city of Karslev, but that"s some distance from my home."
"Have you ever
