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her, but after all, you are a stranger to me and her!” yelled Hemish.
    Marrec, sitting across the table from Hemish, studied the dancing flame of the single lamp hanging above the table. He and Hemish had gone back and forth for some
    time, but it didn’t feel like he was getting through to the man. The child Ash sat in a small chair nearby, her legs dangling above the floor, a stuffed toy languishing in her lap as she stared straight ahead at a sight only she could see.
    Marrec leaned toward the peasant and said, “Listen. Can’t you see that this is not a singular occurrence? If it happened once, it could happen again, and we won’t be here next time to save her.”
    Hemish glowered and muttered, “How many times can a man’s child be taken? The odds were long to begin with. Lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice.”
    The cleric sighed, shaking his head. “True—if this were only a random occurrence. Haven’t you heard a thing I’ve said? I believe these tree people were specially seeking Ash. They didn’t succeed. That means they’ll try again. And again and again until they finally get what they’re after. My friends and I cannot stay here to guard here night and day—we have business in Two Stars. If you truly care for the safety of your daughter, you’d wipe the sentiment from your eyes and see the truth. Allow me to protect her. I swear I’ll guard her as my own.”
    Hemish took one of the girl’s unresponsive arms in his own. He looked into Ash’s eyes, and said, “Is that all right with you, baby? Do you want to go with this man? You’ll be safe. Tell me what you want.”
    The girl intoned, “Ash.”
    Hemish’s eyes brimmed. He patted the girl’s hand then caught Marrec’s eyes with his own. “You swear on your service to your goddess that you will keep Ash safe from all harm?”
    Marrec rose, drew Justlance and held it before him. He said, “I swear, upon Lurue’s name, that I shall guard Ash with all my ability, keeping her safe from harm. She will be more dear to me than my own life. I so swear.”
    Hemish sighed. After a minute of silence he said, “Very well, cleric. I must trust you, it seems.”
    Marrec reached out and clasped Hemish’s hand. He said, “You are making the right choice. Don’t worry.”
    Really, there could be no other outcome.
    They spent the night in Fullpoint. In the morning, Marrec, Gunggari, Elowen, and Ash departed. Much of the village was gathered to see off the heroes who had defended the town from the “raiding tree people.” Many did not understand why Ash was departing, too. Few seemed unduly upset by it save, of course, for a tearful Hemish.
    When all the goodbyes were said, they headed out. Elowen led the group northeast. Their destination was Two Stars. Marrec’s single hope was that Elowen’s friend might shed light on the question of Ash’s identity. What was the significance of the Child of Light, and how had the volodnis fallen into the clasp of evil?
    ŚŠŚ ŚŠŚ
    Joining the militia seemed to be one of the best moves of Marrec’s young life. He reveled in the weapon drills, the warrior’s training, and the endless mock duels with the other young men of the village with similar hearts.
    Not so Emmon. Though quick enough with his wits, Marrec’s stepbrother wasn’t too swift when it came to arms and armor. The drilling required of all those in the militia made little dent in Emmon’s inability to properly wield a sword. Emmon and Marrec were thick; Marrec helped Emmon perfect his skills, while Emmon was happy just to be around Marrec. They were friends.
    When not training in the militia, Marrec and Emmon enjoyed taking short walks outside of the village, to the edges of the forest and sometimes past. The two boys made a contest of who would be the first to sight some small game animal, tree, or other interesting feature of the Wild. They had a favorite haunt near the edge of the river, where a small cave provided the perfect