“It doesn’t matter why.” I think he’s patronizing me. It’s hard to tell, though.

“Of course it matters. Wouldn’t it be better to figure out the true cause? Then you could just undo it.”

There was a boy at the orphanage who spent several hours every evening before bed screaming in terror because he was afraid of the dark. The monks tried all manner of things to calm him—teas, then bribes, and then threats and punishments. At last, someone discovered that a year earlier, the boy’s mother had led him into the night and abandoned him to the dark. The other children were able to find more tailored solutions to his fear.

Culling the Dead Wood would be addressing the symptom of a deeper problem. In order to truly understand how to control the woods, one has to know what lies at its roots.

I begin to tell Ronin this, but he interrupts me. “If only the solution were that simple. For now, what matters is that you can stop it. You’re a soulguide. This cannot be taken lightly.”

“But I don’t know the first thing about my craft. I couldn’t—”

“The growing trees threaten the kingdoms, but as a dividing force, it is also the best means to maintain peace. In order to remain effective, the Dead Wood must be brought under control. There is no other option.”

Even knowing of the tension in the north between Evewynians and Nuvali, I’d scoffed at the idea of war, certain that Ronin would never allow it. But if he believes the Dead Wood is the only means of preventing war, then the kingdoms of Thiy exist in a far more tenuous peace than I believed.

This must be the real purpose of his summons, not to discuss the attack but to assign me this daunting responsibility. Even though I understand his reasons, anger hardens within me. By forcing me to come here, to this place that is merely a more opulent prison than the Valley of Cranes, I have no choice but to obey his command.

Still, I came here with my own purpose, too. I need to know why the shamans attacked us. But if what Ronin says is true, and I’m the first soulguide to appear since Mirrim was founded, then proving my usefulness against the trees could convince the queen I’m an ally. It might even earn me back my place beside Kendara.

“You’re right. The Dead Wood needs to be controlled. However, there’s something I need as well.”

Ronin’s eyebrow slowly raises. I wonder what he’d do if I told him no. It’s probably not a word he hears often.

“Are you bargaining with me?”

“Yes.”

Although his expression remains neutral, I have the impression he’s amused. “What is it you need?”