37• REUNION

The sun was bright as Mucum and Ark carefully picked their way along a meandering branch toward Corwenna’s quarters the following afternoon.

“Yer know, this place ain’t too bad!” said Mucum.

“Apart from the hornets the size of my fist?”

“Fair point, pal!” It was sheer luck they’d found a shimmering cruck pool and dived in as a stripy swarm buzzed by overhead. “Wot I’m tryin’ to say is, it’s kinda natural, not been messed with by a bunch of Dendrans, yeah?”

Ark looked around at this twisted forest that was almost beginning to feel like home. “Yes, I think I agree with you.”

“Still. Don’t like the sound of this gift.”

Ark nodded. Training was one thing, but how could death be something that was given? The thought made him uneasy.

As they neared Corwenna’s quarters, her door swung open and two unexpected figures rushed out.

Ark couldn’t believe his eyes. Of all the miracles of the Ravenwood, he hadn’t expected this. A tall, pale vision of beauty leading a little child by her hand.

“No way!” said Mucum.

“Will yow ever forgive me, moi luvvly-jubbly boy?” Flo’s skin was pale, but her heart beat with a fierce, living joy. “Oi had to do it. Corwenna wanted yow and Oi had to take a message to the Rootshooters.”

Mucum stared at her in surprise, lightly touching the scab on his arm.

Flo held back, doubt creasing her face, tears threatening to spill. Then Mucum smiled. “Come ’ere! Jes’ promise me that next time yer tryin’ to do a good deed, you won’t use a knife?”

“Oi promise!” gushed Flo as she ran into his arms.

Mucum knew it was now or never. But with Ark and Shiv looking on? As Flo leaned forward with lips puckered, nerves got the better of him. He briefly brushed her cheek and tried to pretend it was all right by grabbing Flo in a massive hug and lifting her off her feet.

“Oi was so worried about yow!” she whispered in his ear. Her touch warmed him right through.

Ark scooped up Shiv and held her tight, a squealing bundle of happiness. “How’s my little sis? I’ve missed you so much!” Her curls tickled his face, and anger at those who had imprisoned her rose up and threatened to spoil their reunion. But the smell of stew drifting from the open doorway comforted and calmed him.

“I’m a big girl now and I met all of Flosey’s baldy friends. They’ve got no hair!” she said. “But they’re very, very nice! And then we went on a nadventure and rode all the way here on the back of a huuuuuge bird!”

“Are yow hungered? There’s good tucker in ’ere,” said Flo, taking Mucum by the hand and leading them inside.