Whatever memories this wooden hollow once shrouded now fled, to be replaced with an icy coldness. Ark could feel the magnetic pull of the phial. And the Land of the Dead? He shuddered to even think of such a place. Too many questions. “What does the phial hold?”

“This substance is a foul creation. But it will be useful. The trees are truly amazing: They have many ways to arm themselves.”

“But what does it do?” Ark suddenly wanted to grab the bottle and throw it into the fire, be free of it.

“I hope you never have to find out its true properties, though it might yet be the saving of you.” Corwenna stared at Ark with piercing eyes. “If the time comes, you will know what use to make of it.” She paused to look at each of them in turn. “For ones so young, you have journeyed far and achieved much.” Her face was grave. “So, it must begin. Though my mind is strong, my body is weak. This fight is yours.”

Mucum was the first to get Corwenna’s point. “A bunch of kids against Grasp’s guards and the spies of Maw. That’s —”

“Impossible?” Corwenna spoke now with certainty. “Between you, you have tackled rabid rats, escaped guards, spoken with animals, and faced the wild boar of the Ravenwood. Surely a few soldiers and traitors should not be beyond your grasp.” She addressed the last part to Ark, “As you are my son, I would expect no less!”

“But we’re not even adults!” said Ark. “You expect too much of me.”

“That is the point. The young are the future of this country. Think, plan, talk together. That’s why you are here. Perhaps you can save Arborium from itself as well as from those who would destroy its trees!”

“Perhaps yer right,” Mucum replied. “When yer put it like that, even I’m convinced we’re great!”

“The odds may sound doubtful,” Corwenna continued, “but if you pool all your skills, there may be hope yet. And there is this.” She handed the phial to Ark and looked deep into his eyes. “Arktorious Malikum, you are flesh of my flesh, you have power greater than you know. Lead your companions, and bring hope back to Arborium. And for those who deal in treachery, make sure your mercy is swift and painful.”

Ark felt everyone staring at him. “I —”

“Wait up a sec!” Mucum stuck his hands on his hips. “I’ve gotta foller a boy ‘alf my size and he’s younger than me?”

“By six months!” Corwenna laughed. “Does that amount of time make you a master of wisdom?”

“Nah. I was jes’ sayin’ …”

“And when the trees speak, even Corwenna obeys. It has been ordained since the day he was made. Think of it as the perfect combination of brains and brawn.”