(116) Bolting – 10

When Kre awoke, there was no sign of Kitalia and he had no idea what time it was.  The inside of the tree was still warm, and he could hear the sounds of bird chirping outside.  He scooped up his pack, took one last look around for the squirrel-like creature that had stolen three of his memories, though he had no idea which ones.

It took a bit of wriggling, indicating that these Haven Trees were meant for smaller folk to hide in, but he squeezed himself out and into a small clearing surrounded by other trees.

“Morning sunshine,” Kitalia called cheerfully.  “You certainly slept in a bit.”

“What time is it?”

“Midday.”

Kre shook his head.  “I must have been really tired to sleep that long.  How can you even tell what time it is with the trees overhead?”

“Because, unlike you, I have a great sense of time and I have been up since daybreak.  I am just glad that the tree did not seal itself up with you still inside.”

“Wait, what?” Kre yelled in surprise.  He looked back quickly and noticed immediately that the hole was gone.  “You mean I could’ve been trapped in there… with a Dalklyn… for who knows how long?”

Kitalia laughed.  “Oh, silly farm-boy,” she said, wiping a tear from her eye.  “You are just too easy.  You have nothing to worry about.  The Haven Trees only seal themselves up once everyone has departed, not to open again until the midnight hour.”

She tossed over an apple and continued while he broke his fast.  “The Haven Trees were enchanted a few generations ago, when your people were hunting my people through these lands.  Sleeping out in the open was dangerous for my family that came before, and so they requested the aid of the forest itself.  They were gifted with the Haven Trees, which helped them as they journeyed west, to places where your people would not yet follow.

“There are not many left,” she added, inclining her head towards the tree behind Kre.  “Your people see them as nothing more than potential firewood or building material.”

She narrowed her eyes at him, and her voice grew grimmer, “It should also go without saying, but I will say it regardless.  Do not speak of the Haven Trees to anyone.  Not to your people.  Not to your friends.  Especially not to an Ylveryan.  The Haven Trees are a secret to my people and if they find out that you know about them, there is not a one that would not kill you and your loved ones to keep the secret.”

Kre nodded, “Not a one, except you, right?”

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