Treespeaker (33 page)

Grifad looked unconvinced, but shrugged and began to turn away. The thrush from the other side of the clearing flew over his head and he followed its path with his eyes. Then he stood, transfixed, his mouth open, staring upwards.

Frowning, Jakan looked up into the dead branches and his heart thudded with joy. Tiny green buds sprang at regular intervals from every limb that remained. Some already half opened. Padhag Klen lived.

From the direction of Megda’s cottage came a baby’s cry. A slow smile came to Jakan’s face.