Marty was happy with things. He and Rosita had managed to finish filling out their second and third levels. And now they were working on their fourth. He had managed to win his argument with a, as yet, still nervous and apprehensive Rosita.
The ponds and water gardens were coming along nicely. He had been far more careful with his water supply. The pipes were stronger and small. Then too he had set them to collect water from near the surface of his lake on the first level. And to reassure Rosita he had worked out a method of blocking the intake.
And then he had two caves with rice paddies. The cucumbers and melons were doing great. And somehow he had opened up a hidden branch for guardians. He had Kappa!
Marty had fun creating underwater ruins and caves for his new guardians. His new caverns were filled with pools and lakes, meandering streams with airy bridges and shady tree lined paths. He couldn’t resist adding several red foxes into the mix.
As Marty relaxed after a couple of days of intense effort he became aware that his companion was amused with him.
« What? »
“Oh nothing.” Rosita giggled, “Only look at our dungeon, go on look.”
Marty examined their dungeon and was unable to see anything funny, so once again he asked, « What? »
“Our, or rather the elves first level is all neat and cultivated, growing all sorts of things. Right? Even those creepy mandrakes.”
« Yes. So? »
“Then the second and third levels are completely overgrown. Everyone who wants to get through has to cut their own path. I still think you should open up some trails.”
« Hmmm, possibly. I’ll do it later. »
“And then you have these oh so formal water gardens with wide open vistas and close cropped lawns. Don’t you find the contrast funny?”
« Oh! » And both of them laughed together.
* * *
The following day Marty and Rosita watched as a party of Runners with an elven healer as support challenged their dungeon.
Several times the Runner’s recklessness nearly cost them dearly. If it wasn’t for their healer they would have left a couple of their number behind.
They froze when they finally reached the fourth floor. They gazed around suspiciously before starting their exploration. They lost two runners to the kappa at the first bridge, more due to surprise than anything else. After that, knowing what to expect they forged their way to Marty’s new heart room where they exchanged greetings with Thorn before withdrawing with a few gems, melons, cucumbers and the body of a kappa.
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Rosita and Marty briefly discussed the run and made plans to improve their defences. Then rather abruptly Marty changed the discussion.
« Rosita, one of the dead Runners... Well I have been feeding the body a bit of mana. I think it is... no he feels like a very complex seed. Should I let him finish dying or should I plant him? »
“What? I... Why not... We have overheard the elves discuss the burial ceremony after they returned. Briar told us... Yes do it. What about the other one?”
« The other one is dead... But I could revitalize him... But his brain has stopped working... I don’t know what that would mean. I can keep him on the cusp of... sprouting. Maybe we should ask the elves about him? »
At Rosita’s suggestion Marty created a new cave and added a few local trees along with some of his beloved roses. Then he planted the runner and encouraged him to grow. Some hours later he admired the ironbark sapling that was growing amongst the other trees.
Marty turned his attention to Rosita who had just returned from her errand to the first floor of their dungeon.
« Do you think we should offer to move this cavern to the first floor’ »
“Only if they ask Marty. It would cost us a lot of mana that we have better use for.”
« (Lady Rivanna) »
Rivanna sipped her tea as she examined Firomeena over the rim of her cup. The farmer girl was clearly uncomfortable in her reception room. Rivanna hid her smile.
“There is no need to be uneasy Firomeena, you are a forest priest after all, an elf maid of consequence.”
Firomeena stirred and gave the impression of a deer in the headlights. Rivanna sternly restrained her smile. “So what are your recommendations regarding this latest surprise. I have sent for the eldest of the Tree Runners. But I would like to know your thoughts.”
Firomeena licked her lips nervously, “I believe they mean well. The one who was killed but sprouted. Well that has happened before. They are either left to grow where they fell, or more rarely transplanted. Transplanting an Ironbark or Silverleaf is tricky and very risky. The other... I—I don’t know.”
“Thank you dear, and now let me tell you something. We recently held a meeting for those seeking a familiar. And...”
Firomeena heard the tale with wide eyes. “Bardion, the Speaker to Others! But he’s... He’s... But if that is what happened then he is the only one who deserves a chance,” she exclaimed incredulously. “I—I have to re think...”
Rivanna was unable to suppress her smile, “He surprised me too. Could I impose on you to help with the skunks? You know how the Beastlord’s blessings often fall on the same family.”
Firomeena looked torn, then she straightened. “Can I ask Briar for help too.”
“Yes of course you can. How is our little thorn maiden taking to the outside world?”
“Like a fish to water my lady.”
* * *
Rivanna watched Firomeena leave and put aside her cup. She rose to welcome the current elder of the local Tree Runners. To her surprise it was Ironthorn.
“Welcome Ironthorn. Should I be congratulating you on becoming The Elder of your folk?”
Ironthorn managed to look embarrassed. “No my lady, the post is... fluid. The most senior who happens to be near when needed automatically becomes the elder.”
Rivanna grinned at the explanation. Then she explained Marty’s dilemma with the dead runner.
Ironthorn looked up at the ceiling and rubbed his chin. Finally he looked down and at Rivanna. “It’s not unknown. Usually we impose on a dryad to force the brain dead tree to release the young runners as soon as they can eat. Even before they can walk or climb. The young ones need to be taught, just like one of your young as the tree has no memories to impart.”
“So what do you think we should we do?”
“I will go and explain to the dungeon. And maybe one of his rose dryads will help raise them. If not, regretfully, it would be best if he didn’t become a tree.”
Rivanna nodded thoughtfully. “Another thing Ironthorn. I have had word from Silvanna. The sun worshipers are returning intent on making trouble. Make sure your patrols are aware. We can’t afford to be surprised by them.”