"Hurry, there isn't much time!"

The voice in the dream came to him like an echo, a repetition of words spoken much earlier. He turned to see who had spoken, but the surroundings were shrouded in a murky haze, as if submerged. Shadowy figures hurried towards a cavern in a mountainside, urging others to quicken their pace. The ground quaked, and as he glanced upwards, against the blood-red sky, he saw the colossal husks from his previous dreams, piercing the stormy clouds, with more emerging from the ground. A colossal tree, its stature unmatched by any around it, swayed violently, its leaves caught in the tumultuous wind. Then, an all-consuming darkness surged forward with speed that no one could outrun, obliterating everything in its path. His scream was lost amidst the cacophony of the apocalypse.

Awakening with a start in his master bedroom, his own cry still echoed in his ears. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, he noticed his right arm outstretched, finger pointing towards a wall adjacent to the fireplace. As soon as he realized this, the arm dropped, feigning innocence. He wiped his brow, drenched in sweat, and reached for the damp towel he'd kept bedside, anticipating restless nights. Lighting a lantern, he approached the indicated wall, giving it some inquiring knocks and a few harder strikes to test for any hidden compartments or crawlspaces.

"Perhaps it wasn't the wall, but what lies beyond?"

Donning a tunic, he ventured upwards to the peak of the tower containing his bedroom and throne room, the heart of his supposed dominion. The crisp night air greeted him, and under the nearly full moon, the city sprawled below, a few lanterns flickering in the darkness. In the horizon to the west a sight made his eyes widen as it reminded him of a detail from his dream that had disappeared as soon as he had woken up: there, in the distance, stood the First Tree of the Ancient Forest, that had served as a point of worship in the old religions of the surrounding areas. It was so tall it could be seen for miles, and the legend went all the other trees had descended from it. He was certain now; his dream had pointed him to this very tree.

"What are you trying to tell me?" he whispered, examining his arm. Stretching it towards the tree yielded no reaction.

"Guess I'll need to take a closer look," he resolved.

The silhouette of the capital diminished behind him as Buren journeyed away, only to be interrupted by the rapid hoofbeats of Flynn's horse.

"Sir!" Flynn panted, his face flushed from the exertion. "You can't just leave without informing anyone."

"You found my note, didn't you?"

"Yes, but you never mentioned anything about this when we spoke yesterday."

"I only decided to go last night."

Flynn, trying to catch his breath, asked, "What's so pressing that you'd leave without notice?"

"There's something I need to see for myself."

"Then let me accompany you."

Buren shook his head. "I've only packed provisions for one," he said, gesturing to his saddlebags. "And you seem unprepared."

"I didn't have the luxury of time to pack!" Flynn protested.

"I need you to maintain order at the castle in my absence."

"But my duty is to protect you."

"And you will, by ensuring stability at the castle."

Flynn's shoulders sagged in defeat. "Very well."

"Ensure the court is made aware of my note. It outlines my travel plans, as per the King's directive."

With a resigned nod, Flynn bid his farewell and turned his horse back towards the city. Buren, riding at a casual pace, continued on his solitary journey.

Expansive grain fields flanked the main road, with farmhands diligently tending to plants affected by pests or disease. A newer sight were the sullen peasants, armed with makeshift weapons, guarding their crops against potential theft by refugees. Not that the crops would attract anyone but the most desperate. With most Dryads gone to partake in the Grey Battle, their enchanting presence had gone with them. The crops were now smaller, less fruitful, and more prone to diseases. The few remaining Dryads were overworked and treated harshly, as the farmers, not used to the difficulties they now faced, tried to compensate for their losses. Buren nodded in acknowledgment to the farmers as he passed.

Ahead, at the base of the largest tree in the vicinity, he spotted what he had set out to catch up with: the Dryad queen's royal retinue. As he approached, he noticed chains wrapped around the tree, anchored to poles in the ground. Nearby, oil bottles and unlit torches formed a circle around the tree, which looked sickly with its dull leaves and drooping branches.

A thicket of young saplings nearby marked the Dryads' camp. Their steeds—unusually large deer—peeked out, watching him warily. The dense thicket opened up to form a path, and Buren, dismounting, ventured in. The foliage muffled the outside world, and the path behind him closed as he moved forward.

"What is your business here?" a female voice inquired from behind. He turned to see a Dryad guard.

"I wish to accompany you within the Ancient Forest," Buren replied.

Another familiar voice chimed in, "He's a friend, Leva." Azure stepped forward to stand behind Buren. "I'm sure he means no harm."

"The queen is not in the mood for visitors," Leva retorted. "She's already struggling with her patience to not tear these hicks apart. Now's not the time for intruders."

"But he's not like them and I can prove it," Azure insisted. "The farmers might listen to him. He could persuade them to release our sister."

Leva huffed dismissively. The underbrush shifted, revealing a sunlit path. "Prove your worth, and I might consider your request," she said, disappearing into the foliage.

Azure gently nudged Buren out of the thicket. As they emerged, she embraced him warmly. He reciprocated, albeit awkwardly with his left arm, keeping his jagged iron limb away. He noted her hair smelled of forest flowers. As they pulled apart, she looked him over.

"You look even more worn than after the final battle," she remarked with concern. "How is that even possible?"

He averted his gaze purposefully.

"Still not one to share, huh? But I can imagine the challenges of living amidst that den of snakes and bloodsuckers and dung flies and the occasional hog. Once we resolve this issue, you'll find a warm welcome in the Grove. You can leave all this behind," she said, gesturing towards the surroundings. She began walking uphill towards the chained tree, signaling for him to follow.

"The farmers are holding one of our sisters captive, subjecting her to the kind of abuse usually spread across many of our kind," she explained, her face clouding with concern. "We lack the authority to intervene, and they refuse to negotiate. The Queen is furious that mere peasants dare defy her, but the Treaty's terms are well-known, as your King has made sure every man across the realm knows of them. We risk everything if we act against it. You need to help us find a solution."

As they approached the tree, two farmhands who had been resting nearby rose to their feet, gripping their clubs tightly, their faces etched with apprehension.

"Hail," they called out. He responded by raising his metal arm, a sign of both greeting and identity. Recognizing him, they knelt in respect. Up close, he noticed their tattered clothing, pants too large and held up with ropes, suggesting recent weight loss.

"My lord," they stammered, "are you here to inspect your lands?"

He paused, realizing the implication of their words. The lands, mills, orchards, and the workforce that came with the Eastend castle were his, though he hadn't given them much thought, as a matter such as produce yields had seemed too small to matter next to his other concerns. He nodded for the men to rise. They did so hesitantly, their eyes darting to the ground, frequently exchanging glances, unsure of the proper etiquette in the presence of nobility. They regarded Azure with evident disdain but remained silent.

His attention shifted to the tree. Hidden at its base, shielded by bushes, sat a Dryad. She clung to her legs, her hair unkempt, and streaks of dirt on her face showed where tears had flowed. Apart from the shrubs and her own limbs there was nothing covering her body. Above her head a heart had been carved into the bark, along with short lines below it, a running tally.

Azure's gaze followed his, her expression hardening. "It's not enough that they imprison her and force her to bless their crops; they've violated her too. Despicable creatures!"

He turned to confront the men, his eyes filled with accusation.

"It's her doing," one of the men blurted out defensively. " It was her that sent that filthy desire to burn our souls, to torment us. Everybody knows the only way to get rid of their witchery is to satisfy that craving with them."

Azure's voice rang out, sharp and clear. "Lies!"

"That's what the Faith teaches," the man replied, his voice quivering.

"We've heard enough," Azure declared, her eyes blazing with anger as she turned to Buren. "They deserve the harshest punishment. Once that's done, we can free her and leave this wretched place."

"My lord," the other man implored, desperation evident in his voice. "Without me, my family will starve. If she leaves, our fields will wither just like those abandoned when the other Dryads went to war." He bowed his head, raising his hands in a pleading gesture. "Have mercy on us. We only tilled the land as we always have, without breaking any laws."

"Your laws are a reflection of the corruption within the human soul," Azure retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "My kind demands justice."

Buren's gaze shifted from Azure to the men, then to the captive Dryad. He took a few steps away to look over the fields and the distant peasant homes. The sight of the wilting crops swaying gently in the breeze and the smoke curling up from the chimneys of peasant hovels filled his vision. With his back to the group, he asked, "How much?"

"Pardon, my lord?"

He remained silent, waiting. . Sun was lowering in the distant horizon.

"To release her?" the man hesitated. "It would need to be enough to sustain my family through the winter, especially if our crops fail."

"Send your invoice to my castle. Now, release the tree."

The men exchanged uncertain glances but quickly set to work. Azure knelt beside the Dryad, whispering soothing words, then helped her to her feet. With a protective arm around the shaken figure, Azure guided her towards their encampment, the bushes parting to allow them passage. As Buren watched the men fulfill their end of the deal, removing the chains and departing with the torches, he made his way downhill.

However, as he approached the Dryad camp, the bushes intertwined, barring his entry. Taking the hint, he led his horse to a nearby ditch for a drink. He then spread his blanket on the ground, away from the main road's view. As he settled down for his meal, the last rays of the setting sun disappeared beyond the horizon.

His sleep was interrupted by something hitting him hard in the face. As he groggily tried to focus, an attacker's shadow loomed over him. Still dazed, his only instinct was to shield his face with his left arm, too disoriented to stand or evade. The assailant's fists hammered against his guard, but the blows grew weaker with each passing second. His vision cleared and he realized it was Azure, trying to break free of the chokehold his right arm had her in. Releasing her, she collapsed on her back, gasping for breath.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern evident as he knelt beside her, gripping her shoulders.

She cast a wary glance at his metal arm before rasping, "I'll live."

If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

Handing her a flask of water, he waited patiently as she caught her breath. The early morning light bathed the surroundings, though the sun remained hidden. Dewdrops adorned every blade of grass, shimmering like a sea of crystals.

"I heard you groaning and flailing," she began, her voice tinged with concern. "I thought you were in danger. When I realized it was just a nightmare, I tried to wake you. But it seems the Gauntlet is not an early bird."

"I wasn't in any danger," he said a hint defensively.

"Yes, I saw the tripwires, same places as always," she answered.

A moment of silence enveloped them as they sat, their gazes locked, searching each other's eyes for unspoken truths.

"Your sleep is always this troubled?" she inquired, her voice laced with worry.

He nodded somberly.

"Since when?"

"Since I killed the Malignant One."

"It might be a curse, a residual darkness from your encounter. Perhaps the Elder Mothers can offer some insight when we reach the forest."

He looked away, contemplative. "I don't believe they're mere dreams."

Intrigued, she asked, "Then what are they?"

"Visions," he whispered.

"Of what?"

Meeting her gaze once more, he murmured, "The end."

She blinked, taken aback. "What does that mean?"

"I don't know," he admitted, "and it's best you don't, either." Rising, he stretched, trying to alleviate the stiffness from a night on the hard ground.

Azure gracefully stood, her movements fluid. "Regardless of these visions, the Grove will do you a lot of good," she said, stepping closer and gently taking his hand. "Will you stay?"

He met her hopeful gaze, pausing for a moment. "We'll see."

His concentration was broken by Leva's voice echoing from a nearby hill. "Azure, it's time to leave. Stop dallying and join us."

Azure waved at her to indicate she would be there in a moment and withdrew a step or two. She looked like she was struggling to put something into words, but after whatever she was trying to say jammed in her throat. After a few moments of struggle, she sighed, "I shouldn't keep the Queen waiting," and briskly walked away.

Buren began preparing his horse for the journey ahead. The Dryad Queen emerged from the sheltering thicket, which seemed to lose its vitality and vibrancy as she moved away. The once dense foliage now allowed more sunlight to filter through. The Queen, though still regal, seemed more to be in a slightly better mood and more approachable, offering Buren a slight nod from afar before mounting her majestic deer.

A creaking sound drew Buren's attention to the oak atop the hill. He caught a fleeting glimpse of the Dryad's leg before she melded seamlessly with her bonded tree. The oak uprooted itself, scattering dirt, and began its descent, moving on its roots in a manner reminiscent of an octopus. Buren steadied his horse, which grew skittish at the sight of the lumbering tree. The procession began with the Queen leading, her guards flanking her, followed by the tree, and Buren bringing up the rear.

After some time, the tree-Dryad slowed, allowing Buren to draw closer. A face emerged from its bark, reminiscent of a Dryad peeking out. "Thank you, human," she whispered.

He nodded in acknowledgment.

"I believed all noble men had vanished, replaced by the savages whose hearts lack all goodness, drained and famished."

The Queen, who had been eavesdropping, interjected, "It's not so black and white, dear. Every man possesses both nobility and savagery. Circumstances often dictate which trait prevails in actuality."

The younger Dryad, filled with hope, said, "Then, my Queen, we can change the circumstances to nurture the nobler side!"

The Queen sighed, and continued her rhyme: "You're too starry-eyed. Imagine humanity as a forest. Once it's overgrown with nettles and thorns, it's nearly impossible for flowers to find space, they'll struggle at best. To truly change, the forest might need to be razed and replanted. What's your take, Bearer of the Gauntlet?"

Buren responded firmly, "Regardless of their nature, I won't let humanity fall."

The Queen probed, "Even if their existence threatens Dryads? Mages? All they fear?"

Buren replied, "In calmer times, we can rebuild our relations."

The Queen retorted, "But calm never lasts with your kind, troubles rarely left behind. Your ever-growing numbers lead to insatiable needs, which in turn breeds hate."

"Why do they have to take by force?" the younger Dryad asked, sniffing. "Couldn't they just ask? Isn't that par the course?"

The Queen, her voice softening, explained, "There was a time when they did, celebrating us with each season, and in return, we blessed them for that reason. But they found violence easier than reverence, or peaceful co-existance." Her gaze hardened, "But things have changed."

The silhouette of the Ancient Forest appeared on the horizon.

"Yes," she whispered, determination evident, "things have certainly changed."

The landscape transformed before Buren's eyes. What began as farmlands slowly gave way to untamed wilderness. Fields were overtaken by thickets, which in turn were overshadowed by young saplings. Soon, towering trees dominated the view, their canopies forming a dense green ceiling. The once prominent scent of drying flowers was replaced by the earthy aroma of moss and shadow-loving plants. The once broad highway dwindled into a mere footpath, eventually becoming a faint trail amidst the undergrowth. The air was alive, filled with the fluttering of butterflies and the hum of insects, all drawn to the vibrant blooms that seemed to sprout everywhere.

"Dryad influence," Buren mused. "Their forest thrives, no matter the season, while the fields outside languish despite every effort."

As they ventured deeper, the forest's enchantment grew more palpable. Trees, already massive, began to dwarf even the grandest of man-made structures. Exotic birds flitted above, and the insects grew larger, their vibrant colors catching Buren's eye. But it was the movement in the treetops that truly captured his attention. Dryads, their forms camouflaged amongst the branches, watched them intently. Their gazes ranged from wary curiosity to outright distrust, and Buren surmised that his presence was the cause of their hesitation.

Emerging from the dense foliage, Buren found himself in a vast clearing. Dominating its center was the First Tree, its colossal trunk and sprawling branches casting a vast shadow below. Torches and a mysterious blueish glow illuminated its base. A pristine stream meandered through the glade, pooling into a pond adorned with lotus flowers and water lilies. Around the sunlit patches of the clearing, posts adorned with floral wreaths stood tall, with Dryads dancing joyfully around them. There were no structures, only trees which the Dryads had claimed as homes, moving them as they wished. A welcoming party of Dryads awaited their Queen's return. As she dismounted, they rushed to her, their laughter and cheers filling the air. They enveloped her in a warm embrace, and to Buren's surprise, the usually stern Queen reciprocated with genuine joy, momentarily shedding her regal demeanor.

Noticing Buren's puzzled expression, Azure remarked, "Back in her homeland, she's not a queen. Here, she's just one of them."

He quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Here, every sister stands as an equal. The Elder Mothers are revered for their wisdom, not their titles. A queen is chosen only when there's pressing external business, and no time for collective decision-making."

The once-queen was gently hoisted by her kin and brought to a circle of magnificent trees. Their leaves, in stark contrast to the surrounding greenery, blazed in autumnal hues of red, orange, and gold.

Settling her in the circle's heart, the trees leaned in, their branches reaching out in a gesture that evoked a mother's tender touch.

"Esteemed Mothers," she began, "I've secured this forest for our kin, after much chagrin."

Whispers, like the rustling of leaves, responded. "Our messengers have informed us. While they declined our trade offer, your efforts will be celebrated in the spring festivals for generations."

The trees resumed their stance, and the voices continued, "You've brought a guest. Introductions are in order for those unfamiliar with our ways, don't make us spell out a behest."

She gestured to him. "This is Buren of Coldwood, the Bearer of the Gauntlet of the Ancients, a friend to our kind, for a man he's good."

Azure piped up, "Don't be fooled by his stern facade. He's quite endearing once you get to know him."

The trees intoned, "Welcome, Gauntlet-Bearer. You're granted the rare privilege of entering the Glade, due to your good bearing. However, we urge you not to wander beyond this clearing. Some areas are sacred and off-limits, and there are beasts, preying."

"I seek no trouble," Buren replied.

"Yet, you seek something, we feel. What might that be?"

"I'll recognize it when I find it."

"So be it. While we may not accord your quest the attention it deserves today, understand that we celebrate the return of our kin and their grand deeds. An insult to you is not our intention, no way."

He simply shrugged.

"He's fine with it!" Azure interjected.

"Excellent," the Elder Mothers chorused, their focus shifting back to the jubilant Dryads.

Azure tugged at his wrist, leading him away. "Come, I have something in mind."

They strolled past a grand feast, obviously put together for the entire populace of the Glade. The table groaned under the weight of delicacies: There were assortments of berries in honey, roots and tubers roasted, poached and marinated, an array of breads and butters spiced up with different herbs to go along with them, confections that he could not name but whose smell made him salivate, fruits—that, in the outside world, were so valuable nobles fought just to secure one to show off in their banquets, and then usually left uneaten—here teetered in tall piles next to stews made from different kinds of mushroom. Large cauldrons held the drinks; water was available as it came from the fresh spring or flavored with lemon or in the sparkling kind, colorful juices pressed from manifold fruits and at the end of the line, red and white wine, beer and long-distilled whiskey. As Buren reached for a honey-glazed pear, Azure playfully slapped his hand away.

"Wait for the Mothers' blessing," she teased, wagging a finger.

They continued towards a sunlit area where Dryads danced around pole bedecked with flowers to the tune of a band playing cheery ditty with flutes, drums and lyres.

"There," Azure pointed.

"Where?"

With a mischievous grin, she pulled him into the dance. He stumbled after her, disoriented by the swirling dancers as they twirled, she shouted over the music, "Just go with it! Relax!"

Suddenly, she vanished amidst the dancers. Pushed and pulled by the rhythm, Buren found himself dancing with another Dryad who smiled rapturously. He stared at her, trying to spot signs of hidden scheming from her countenance.

"Left, then right, and keep the rhythm!" she instructed as their feet nearly tangled. Seamlessly, she transitioned to the next partner, in harmony with the dance's rhythm.

As they circled the pole, Buren began to grasp the dance's essence, moving fluidly with the crowd rather than feeling like an obstruction in a stream, and soon the dance's movements flowed automatically to the pace of the song. The song's repetitive melody, though simple, began to accelerate, challenging his newfound confidence. Another Dryad twirled into his arms, her smile radiant, and he responded with a tentative grin.

They had completed a full revolution around the pole, and the dance's pace quickened, dancers spinning and leaping with abandon. Even seasoned participants collided in their enthusiasm, their laughter infectious. Buren focused intently, determined to keep up.

"You're doing great!" a Dryad beside him exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. But as he began to feel comfortable, the music shifted unexpectedly as the band played a tune thus far associated with a different movement from the one he had been prepared for. Caught off guard, Buren stumbled, trying to regain his footing. He noticed others had playfully thrown themselves onto the grass, laughing heartily. Embracing the moment, he too collapsed onto the soft ground, catching his breath.

"Nothing beats a dance to shake off life's burdens, right?" Azure's voice came from beside him. He turned to see her reclining, a playful glint in her eyes. He chuckled, nodding in agreement.

"In the dance, I lost myself," he reflected, his gaze drifting to his metallic arm. "For a brief moment, I even forgot about this."

They rose, joining the throng heading towards the banquet tables. As they walked, several Dryads praised his dancing. Azure led him towards the feast, where the entire Glade's population seemed to be converging. The former queen, now adorned in delicate silks and leafy garments with a floral crown, stood prominently at the table's head. Her relaxed demeanor suggested she welcomed the relinquishment of her royal duties. Beside her stood an ancient-looking Dryad.

"That's one of the Elder Mothers," Azure whispered, nudging him. "She's emerged from her sanctuary."

He nodded, observing the elder's bark-like skin and fiery autumn-hued hair. "I figured, given her resemblance to the ancient trees." With a commanding gesture, the Elder Mother silenced the gathering.

"Sisters, and our honored guest," the Elder Mother began. "By the Mothers' joyful bequest, In unity, my heart feels blessed. Too long apart have we been, by men oppressed. But lands of old, thanks to our sister, amongst the best, are again a haven here, where we may rest. The human's own 'Treaty', to this fact attest."

"We owe much gratitude today, at the very least to our sisters who prepared this splendid feast." All eyes turned to a line of Dryads, their aprons bearing evidence of their culinary endeavors. As the crowd erupted in applause, the Dryads curtsied, cheeks flushed with pride.

"Now, let's not delay any longer," the Mother declared, playfully snatching a pastry and taking a hearty bite. "Let the celebration begin! Even I might go on a bender!"

The crowd surged cheered and towards the feast. Using the reach and dexterity of his metal arm, Buren secured a generous spread for both him and Azure. They retreated to a quieter spot to enjoy their meal.

"I hope you weren't offended by the Mother's words about men," Azure said, her voice soft. "She wasn't referring to you."

"I understand her sentiment," he replied. "It's more that it gets a bit tiring to listen to all the rhyming."

Buren grimaced as he realized he was starting to speak in verse as well.

Azure looked at Buren and asked "Do you know why the speech of my kind is often so melodic, so lyrical?" she began, her voice soft yet filled with emotion.

Buren shook his head.

Azure took a deep breath, her gaze distant. "Our original tongue was a symphony of sounds, a language that flowed like a river, harmonious and pure. But over time, as men sought to dominate and suppress us, that language was nearly lost, their own tongue forced on us."

"Many of us Dryads, in defiance and remembrance, have chosen to use the human tongue in a way that celebrates our original speech. We speak in rhyme, not just as a form of art, but as to remember our true language. It's our way of showing men that we can master their language, perhaps even better than they can."

Buren nodded slowly, absorbing her words. "What about the tales of Dryads that swear like sailors?"

Azure chuckled, "Ah, yes. Not all like flowery pleasantries. Some of us have taken to creative swearing. It's another way to showcase our linguistic prowess. But me?" She smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I prefer puns and wordplay. It's a more subtle art, but just as effective in making a point."

Buren watched the forest maiden frolicking and laughing with one another. "Who know, maybe here you can relearn what was lost."

"Make like a tree and return to our roots, you mean?" she grinned. "I agree, if there ever was a chance for that, it is here, right now. Who knows, once we have regained our confidence, maybe we can live like our ancestors, coming together only in the winter and then dispersing in the spring to spread the bloom far and wide. For now, thought, we'll stick together for protection."

When he didn't answer, she continued. "You see the beauty of this place, don't you?"

"It can't always be festivities."

"Mostly, though," she said with a wink. "Without the threat of human slavers, our only concern is the occasional Satyr tribe. But with a strong team of fighters, they're manageable."

His silence prompted her to move closer, her eyes searching his. "You're planning to stay, aren't you?"

He averted his gaze. "There's something I need to address. I can't commit until it's resolved."

"How long?"

"I'm not sure."

"Then I'll accompany you. Once it's done, I'll ensure you return."

"Your sisters need you here."

"They're numerous and strong now. And after facing the Malignant One, what could be worse?"

His silence deepened her concern. "It isn't worse, is it?"

Before he could answer, the distant sound of a horn filled the air, signaling the start of a play at a nearby amphitheater. Azure's expression shifted to excitement. "Let's secure good seats. It's a classic tale of a man and a Dryad in love, facing opposition from both their worlds."

"You've seen it before?"

"Many times."

"It must be exceptional."

"It is, but the ending always breaks my heart. With all the real-life tragedies, I wish they'd offer a happier conclusion."

Unbeknownst to her, Buren's gaze darkened. "I too wish I could change the looming ending I sense. But I fear it's beyond anyone's control."