amazingly confident in her and happy to follow her plans. One of the most important lessons she’d recently learned was that looking strong and confident was sometimes all the people required of you.
Even so, as time wore on and the eaves of the Great Forest drew closer, uneasiness began to grow among the refugees. The route to safety with the Hypolitan in the north passed through the huge expanse of trees, and many of the people stared mournfully at the forest in superstitious dread. Generations of misbehaving children had been threatened with ghouls and monsters from the massive forest, and even adults found their dreams invaded by its terrible image, reduced to children again by their fears. And now those fears were coming to dreadful reality as the stark and naked branches of the winter trees loomed on the skyline like a billowing storm cloud. Only a few hunters dared to walk the forest’s strange pathways, and although the army sent fairly regular patrols along the North Road, to most of the people it remained a place of fearful mystery. And now as they approached the forest, it was busily living up to its reputation as the icy wind found a voice, blowing through the miles of wooded hills and valleys, moaning and howling mournfully like the ghosts of wolves. Soon even the noisiest baby fell silent, and the cattle stopped their constant bawling as the shadow loomed ever closer.
“If they’re worried by the very sight of the forest, just wait until they realize we’re going to be camping in it for the next week or so,” said Thirrin.
“Quite,” Maggiore Totus said, inexpertly adjusting his grip on the reins of his gentle mare. “I think a reminder of that situation should be passed on to the citizens so that it comes as less of a shock.”
Thirrin nodded in agreement and beckoned to the cavalry commander. “Tell the people to ensure that they have everything they need for several nights’ camping in the forest.”
The commander saluted and cantered off, passing the message on to his troopers.
“Perhaps I should have a word with the people,” Oskan said. “Most of them know who I am and that I live in the forest, and they can all see that I’ve never been harmed by it.”
“But my dear Oskan,” Maggiore pointed out gently, “you are the son of a witch. A White Witch admittedly, but a witch nonetheless, one of the very … creatures the people fear live in the forest. I think it would be best if you didn’t remind them of your parentage.”
“But my mother was a good woman, a healer. Many citizens of Frostmarris were helped by her.”
“True, but I don’t think you are taking into account the collective mind of a large group of frightened people. If they remember that a White Witch who helped them once lived in the forest, they’ll also be reminded of the possibility of Black Witches who could do exactly the opposite.”
Thirrin had listened to the debate, quietly aware that she must seize any opportunity that would help her to keep the people together. After a moment of thought she said, “I think the citizens have already thought enough about the bad things that can live under the trees. It’s time to remind them that good can also live there. Go and speak to them, Oskan.” All those close enough to hear were struck by how like her father the Princess sounded, and took comfort from it.
Oskan smiled at her and cantered off along the line of wagons, stopping every now and then to talk to a driver or someone plodding along on foot.
“I know you’ll probably think it superstitious nonsense, Maggie, but I’m going to ask Oskan to perform …” Thirrin shrugged her shoulders as she struggled to find the right word. “Something … a ceremony of some sort before we go into the trees. Something that’ll help the people believe they’re protected in some way.”
“On the contrary, Madam, I agree with the idea,” Maggiore answered, and smiled. “It’s wise to use everything you can to keep the citizens calm. I’ll be there chanting whatever you want and waving around as much incense as you think necessary.”
She smiled. “Thanks, Maggie. I hoped you’d say something like that.”
The long train of refugees moved so slowly that it was early afternoon before they finally reached the eaves of the forest, and though the sun still stood above the western horizon, night had already gathered under the canopy