Chapter 48

Tom could finally see the outline of huts and tents through the mist over the next hill. several weeks after they had left the Mother Tree, the cart dragging behind an exhausted, brown horse. Autumn Fall had always been one of his favorite places to visit, normally vibrant with its golds and reds painted over every tree in their perfect rows, but today, the sky was filled with tall, gray clouds. A light drizzle had soaked him to the bone, and they took the nauseating hills one step at a time. It was like the whole land knew why he was there and wept for its lost Guardian as thunder rumbled off in the distance.

"Mother, I hope we get there before this storm truly hits." The horse knickered in agreement, trying its best to keep up the pace as they started up the last hill. "C'mon, old boy. I think this is the last one."