Chapter 24

Speckarin and Diliani took turns watching over Talli throughout a long night, one made far longer because Hut did not return. Many worries coursed through the old magician’s mind, not the least of which were the perils young Hut might be facing. With the earliest light of day, there was no change in Talli and no sign of Hut.

    “Now one of us must go after him,” said Speckarin, near desperation. “Will our fortunes never change? Look at us. You and I are the only ones left. This quest has been grossly unkind to all three youths. The barwood tree might have smitten Hut. I must go. Call Ocelam.”

    The magician was soon in the air moving hastily westward, yellow robe flying. When he saw the grove of darkly colored trees, he de...

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