The forest had gone completely still.
John could hear the breathing of the people behind him, the faint movement of leaves high above, and the low rumble coming from the enormous creature that had risen from beneath the earth.
Rovan stood several meters away with his weapon still in his hand.
For once, he wasn't looking at John.
He was looking at the guardian.
The creature's golden eyes remained fixed on John. Its huge body was still partly buried beneath the roots and broken earth, but even what had emerged was enough to make the surrounding trees look small.
John kept his attention on Rovan.
"You said the guardian is protecting me."
Rovan didn't answer.
John took another step forward.
"Why?"
One of the hunters behind Rovan shifted nervously.
"Rovan..."
"I know," Rovan said.
His voice was quieter than before.
"This isn't what we expected."
John glanced at the others.
