The forest changed almost immediately beyond the black swamp. All the trees seemed to have dark bark instead of the usual brown and they were all smooth as though something was smoothing them.
Their trunks were wider than castle towers and their branches twisted blocking all the sunlight. Strange glowing roots ran across the ground illuminating the darkness in pale blue patterns.
Bones littered the ground everywhere. Massive bones. Some were ancient enough to resemble stone while others looked disturbingly fresh. No creature attacked them immediately which was both strange and disturbing.
Cassian walked slightly behind the two, his expression still relaxed inwardly though his eyes continuously observed Atheline.
He found him far more interesting than expected. His father's instructions surfaced in his mind.
Stay close to him.
