The group is about 9 days out from Ghanil and three days since driving Zrithrak out of Rask. Ethelred is in the back of the wagon studying, Rask is riding his horse, and Gustav and Alexis are leading the cart horses.
“About what we talked on yesterday,” Alexis says. “Can you make another grove, wherever we stop next? Could Ca’armine help?”
Alexis keeps walking with Gustav, waiting for his friend to answer in his own time.
Gus pays close attention but then looks a bit confused.
“A grove? I made a grove? I grew a group of trees in a small area?”
Alexis peers at Gustav, clearly skeptical of what he’s hearing. He looks around at the rest of the companions to make sure everyone heard what he heard.
“The grove that had the trees that didn’t want Red to climb them. We spent weeks there. Weeks. Close to the Copper Hills Fort. Close to the three-armed-giant.”
Alexis looks at Gustav, waiting to see recognition spread across his face.
“Oh, I don’t think I called that a grove. That was a pretty big working. Why do you want another one? It was a bit volatile and I couldn’t necessarily control it.”
“It’s not about controlling it, it’s about having protection while we are stationary.
Is it possible again?”
“I don’t actually know since it has only been done once, but we could try. Certainly Ca’armines help would improve our odds. I do worry some about a working such as this attracting attention even if we are protected. It might not be worth the effort. But if you think it would be worth it, we can talk to Ca’armine.”
Alexis nods to Gustav.
“Sounds like a solid idea. Report back to me after you’ve talked to Ca’armine.” Alexis takes off his hat and fans himself briefly before putting it back on. They keep walking.