157. The Green Dryad

The green light kept rising from the Spirit Farmland.

Carlos could not see Rowan properly anymore. Thin roots had come out of the soil around him, but they did not wrap around his legs or pull at him. They moved in circles, touching the dark ground before slipping back below it.

The Tidal Silverwood reacted next.

Its silver leaves turned toward the center of the field. A soft sound came from the branches, like wind passing through them, even though the rest of Ironroot was still.

Tarin had stopped holding his tool. Sela stood behind him, staring at the light.

"Is he okay?" she asked.

Carlos did not answer.

He wanted to say yes, but Rowan had gone into that light as an old man. Carlos had no idea what would walk out.

The roots withdrew first, then the light lowered.

A man stood where Rowan had been.

Carlos looked at him for a moment without understanding.