They fight their way out and reach their rendezvous

Lux looks at Gill, wondering if they could just make a dash for it. The treants are far from quick – but their reach is long. She could end up running right into the grasp of one of those big wooden hands.

A few of Lux’s spells might let her get a hit in before the treants close the distance. But they’re close enough that it would just be one shot. If only she had a distraction –

There’s flash overhead. Out of the gloom, Minn flies at one of the treants, shrieking a curse – dazzling light flares about them. Well, dazzling to those with actual eyes – Lux isn’t sure if treants have those. But the slow, ponderous tree-creatures are still taken off guard, and Lux is ready to capitalise.

She focuses her magic on the sword in her hand, channelling fire. The blade blackens a little, embers dancing, as she plunges it into the bark of the nearest treant – prompting a harsh cry of pain as the stricken goliath staggers back. The others shrink back at the mere sight, creaking in alarm.

The opportunity isn’t lost on Gill either. With the strength and technique he might once have used to hammer away at a rock face, he brings the dryad-made club to bear – crunch – against a treant’s knee-equivalent. Wood splinters and shatters in a way that makes even Lux wince, and the lumbering giant topples like – well, like lumber.

Gill hefts the club as if to press the attack, but Lux grabs his arm. “We don’t have time for this,” she says. “Let’s find Sylvia before they try something else stupid.”

With a glance at her, Gill nods. Leaving the staggered and felled treants behind them, they set off through the woods, counting on the advantage of speed while they have it.

Distant creaks and roars of frustration fade into the mist behind them. Lux’s heart is pounding – hurrying through the misty woods, branches whipping and hooking them as they pass, they could easily run straight into fresh danger. But, for now, the forest holds no more surprises ready. After a while they slow their pace, Minn fluttering down to fly alongside them with an air of smug satisfaction.

Before long they find themselves at the top of the slope leading down towards the Court. The fog has thickened since last Lux stood here, and she can see little but vague shapes below them. But sounds carry from either side; the crunch of marching feet and the trilling of many small wings. Sylvia’s army is preparing to draw the enemy out. Lux takes a deep breath of the forest air and stands with Gill to wait for Sylvia herself to join them.

They’ve done the easy parts, after all. Now, the mighty King of the Forest and the snake-goddess who almost killed Lux the first time they met await them in their place of power.