Fiona groaned again, her head turning slightly to one side.
“I told you to step back,” Oak commanded, brandishing his stick
at the three of us. “All of you, move away from the girl.”
None of us moved. “What is that twig?” I asked, “And why do
you keep waving it in our faces.”
“You don't want to know, Mary,” Raven said, moving to position
himself between Oak and myself.
“I don't expect you to trust me,” he said to Oak, “But you've
got the advantage here, let me help these two.”
Oak contemplated his request for a moment, clearly sizing up the
situation. “You two,” he said, pointing at my husband and
myself, “Stand back. I wont hesitate to use this,” he shook his
branch, “If I feel it's necessary.”
