“That's right,” Oak
wheezed heavily, catching his breath, “That's just what...”
“Shut Up!” Raven
bellowed at him, angrier than I think I'd ever seen him. Oak's
stick was now in his hands. “Just....” he struggled to get words
past his rage, “Just shut up. And listen,” he paused, gathering
his wits, “Just listen, you might actually learn something. For as
long as memory serves, the Forest....”
“Tinkerer?” the
face of the Nomad demanded, interrupting him. “We have served, as
requested. What more would you have of us?”
Raven stopped, sighed
with resignation, then turned towards the Nomad's face. “The
Forest thanks you once more for your service...”
“The Forest does no
such thing,” Oak contradicted loudly, stepping forward.
In a flash, Raven had
the stick pointed at him. “Silence,” he commanded, pointing at a
chair. “Sit there. Do not move. Do not speak. Nod if you
understand.”
Oak nodded, his face
crimson, furious eyes looking daggers at Raven and the Nomad.
“Thank you for your
loyal service,” Raven continued, “You are free to leave, but you
may wish to stay. What happens next is as much about your world as
ours.”
