I drop my sword, and together with my guards, I pull out the coughing soldier from the heart of the tree. He pants, pulling off fine, spindly roots that seem to have wedged their way under his skin and into his veins. “Thank you,” he wheezes to his comrades, clasping one of them on the shoulder. His eyes move over the group until they find me. The rescued guard gets up, dusting dirt and bark off himself. He kneels before me, taking my hand and pressing it to his forehead. “I owe you more than just my allegiance, my queen. I vow that as long as I live, my shield and my sword will protect you.
...more
