Page 193 of The Knucker King

“Of course. Is there anything you need from me?”

She marched quickly down the knoll. “Just stay close by, in case I faint.”

“Little witch!” He squelched after her, his paws sinking into the sodden grass. “What are you doing that would make you faint?’

She stopped where the glade swept into the towering forest. “I am going to ask a tree to give us shelter and it may make me tired.”

Trewoofe stared down at her, dumbstruck. “Ask a tree?”

Avice blinked up at him as though he were a little foolish. “Yes, ask a tree,” she confirmed, as though it were obvious.

He huffed, his hot breath mingling with the misty air. “Then, by all means.” He tossed his head in the direction of the woods. Avice beamed up at him, and he melted at her enthusiasm. Yes, he was hungry and tired, but he should not be grumpy with her. After all, she was just trying to help. “You know I am always here for you.”

Avice took a deep breath as she turned back to the trees. He watched as she gripped her pendant and clutched his scales for support. She stuck out her mud-smeared chin with a grim determination. Trewoofe flicked his tongue curiously as her tattoo glowed. Shining even through her many layers of clothing. The air tasted sharper, and her magic crackled against his forks.

“GIVE US SHELTER.”

Trewoofe’s tail lashed at her voice. Her power crackled through the air and pulsed into the woods and beyond. He tensed, curling his tail protectively around Avice as he waited for the outcome of her call.

One heartbeat.

Two.

A boom ripped through the forest. Trewoofe snarled into the gloom. Then he was thankful for his ability to see in the dark, otherwise, he would not have trusted his own eyes.

“Avice, you would not believe—”

A massive oak crashed into the glade, scuttling forward on its muddied root-tips. For the life of him, its movements reminded him of a spider. Trewoofe tugged Avice back as it teetered for a moment, concerned it may fall over and squash them. It settled and balanced on its roots. The tree knelt, and presented a cavernous hollow for them to rest in.

“Nature’s blessing, Avice!” Trewoofe exclaimed. “You certainly did ask a tree.”

She wobbled, and he caught her before she slipped. “I suppose I did. At least it will be dry in there.”

“Let me inspect it first, to make sure it is safe,” he insisted, shepherding her over to the hollow.

“Trewoofe,” Avice scolded, “I have just used my magic to relocate one of the biggest trees in the woods. I can keep myself safe.”

“Little witch, humour your soul-bound?” he asked pleadingly. She rolled her eyes but acquiesced. “Thank you.”

He stuck his head into the hollow and flicked his tongue. The air was earthy and tasted of rotting leaves. It was surprisingly spacious, and both he and Avice would fit inside comfortably.

“It is safe, dry, and warm,” he confirmed, lowering his head to the sodden soil. “Hold onto to me, I will lift you inside.”

“Are you sure it is safe, no mad squirrels that may bite me?” Avice teased, clambering onto his snout and gripping tight.

“Hush,” he chuckled as he lifted his head, shoved his muzzle inside, and safely deposited her amongst the dead leaves. “Comfortable?”

“Surprisingly…” – she patted down the crunchy leaves – “yes.”

His stomach let out an angry growl.

“I am ravenous,” Trewoofe announced, “and I am sure you are too.”

Avice pressed a hand to her belly. “Starved. We have not eaten all day.”

“I will return shortly,” he promised. “There was a selection of fruit trees on the way here, I will bring some back.” Trewoofe licked the top of her head. “Get dry and get warm.”

She pressed a kissed to his snout. “Yes, Lord.”