Chapter Seven - The Industree of War

Oak stared at his army. Twelve saplings, some nearly as tall as he was, others only a few summers old and still covered in soft bark. Their eyes were locked on him as they gathered together in a rough circle before him.

“So young,” Wisp said.

Oak nodded. They were.

But the young could grow into a bright new forest where the older had already done so. He would try to teach them not to die, and would count upon the blessings of nature and the might of numbers to keep them hale and hearty. “We start with one tool, then we try another,” he said.

The saplings swayed their agreements. They were eager to grow and learn, just as many of the youthful were.

Oak summoned a row of spears, each a little shorter than the ones he favoured. “The spear tool first. Then the shield tool, then the bow tool.”

One of the saplings shifted, a little elm with leaves bunched to one side. “Other tools?” it asked.

Oak paused. Yes, there were others. Sister Broccoli had mentioned many. He remembered only those he had experimented with. Perhaps the humans used some tools of their own. “Axes,” he said.

The trees flinched.

“Axes, tools for killing brothers. We will not learn those.”

The saplings agreed.

“Other tools... yes. But I have not learned them yet.”

They seemed to understand that he could not teach what he had not learned. Oak grabbed a fresh spear, its leafy blade dulled like the first few he had made, though this time on purpose. He gave it to the little elm that had asked the question.

“We begin,” he said.

***

When the sun had set and the saplings rooted themselves down to rest, Oak allowed himself to relax a little. The night was cool, the solstice having passed some time ago and the nights grew longer. Soon, the autumn would be upon them.

The Destroyer had to be dealt with before then.

And then...

Oak did not know. Perhaps once the saplings were all trained, he would no longer need to be the one defending the Darkwoods with his tools. He could learn new things, grow in new ways.

Perhaps, he mused, he could follow the path north that sister Broccoli had taken. She would teach him of new tools if he asked, he was certain. And maybe of friendship too.

Yes. But that was for after he had faced his challenge.

Oak closed his eyes and meditated upon himself until he could see the world’s impression of him.

Name Oak Fallenleaf Race Dryad First Class Tree Tender of Darkwoods Second Class Sentry Seasons Passed 15 Winters Health

145​ Stamina

125​ Mana

125​ Resilience

45​ Flexibility

25​ Magic

45​ Learnings Growth Tree Tender of Darkwoods Gardening Tree Woodcrafting Elder Tree Wood Walking Tree Animal Friend Sapling Growing Touch Sapling Sentry Eagle Eye Sapling The Tree for the Forest Seed in Fertile Soil General Learnings Sun Soaking Sprout Standing Still Sprout Meditation Sprout Silent Tread Sprout Favoured Territory: Woodland Sprout Tool Crafting Sprout Wooden Arms Combat Proficiency Seed on the Wind

His newest skill was a gift of the world, a sign that his path was right.

Oak smiled as he allowed himself to sleep. Soon, very soon, he would face the Destroyer again, and this time the advantage would be his.