The mana engine revved as we approached the site of Auggie's accident. Tree II turned in his turret adjusting the speed of the tracking spells. The skiff was about three hundred feet above the ground. Tree II wasn’t exactly sure of the speed involved. It was hard to judge distances when outside Tree’s main influence.

Swoops made a loud clacking sound. “There.” She pointed. A large deer was standing upon the crest of the hill.

Swoops increased speed and nosed down. She lined up for a strafing run.

Brrrrrrrrrrt.

A cloud of dust flew up where the deer once stood. Swoops banked to the right and came around to view the damage. The deer was just a red paste. There was no identifiable parts of deer left.

Tree II let out a whoop. Tree II knew how much Tree hated and resented these things. Tree II had the memories of the progenitor tree. Tree II knew how the young Tree had been tormented by these creatures.

Tree II called out to Swoops. “Go higher. And let’s start a search pattern to see if we can find any more.”

Swoops gave Tree II a thumbs up. A claw up? It was hard to tell. Swoops pulled up and applied more power to the mana engine. Everyone was down into their seats as the skiff powered up.

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Kendra was in the tree nursery. She still refused to call it the kindergarten. This was her hill. There are many like it, but this one was her hill to die on.

The tree babies were growing so fast. Kendra wasn’t sure why. She thought it was probably down to the high energy magical fields Tree was always going on about.

“How are you doing today?” She asked Treedra.

“Okay.” Treedra replied.

“Got any big plans for the day?” Kendra asked.

“Naw.” Treedra replied.

Kendra sighed. She was exhausted trying to connect with the treants. They were cute but so frustrating to deal with.

“Treebo, why are these seedlings so difficult?” Kendra asked the air.

“I was under the impression all younglings are difficult.” Tree replied.

“What about that Tree II you have running around?” Kendra asked.

“Tree II is not actually a child. He is more like a cutting or shoot.” Tree explained. “I think this is just a stage they are going through.”

“What about school?” Kendra asked. “How will they learn?”

“Probably the same way I did.” Tree answered. “I’ve been collecting the memories of all those who have died in my domain. Nothing really ever disappears here. They can review the archives when they are ready.”

“That is depressing.” Kendra replied. “How is the fight going for the lower levels?”

“Alright I guess. I put up a quest at the inn.” Tree answered. “But it turns out people are assholes and don’t like fighting in enclosed spaces.”

“That’s a shame.” Kendra replied not really thinking that was a shame.

“Yep.” Tree said. “I’ve been working on plans for a different set of weapons for fighting in the Undertree.”

“The Undertree?” Kendra asked.

“Yes.” Tree replied. “The Undertree. It is the area under the tree. I think it is a very descriptive name.”

“You’re a loon.” Kendra sighed.

“No, I am Tree.” Tree answered.

Kendra sighed some more.

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Khugar and Gina were deep inside in the warren of tunnels leading down to the cave in.

“Why’d you cave it in?” Gina asked. “It’s going to take forever to get inside there now.” Gina complained.

“I was worried about them getting loose inside the TreeNest.” Said Khugar. “I was worried about saving my team and escaping.”

“Why is it so important for you to dig down so far anyways?” Asked Shidet. Shidet glowed blue in the dimness of the tunnel.

“I just like digging okay.” Khugar said. “Tree said he wants us to clear the area. Tree will expand its influence down here and claim it for his own.”

“What do you think is down here?” Galyn asked. Galyn was a red fire mage ant. Her exoskeleton had red and yellow flames extending from her thorax to her abdomen. The flames writhed in a slow twisting fashion. It was hypnotic the longer you looked at it.

“I don’t really know.” Khugar admitted. “The rock layers changed down here. There was mostly basalt for quite some way then it gave way to granite and some other type of softer rock. There could be anything down here.”

“What’s basalt?” Gina asked. “Does it taste good?”

“It is a type of fire rock.” Khugar answered. “And no it doesn’t taste good. The mana essence it releases is very spicy.”

Galyn clacked her mandibles in the ant version of a smile. “That sounds good. I can’t wait.”

Gina took charge of the group. “Khugar will be our guide. I will hit things. Galyn will fire bolt things and Shidet will provide magical support. Any questions?”

“My heals are very subpar.” Shidet answered. “Shouldn’t you bring one of the dedicated healers?”

“I think it will be fine.” Gina answered. “I’ve been talking to the humans and they have some interesting ideas on group composition in a magical environment. We need your utility spells more than we need healing. The healing spells you have will be sufficient.”

After waiting a little bit Gina turned and headed towards the cave in. “ok Khugar, you’re up. Get us through the blockage and we will clear the area up.”