Dappled light streams through the canopy above me, becoming more pronounced and an even more stunning shade of gold as the dense pine woodland fades into huge trees with trunks wide enough that my arms wouldn’t meet if I wrapped myself around them. I have never seen such incredible, ancient trees. If the gods truly are real like the king tells us, this is their domain. Moss coats the flour in a soft, damp cushion and above me birds sing songs of beauty and magic.
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