tegerio

"NOOOO SALV!!"

Added 2020-04-23 00:22:51 +0000 UTC

Angela screeched somewhere in the bushes nearby, followed by lots of buzzing and crashing around. "Why R their sew MINI of U?? Its true I wanted 2 B an Ixie but I swear I havent strayed from Teh Plan!!1!"

"There is no Plan!" another Ixie yelled amid sounds of a struggle. "We're all just winging it!"

I shook my head and turned my attention back to the quivering spruce.

"What's this about not being allowed in the circle?" I demanded.

"It's true! This ground is off limits! If we were allowed to grow here, we would have taken it over long ago. If I stay much longer, I shall perish!"

"And why should I put you back?" I snarled, pressing my advantage. "You trees have all but declared yourselves my enemies, keeping me isolated on the orders of General Bonsai, or maybe the Duchess, I don't know which!"

"Not I! I am barely more than a seedling! I swore no sap-oath and I owe no allegiance to the interlopers who came here from Percysthorpe. They do not honor the Tulge!"

"If I put you back, will you serve me?" I demanded.

"Yes! Command me, my lord."

I liked the sound of that! Why shouldn't I be the Lord of the Forest? That was a fitting title for an elf, and it would certainly impress my cultists!

"Very well," I chuckled. "I shall replace you in your wonted spot, if you spread the word among your leafy brethren that I am rightful master of Albric Tor. Serve me, and I shall treat you well. Cross me, and the consequences will be dire!"

"As you wish, my lord."

I very carefully apported the little spruce back into the place from whence I had taken it. I then proceeded to make a similar bargain with the other shrubs and vines I had moved.

When all that was done, without shrubbery the rest of my landscaping efforts looked tawdry and feeble, so I cleared the circle of clutter and opted instead for a single weathered stone basin full of water, standing in front of the dolmen. It was simple, but overall a more effective use of the space.

I mentally reviewed the situation to see if there was anything else I needed to do to prepare for my cult members' arrival...

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