The Forest Table had not changed, but Martin had.
That was the first thing that crossed his mind when Rangar led them beneath the enormous canopy and into the chamber where Forest Hidden's elders gathered. The polished table still stretched through the center of the room beneath living branches, while warm light filtered through the leaves overhead and fell across the wood in irregular patches.
Several elders changed expression when they noticed the Sairren delegation. Their attention moved from Mireva to the route-keeper and the elderly woman beside her before settling briefly on Martin.
Rangar stepped forward.
"They came from the Sunken Belfry."
That removed any uncertainty about why they were here.
One of the elders leaned forward. "Sairren?"
Mireva answered for herself. "Yes."
The elder studied her wings, then gestured toward the table. "You are welcome to sit."
Mireva remained standing. "As what?"
The question stopped him.
"Guests."
