They had discovered it before it was too late—or so Annan thought. Then the arrow in his mind trembled and abruptly pointed toward the World Tree.
For a moment, Annan thought there was a traitor among them, but that was clearly impossible. If Aidan could win over a Legendary Elf Mage, he would never have gone to such lengths.
Annan told the others what he had found. Tadel said, "We cannot let Prince Aidan reach the World Tree."
"Then let's catch up with him."
Did Aidan mean to bombard the World Tree with his seemingly endless Magic Scrolls? Whether he could damage it was another matter. Just trying would be a slap in the Elves' faces.
But he had already stolen a demigod's child. He had slapped the Elves in the face once before.
Come to think of it, was Aidan's destination connected to Lord Emerald's child?
As they drew closer to the World Tree, a vast forest spread beneath them.
It was more primeval than the outskirts of Aldo Forest. Ancient trees towered from the ground, their interlocking crowns blotting out the sky.
Treefolk blocked Annan's party.
They were the World Tree's guardians, its last line of defense apart from the High Elves.
"We're pursuing the human responsible for the destruction in Evanas. He just entered the World Tree's territory..."
Tadel approached the Treefolk and explained, but the rigid guardians refused to let them through. Anyone entering needed authorization from a High Elf Elf Elder.
Thwarted, Tadel returned to Annan.
"Not even you can get through?"
"No."
"What about Lord Emerald?"
"Unless she appears in person..."
"No wonder Aidan targeted you." Annan could not help giving her a thumbs-up. "If I were your enemy, I'd pick a fight with you too. You're just like the villains in Law Breaks