Just as warriors and mages had traits that made them easy to recognize, Druids were easy to spot. Leaves and vines adorned their clothes, which Annan found faintly ironic—like an emperor who claimed to love his people as his own children wearing Human Skull ornaments.
The Druids who appeared outside Star-Moon Bay were mostly Elves. Among them were also Ratfolk, Trolls, and Werewolves, races that never showed themselves in human Towns.
Druids lived in nature and were naturally at odds with towns, so they did not enter Star-Moon Bay. Annan went out to meet them instead. Accompanied by Ingrid and the Guard Captain, he offered his help. "Our Cavalry need combat experience, and they can help you."
"No need." The female Druid, whose brown hair was entwined with dark green vines, refused flatly.
Behind Ingrid, Francois looked incredulous. Someone had actually turned down Annan's goodwill?
Annan glanced questioningly at the Treefolk Druid, who did not deny it. "Human lord, this is a matter for Druids."
"Protecting nature is everyone's duty."
"You humans have no right to say that..." the female Druid continued, her voice hostile.
Annan said nothing. It was an undeniable fact that humans destroyed forests.
"The Druids will remember your help," the Treefolk Druid said, easing the tension.
Annan had the Guard Captain give them a map marking the Frost Giant tribe's location. When the Druids transformed into a flock of birds and flew north toward the Snow Mountains like migrating birds returning home, the Guard Captain led the recruits after them at a distance.
The recruits had yet to experience battle. They needed a baptism of sorts, even if they only watched.
After seeing the Druids off, Annan returned to the matter at hand—not reading.
Many of the laborers had families, but a good number came from