solemnity had been reached, Wagner approached the nearest tree and
knocked on it with a rhythmic rut-tut-tut.

Expecting their old trick to be replayed, I waited for the tree to open,
but to my surprise, it didn't, instead a strong rope ladder dropped down
from a tree several yards to the east. This we climbed, and I found that
I had been mistaken as to the height of the ancient wooden towers, for
they proved to be even loftier in dimensions than I had imagined.
Accordingly, it took us a good five minutes to reach its top at a quick
and steady pace, and all through the climb I was terrified at the long
drop, from which the ladder offered no protections. Yet I made it to the
top safely, and found that there was a large platform built securely
among its upper branches, with enough room to hold a few dozen persons,
and there was even comfortable seating in the center. There were four
guards stationed on the platform, each equipped with a long bow and a
quiver of metal tipped arrows, and though they were hardly visible
through the dim light emitted from the covered lantern that lit the
platform, I could see them quietly conversing with Wagner and Taurus
while Bernibus and myself reposed on the seats provided for that very
purpose.

They conversed for awhile, though I could not hear them, nor could I see
them well enough to judge their facial expressions, but Bernibus waylaid
any anxious thoughts I had with his encouraging tone, and also by giving
me a drought of ale and a loaf of bread to overcome my fatigue and
hunger, both of which I quickly consumed. He gave me more bread, but
wouldn't allow me another glass of ale, for safety's sake. At first I
thought he deemed me easily overcome by spirits, but I soon discovered
his reasons and thanked him.