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Ronin and two other Leafmen skillfully rode their hummingbirds back toward Moonhaven—the city of the Jinn. It was a beautiful place at the water’s source, formed out of living plants and stone. As Ronin flew closer, other Jinn came out and welcomed them back.

After dismounting, Ronin immediately sought a meeting with Queen Tara.

Beautiful and strong, Tara was not only the queen, she was the life force of the forest, and the only one with the power to give and restore life. It was her job to preside over the forest with respect and compassion. She also had a soft spot for Ronin.

Ronin found her in a lovely, shaded grove and kneeled down. “Your Majesty, we need to discuss today’s ceremony. Boggans have crossed our borders again, and—”

“You’re not getting enough sunshine,” the queen interrupted.

Ronin looked up at her, confused. Then he realized Tara was talking to a sprout, whose leaves were drooping.

The queen laughed gently and continued talking to the sprout. “Well, I think he looks silly kneeling there, too, but I can’t get him to stop doing it.”

Ronin stood up and began again. “I think the Boggans are scouting our defenses. You know they’d do anything to stop you from choosing an heir. But don’t worry. I’ve got a plan.”

“When we were kids, he wasn’t so serious,” Queen Tara told the flower. “And he had the sweetest smile.” With a swirl of her hand, the tree canopy swayed, letting a beam of sunlight fall on the sprout.

Ronin sighed. “Would you like to hear my plan?” When she didn’t answer, he continued. “Instead of a public ceremony, I go in with a small platoon. Pretend we’re stopping for a drink. We grab a pod, and bring it back to you. It blooms. We’re in, we’re out.”

Queen Tara shook her head. “It doesn’t work that way. I can’t choose unless I’m there. It’s about the feeling. I get it from the pods. I get it from the forest. I get it from all of us. Don’t you have feelings, Ronin?”

“Yes,” replied Ronin. “I feel this is a bad idea. The Boggans are determined and deadly.”

“I’m not completely helpless,” said the queen.

“I am aware,” said Ronin. “But you’re the life of the forest. Looking after you is my duty.”

“Is that the only reason you do it?” she teased.

Ronin resisted the urge to smile. “Isn’t that reason enough?”

The queen relented. “I know you’re concerned. But this is the one day in a hundred years I can choose an heir. You look out for me, and I’ll look out for the rest of us.” She gave Ronin one last smile, and he finally smiled back.

But as she left, Ronin’s face darkened with worry. He was distressed about the potential danger ahead.