Heartwood

Stasya lives in an isolated farming village on the edge of the mysterious Heartwood Forest with her unusual dog for company. Thought odd by the locals, she is tolerated for her rare gift with animals. Engaging with her fellow humans is difficult, with one exception: goatherd Lukas, who shares her love of storytelling.

Stasya lives in an isolated farming village on the edge of the mysterious Heartwood Forest with her unusual dog for company. Thought odd by the locals, she is tolerated for her rare gift with animals. Engaging with her fellow humans is difficult, with one exception: goatherd Lukas, who shares her love of storytelling. The peace of Heartwood is shattered when a group of soldiers descends, under orders from the Ruler of the Northlands. Their mission: to hack a path through the forest and find the fabled treasure said to lie deep within. The task is clearly impossible.

Stasya and her companions have made a remarkable journey to find the true heir to the Rulership, Markus, believed dead as a child. Now they must bring him back to court for the Grand Council, where he will reveal himself. Until then his survival must be kept secret, for not only is he at risk, but the Ruler's guards will be hunting for the fugitives. The dangerous journey brings shipwreck, armed attack, and monsters both human and unearthly.