The tale is set in an alpine region at no specified time. Depending on age and disposition, humans freely commune with creatures and plants. Valley farming people are haunted by the malice and thieving of Faengler, a cunning, embittered enchanter who abuses an ancient wishing chain of potent stones. All people hope that a hero will cross the high pass into the villain's shadowy, fortified valley, seize the chain and realise everyone's dreams of wealth and security. Adam the forester typifies this simplistic view. His wife, Maria, is more reflective and cautious. The contrast is reflected...
The tale is set in an alpine region at no specified time. Depending on age and disposition, humans freely commune with creatures and plants. Valley...
Woodsies can take on any human shape, and have appeared in larger and finer forms than we can ever hope to have, though mostly they just need well-disguised bodies strong enough to care for plants that like wood-filtered light. They are mainly practical, wise, and helpful, but all families have misfits and trouble-makers and sometimes young woodsies like Leaf-lag won't grow up and have to learn the hard way. This rebellious, 'ne'er-dowell' woodsy only half listens to his lessons and training, and after idling his way through summer is frightened to face a season of work to make up for...
Woodsies can take on any human shape, and have appeared in larger and finer forms than we can ever hope to have, though mostly they just need well-dis...
