They came to a clearing, and the Gnarls stopped just before the line of trees ended, pushing the two humans so they'd exit the woods into the treeless space.
As they approached, a mangled mass of boulders, rocks and roots in the clearing unwound itself. The eldest of Gnarls took a little while to compose itself and stand before them, towering just as high as Athyn's tower had.
"Apologize," said Ina. "Apologize and let them know you understand what your mistake was. That should be enough for them to let you go."
Athyn closed her eyes, breathed in to muster patience, and simpered condescendingly. "I'll keep that in mind, sweetie. I won't need it, but thanks anyway."
Ina felt that Athyn wanted to pat her on the cheeks like a small child who's given a grown-up unnecessary, naive advice. The Druid stayed her hand, flexing it into a tight fist.