Ashlynn's boots sank slightly into the soft sand as she stepped from the boat onto the island's shore. Unlike the other islands they'd passed, where even a few steps would have left her feet coated in dark, clinging mud, the sand here was clean and pale, and the tall grass growing on the island felt softer to the touch than the sharp-edged blades of grass elsewhere in the Briar.
The island itself wasn't very large, no more than a hundred paces across, but even if the island were twice as large, it would have felt too small to play host to the majestic tree that awaited them.
Rising from the center of the island, dominating the space with a sense of quiet, reserved majesty, stood an ancient willow tree. A gentle breeze stirred its silvery-green leaves, which hung like a curtain from long, thin branches, creating a sound like a sigh from a breath long held.
