"Indeed I am, madam."The squirrel gave a small, polite bow."My sincerest apologies for my tardiness.We only just received word that you were in residence.My name is Walter Walnut, and I shall be your squirrel—assuming I suit, of course."
"My...squirrel?"
"Your squirrel, yes."Walter picked up his carpet bag with both paws."Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll just put my things away and be right down."
Before she could respond, he scurried up the trunk of the pecan treehouse and disappeared into the upper branches.
Wren stood there, staring at the spot where he'd vanished.
"I have a squirrel now," she said to the empty air."I have a butler squirrel.Named Walter Walnut."
She waited for the panic to set in, for her mind to reject this as too absurd to be real.
It didn't come.
Instead, she felt something else.Something almost like...relief?
She wasn't alone anymore.
A rustling above, then Walter reappeared, scampering back down the trunk with practiced ease.He brushed off his vest and looked up at her expectantly.
"Now then, madam.What can I do for you first?Perhaps you would like some nuts cracked?"He looked hopeful."Or if you prefer, I could tell you about the neighborhood."
"Neighborhood?"The word came out higher than she intended."There's a neighborhood?All I see are blank walls with monsters."
"Ah!Yes, the shield walls.Quite opaque when first established."Walter nodded knowingly."If you tell them to clarify, you'll be able to see beyond your property.Then you can observe the town, perhaps arrange for trade?"
A town.There was atown.
"And the monsters?"she asked."How did you get here without being eaten?"
"Oh, I'm far too small to interest most monsters, madam.At least the big ones."Walter's tail flicked dismissively."The truly large creatures can't be bothered with something my size.Not worth the energy expenditure, you see."
"And the small ones?"
"I used the road, of course.Well—" He paused, whiskers twitching."The squirrel road.We have our own network of paths through the trees.Quite well-maintained, if I do say so.The messenger squirrels use them regularly, so they're kept clear and safe."
"Messenger squirrels?"Wren felt like she was playing catch-up in a conversation that had started without her.
"Indeed!We have quite an efficient postal service.Messages, small parcels, that sort of thing.The town couldn't function without us, really."There was distinct pride in his voice."Of course, the main road is protected as well—shield enchantments along the length of it, so monsters rarely bother travelers.There are incidents every few years, mind you, but overall the Marshall keeps things quite safe."
"The Marshall?"
"Town Marshall, yes.Handles security, monster management, that sort of thing."Walter smoothed his whiskers."Now then, about your shield walls.Would you like me to show you how to clarify them?It's quite simple, really."
Wren nodded mutely and followed him to the nearest section of the shimmering barrier.
"Just place your hand here," Walter instructed, "and tell it clearly."
She pressed her palm against the yellow shimmer.It felt warm, slightly tingly."Clarify."
The opacity faded like fog burning off in sunlight.
Beyond her property, she could see properly now.A thick forest pressed close on one side—dark, dense, imposing.And in the distance, past the trees, she caught a glimpse of buildings.Rooftops.A town, just like Walter said.
"There we are!"Walter said brightly."Much better, yes?"
She stared at the forest.It was soclose.And now she could see movement in the shadows between the trees.Things shifting.Watching.
