Life on the estate is easier than in the forest. Paul thought as he worked in the garden. We don't need to worry about trees falling on us or branches snapping and taking our heads off.

Paul dug the potatoes that the kitchen would cook at supper. A young woman he hadn't seen before wandered into the garden. She wore a pure red ribbon and a large house badge in gold thread on her breast.

"Grounds Keeper," she said, "come here."

Paul put his fork into the earth and ...