The expedition withdrew upward while the living weapon destroyed the chambers below.
First Root continued repairing each opening with fresh wood. The work did not protect its former homes. New growth filled doorways, covered stairs, and divided rooms into shapes no resident could use.
The siege seed was consuming the tree's ability to heal.
Halden requested a retreat route. Edrin lowered two branches toward the settlement. The first responded slowly. The second bent away before reaching them.
The weapon had learned enough to interfere with new commands once it observed the intended movement.
Veyrath divided the expedition between the branches. Dagar's soldiers crossed first and established a defensive position on the upper road. Merrit's technicians carried the detection frame and captured joint between them. The Orchard wardens followed.
The elite team crossed last.
