Desperation (Part 4)

The Grendelings started to bite at the surrounding treehouses, feeding off the Sapling's essence that coursed through them while tendrils coming out of their feet dug deep enough in the ground to reach the Sapling's roots.

Between the corruption spreading throughout its body and the Grendelings' mayhem, the Sapling was suffering as it had never happened in millennia.

'My terms are simple.' Gremlik's voice invaded the mind link between Leannan and the ancient tree. 'Kill all the humans, surrender yourself to me, and imprison all the plant folk of Laruel.

'If you do that, I'll let you live and I will uphold the same deal you had with Erlik. My tissues can prolong your life just as well as his. Once Laruel is under my rule, we'll Awaken together. Refuse and I will kill you.'