Prologue

Muriel took her daughter's hand and guided the small girl around a tempting mud puddle in the middle of the forest path. Threads of warm yellow sunlight filtered through the canopy of new green leaves to fall on the thick undergrowth below. The only evidence of last night's thunderstorm were the numerous puddles and the incredibly vibrant shades of green.

"Look out, Annie." Muriel remarked as she led the child around yet another puddle. The toddler was, fortunately, much more interested in the birds than the prospect of swimming, and obediently avoided the obstruction. A number of birds could be heard chattering to each other, and Annie was only too pleased to join in, adding her wordless babble to the animated sounds of the forest.

Muriel smelled the clearing before she saw it. The moisture in the air carried the soothing smell of wild mint farther than usual. This was her favourite place; a clearing awash with the light green leaves, delicate purple flowers, and, of course, the tantalizingly fresh scent of the plants. She produced an old quilt and a good book, and settled down with a contented sigh. Annie explored the immediate area under the watchful eye of her mother, continuing her conversation with the birds. As with all toddlers, the excitement and novelty exhausted her energy reserves and the girl was soon snoozing happily next to her mother.

An hour later Muriel leant over and kissed Annie gently on the forehead, then wrapped the sleeping girl in the quilt and headed for home.