Porcupine Ridge The Dawn

He whirled around and shook his head emphatically, gazing solemnly down on her. No, no, he promised gravely. They won't. As long as I'm here, you'll be safe from them. 

Sickness, madness, would not enter these parts. 

This is a place where we all can be safe, Hex went on, walking the perimeter of the clearing. He gestured toward a small hollow in the shade of an old tree, indicating it'd be a nice place for her to sleep, if she wanted it. That's what I've always envisioned, anyway.

He sat nearby the nook, giving the little golden girl a curious look. Where did you come from, Nutu? he asked. Where are your mother and father?