"Elder Wildwood is currently in communion; he cannot be disturbed. It has been decided. Whirlwind ap Whisperwood, you are to undertake the pilgrimage with the crown, with nodeer to accompany you, to the Hearthfire," Forestfire said before concluding with a brief phrase in the deer language that was, in turn, intoned by the surrounding council. Whirlwind looked as if he had just been condemned to death.