Then Louis noticed something odd. Behind the cottage, a number of huge trees grew in a perfectly straight row.
"Excuse me, sir, ma'm," said Louis. "What about these trees?"
"Yes, the seven," said Marta, smiling faintly. "The seven were planted here by the first Caretakers. Five hundred years ago, these monks planted every tree you see in this valley. They left strict instructions: the seven trees are not to be cut... "
"Ever?" interrupted Louis.
"Never to be cut," continued Marta, with a hint of a smile, "until they are needed to rebuild a great stone cathedral, faraway down the river."
