Where the Dark Stands Still

Liska and Maksio return to the manor. She finds the Leszy collapsed in pain as branches break through his skin. He urges her to leave because Weles will claim a sacrifice in two days. If the Leszy dies, then the old god will reign over the Driada, and Liska is determined not to let this happen. Liska uses her magic to set the branches growing from the Leszy’s heart on fire, which temporarily weakens Weles.

The Leszy explains that he invented the legend of the fern flower to lure potential sacrifices into the Driada. Although he initially wanted to repair Liska’s magic so that he could offer her to Weles, he fell in love with her when she smiled at him after he grew the garden. He apologizes for keeping secrets from her and reveals that he has a plan to stop Weles but that it involves her killing him. However, Liska refuses to give up hope.

After Liska helps the Leszy to his bedroom and treats his wounds, he tells her, “I do not know how many nights I have left, Liska Radost, and I would very much like to spend this one with you” (300).