I recently read some of
Threetoe's Stories and I must say I am quite impressed (especially with "Summoned to Darkness"). Very entertaining. Threetoe knows how to spin good tales. (Though, to be honest, a few of them are too dark and bloody for my tastes.)
Anyway, two of these stories featured a Forest Spirit that was eerily similar. Both of the following Forest Spirits were giant rodents whose home was the center of a mystical lake:
Forest Befouled by ThreetoeWhen he reached the lake he found it ringed by dozens of satyrs... [snip]
The Elf looked up to see a huge rodent standing on the water. It was the Forest Spirit.
Summoned to Darkness by ThreetoeA rippling, bubbling spring rose from the center of the lake. Out of it the giant specter of a forest rat rose and floated in midair.
Was the latter story written with the former story in mind? Is there some connection between the two (such as a continuation of plot), or was it just a recurring theme?
If there was a connection between the two, I'd assume that the former story took place after the latter because the Forest Spirit in the former seems to either be killed off by befouled water or driven away. If Dahlia and Aliz survived to rescue Bram from Goldshard and she returned to the Singing Hunter's Paradise, would she find an elven village in ruin, her kinsfolk scattered or dead, the land befouled, the Forest Spirit slain and an insane, bloodthirsty Delvadale controlling a pack of Blendecs?
I will admit "Summoned to Darkness" was a satisfying read. But both stories seemed without a satisfying ending to me (esp. since "Forest Befouled" seemed so short). Perhaps my imagination is just grasping at a connection that isn't there in order to continue the story in my mind?