"There is no other way, child." The Elder shook her head. "And if you do not defeat the Iron King, we will perish all the same. His influence grows. The stronger he becomes, the more the Nevernever fades. Eventually we will all wither and die in a wasteland of logic and science."

Lise couldn't say anything after that.

Isiea still stays quiet.

The dryad nodded to Ash, standing silently nearby. "The Winter prince can fight for you, I imagine. He smells of blood and sorrow. I will happily grant the Witchwood to him."

Puck had already possibly given his life for this quest.

"I give my life for all fey," the dryad replied solemnly. "You will simply be my instrument of salvation. Besides, death comes for us all, in the end. I have lived a long life, longer than most. I have no regrets." She smiled at them, an old, grandmotherly smile, and faded back into her oak. Ash, Grim, and the other dryads stood silently, their expressions somber and grave. A moment later, the Elder reemerged, clutching something in her withered hands--a long, straight stick, so pale it was almost white, with reddish veins running down its length.
She stepped up and offered it to the girls

After a long moment, Isiea takes it.

Lise let Isiea have it.

It was warm and smooth in her hands, pulsing with a life of its own.

The Elder placed a withered, knobby hand on their arms. "One more thing, children," she added. "You are powerful, much more so than you realize. Oberon's blood flows through your veins, and the Nevernever itself responds to your whims. Your talent still sleeps within you, but it is beginning to stir. How you use it will shape the future of the courts, the fey, your own destiny, everything. Now," she continued, sounding weaker than before, "go and rescue your brother. The trod to Machina's realm is an abandoned factory down by the wharfs. A guide will lead you there tomorrow. Kill the Iron King and bring peace to both our worlds."

Isiea stares up at her, silent.

She nodded grimly.

Elder Dryad faded back into her oak. The other dryads left, leaving the girls alone with a cat, a prince, and a stick.