Thorn

Thorn is the Warden of Dragantwood, a veteran of the border wars who laid down his sword to build a life in the forest with his wife. A year after losing her, he lives alone in a half-finished cabin, his ranger's duties abandoned and his heart set on leaving the woods for good.

When beasts begin savaging the sacred groves and killing those who tend them, the old soldier is drawn back to the work he swore off — and, perhaps, toward a reason to stay. The Ranger returns.