For many miles they travelled south, along forest paths that few had trodden. They had to climb green hills covered with huge trees, and descend into dark valleys with hidden grottos where the Water Sprites dwelt. Great peaks of mountains poked out here and there with rivers running and waterfalls cascading down their sides, cutting through the forest floor. There were lakes full of fish and other aquatic creatures, and hidden places where the venerable Greenwood Wardens lived and worked. These were the Wodewoses, or woodsmen, whose main responsibility was the upkeep of the forest and, although they were second to none at wielding an axe, they were great friends of the trees and their axes were only used for clearing dead wood and building shelters, making tree-houses and repairing bridges and fences.