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The Mar have fought the Drakes for resources for centuries, but even the wizards fear those rare times when the Drakes organize an invasion. To better understand why, read the book.

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Suckmud willow

Despite its reputation, Marrishland is not merely a vast wetland inhabited only by venomous animals, deadly parasites, and poisonous plants. It is a sad fact, however, that of those of Marrishland's plants that are known outside the subcontinent, the majority thrive in the wettest parts of Marrishland and have something of a reputation for being dangerous to people. The suckmud willow is the most famous of all of these.

Suckmud willows grow in especially soggy lowlands where stagnant water and sediment settle in such a way that they look more like clear ground than pools of sucking mud that do not give up prey easily. A number of small plants thrive in these areas, largely out of the reach of most herbivores. Any animal that ventures onto suckmud is far more likely to become fertilizer than to find easy food. Even a rabbit will find escape from suckmud difficult, as it is both soft and adhesive in consistency, relentlessly drawing animals into the mud.

Unlike these species of small plants, suckmud willows grow almost exclusively near pools of suckmud. Myths claim that the roots of these trees grab the feet and legs of those who come too close, dragging them deep into the mud so the willows can feed on their flesh. Little has been done to disprove this superstition, as suckmud willows grow in very dangerous areas into which even scholars are seldom willing to venture.

An experienced mapmaker, however, welcomes the sight of a suckmud willow, for it is a sure sign of nearby danger. A suckmud willow warns a traveler not to come closer to the area, allowing a Mar to cut a detour around deadly suckmud pools to which he might otherwise have fallen prey.

Many species of birds nest in suckmud willows, as well, since the suckmud presents an almost insurmountable obstacle to wingless predators. Raptors and certan species of small snakes might remain undeterred, but few other animals accomplish anything more than making themselves fertilizer to the ever-hungry plants of suckmud pools.

(Contributed by Weard Girdig Langat)