One of the novel’s core themes is friendship and loyalty. The character who most exemplifies true friendship and loyalty is Lief. When Nick and Allie appear in his forest, Lief believes it’s in answer to his prayers. He has been alone for almost a century, so the opportunity to have friends affects him deeply. However, Nick and Allie feel they need to return home because they don’t understand where they are and what has happened to them. Their immediate departure saddens Lief, yet he still helps them prepare for their journey by helping them make shoes out of branches that will help prevent them from sinking into the ground as quickly. He also pleads for them to stay but doesn’t stop them from leaving. Lief won’t go with Nick and Allie because he knows his forest is safe and secure, especially from the McGill. However, Lief demonstrates the ultimate test of loyalty when he secretly follows his new friends to ensure their safety. He even saves Allie from sinking to the center of the Earth when she and Nick run into the Altar Boys. Had Lief not sacrificed his comfort and safety, Allie would have disappeared, likely forever.