Hmm... I do not actually have an answer to that. All that I know is that they must be protected.

[He pauses to think for a moment.]

Will you require assistance? I may be able to find you, if you are near any useful landmarks. A body of water for example. Failing that, there is a guide in your journal that will tell you all you need to know about this place. I recommend that you read it as soon as you can. It helped me a great deal when I first arrived here.