The one who would soon be king ran naked through the woods. Night birds, night creatures and night insects traveled with him through the vein-dark maze. Smells were sharp, the air was thin. The moon was a blade meant for cutting.
     Tree roots thrust like fists through the soil. Tree branches cracked like whips as he passed. Everything - the faraway stars, the night-tainted clouds, the rain- moistened earth and the beasts in the shadows - were his for the taking this night.