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the gloom of moonstruck swamps foreshadow the savagery
we intended to impart to one another.
Cold whispers from the pursed lips of the Prince would
drift across my path, searching me out. “Come and see what
wonderful magic tricks I’ve yet to show you, my friend.
They’ll wrap you in wonder and allow you to see by the
most wonderful and secret lights.” I can’t deny that I found
the offer nearly irresistible, but my sisters were in dire need.
At last the sun began to stir at the horizon, and the sky
began to pool at its most distant edges with drowsy light.
I assumed the Prince, if he was any kind of a hunter or at
all like myself, would likely postpone our dealings until
nightfall. I found a cavern filled with wolves hidden deep
within the woods, replete with the recent kill of a large
deer. I slew the wolves and lined the earthy space with their
soft bodies, providing myself with comfortable sleeping
arrangements. After I had filled my belly with fresh deer
meat, I slept.
I was finally allowed to sink into the depths of dream
my previous earthly accommodations had made all but
impossible. And as is usually the case, there was something
waiting at the bottom.
“Shall I be forced to come find you, Family Man?” It
was Mister Hide, calling out to me from our shared dream.
“Given the dwindling number of contestants, I’d thought
to get things done and over with. I’ve all but sent you a
written invitation to my whereabouts, so I’m curious if
you’ve reconsidered your chances of victory against me.
Perhaps rather than face me, you’ve elected to hide in a hole
somewhere.”
I couldn’t blame him for his impatience, or even his theory
concerning my prolonged absence. It would certainly seem
that I’d reconsidered my bid against him. “My most sincere
apologies, Mister Hide. I have been somewhat detained as
of late. Have you ever heard of this Prince of Smoke?” I

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