The Pathless on Paths---------Chapter VII part 2(11)

It felt much better to step upon firm ground, Karrson thought as he finally stood upon the path. The undergrowth of elastic vines and slippery moss made advancement a tiring task. Emmerich did not feel very safe about this path, for though perhaps no human eyes watched it, it may be the commuting way of.....other things. The animal life in this forest is rich, and they could tell that upon their very entry, for bird-like songs sounded faintly above them, and always one could hear light movement in places no light reached. Only to their luck perhaps, the inhabitants of these woods did not show themselves, and did not noise about in the company’s affairs.

And so they followed the path, and their speed increased, though still slow, for all were drained and weary. The path began to climb, heading up a hill. Karrson climbed with his head down, looking at the dull ground passing beneath his feet. The weariness drowned him, each step sapping his strength more than the last. His legs felt like lead, and moving them was more and more of a difficulty. His shoulders were sour, though his pack weighed little, and he could barely hold on to his rifle. He could no longer fix his attention on anything save trying to keep his body moving, and even thinking was a pain. He began to lose track of time, he just walked and walked.