He felt his loins stirring, but stepped back and walked quickly down another path, away from the woman. He continued to follow the music then, strength returning to his limbs with every step, but still feeling as if he were in a mist, despite the bright light about him.
Maybe it’s too bright? he thought. I should have eaten something. Why didn’t I eat?
He carried on, stepping over the thick roots that criss-crossed the path from the ancient trees. They seemed to throb with life and vitality, to hold untold wisdom in their coarse strands.
He was about to step upon another one, but stopped when it moved.
From one side of the path, among the leaves of giant ferns, a serpent’s head rose to face Lucius directly. It was as thick as a man, and the eyes…those eyes…they held terror and wisdom a
