The fog is cool against my bare arms. It obscures the details of the trees as it creeps along the ground, blown by a northerly wind. The moonlight casts thin shadows across the unsteady path. It's silent in the forest. No birdsong or insect chirps dare to disturb the sense of anticipation in the air.
I stand still, waiting for the voices to come. When they do, I'm overwhelmed by the layered, discordant tones. I have to focus on my breathing for several moments before I can listen. I am able to discern Karl's breathy, deep voice.
How long has his voice been reaching me here?
I can still hear father most strongly, but there's no doubt that Karl's voice is among the new tones that have breached the sanctity of the forest.
I close my eyes and focus on his voice until it becomes almost
