Beginning VI-3-3-2f
You run uphill, away from the pond and stream, and into the deeper trees. Moments later a path becomes clear between the now moonlit-dappled undergrowth and serpentine roots of the great oaks that shade this valley.
You merge with the newly-discovered path, for it climbs in winding ways up the slope and southward, largely in the direction you are headed.
After running for a minute, you stop, thinking that you are far enough away from the voices. It is not too far from the summit of the valley slope. You can see sky through gaps in the trees ahead to the south.
You catch your breath.
The immediate surroundings are very dark, but for where the moonlight intrudes through gaps in the tree cover.
You rest for a while, perhaps five or ten minutes, breathing in the scent of the airs, and listening to the sounds of furtive nightlife. You hear no human sounds. You must be some way away from the stream.
Rising, you examine what can be seen of the path. It is obviously less travelled up here and not entirely clear. After following its turnings westward, then southward, you begin to suspect that you might be a little lost.
Then suddenly...