“Out of my self imposed exile was borne a need for companionship if only what the creatures of the wood might offer. One afternoon, I decided to explore the narrow overgrown paths that led away from my desolate hermitage and hopefully to the summit of the mountain overlooking my property. Despite the quiet beauty of the surrounding woods it wasn’t long into my climb before I became aware of strange echoes and mysterious whispers being carried on the wind. I ignored them at first, thinking it was my unfamiliarity with nature that caused unfounded anxiety but suddenly I was struck by an indefinable fear. I wanted to turn back but for some perverse reason, I quickened my pace, glancing over my shoulder at regular intervals to see if something or someone was following me. I saw nothing though my instincts told me otherwise. Despite this sense of impending threat, I continued on, congratulating myself when at last I reached the peak. There I was standing on the edge of a rocky outcrop when there came an unexpected hand on my arm. Startled, I turned, finding myself face to face with what appeared to be the ancient, withered remains of a woman; her face horribly disfigured, her crippled body draped in a faded shroud of rags.
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