The morning mist rolled in billowing waves through the long grass, the elephants bobbing like grey ships in a harbor fog.  Soon enough the sun was above the lush eastern mountains, its golden rays chasing away the dewy mist with a rich warmth that inspired the insects to compose colorful dances and strange melodies.

Some of the village children ran along the dirt path, their brown feet pattering beside the majestic strides of the grey beasts. Finally fatigued, the children fell behind, content with only shouting and clapping farewells to their departing fathers.

At the edge of the meadow the elephants were swallowed one by one by the dense maze of trees, the last rider casting a backwards wave towards the youths before disappearing into the forest. The children watched the jungle for a moment in silent uneasiness, they were desirous to run home, but the portal into the jungle gapped wide, like a dark mouth beckoning them towards the realm of shadow.