I went to rest. My sleep was deep, but swirling with dreams. I wish I could remember more..

‘The stars are a brilliant collection of jewels hanging in the midnight sky. It is unearthly quiet. A pin would drop and the sound would echo for an eternity round the sentinel peaks watching down upon the world below. The snow lies as a soft mantle of finest cloth, caressing every nook and cranny of the landscape.

Mist forms as my breath leaves my body and floats gently across the darkness: A visible sign that I am still alive.

Far below I can see the hazy sparkle of soft light showing me that Branishor does not sleep; that in the temple lips are still being moved in prayer even at this marc.

An occasional soft sigh moves around my head as the wind travels over the mountains looking in vain for a place to rest. My skin shivers to feel it for the air is cold.

Then it comes: I hear a rustle magnified, it seems, a thousand times as it shatters the silence. I pull myself behind a rock, rudely awakened from my solace and suddenly alert. The colour drains from my face - it is there again. It may be higher on this ledge, but it is the same creature: Cold steel eyes, hot breath steaming from its body and its mouth. Its weapon is held easily in its arm and it moves forwards painfully slowly, almost smelling the air. I hold my breath. It has blocked the narrow path and stands in triumph knowing it is so. Only a matter of time then.

The hermit’s hut is all in darkness and will be no help here.

I feel panic rising in me as I hide here, cowardly, in my hidden place. It knows. It smells fear. I almost sense it in its huge form. It steps forward again more purposeful.

Suddenly I leap up and stand before it, my holy ring held high! I let it issue forth great light! It leaps into the sky and banishes the darkness!

My eyes are blind from the sudden light. I feel light headed. My feet do not feel the ground, yet my limbs feel as lead. I let my head fall back.

The light has faded. My eyes grow accustomed to the dark and find themselves held in the deep dark pools of another’s.

Arms are about me. Strong and safe as a baby’s cradle.

‘I told you I would carry you’ I hear that dearest voice say. I lay my head against their shoulder and close my eyes again.’

The dream is moving on.