Fishblight Mire gold [m]

the palazzo, he had not forgotten it, nor the rich dark fish fragrance of the rivers, nor the profusion of red flowers that grew along the edge of placid streams. nor would he forget the bared teeth and threatening words that had separated him from his love, forced him to depart.

and now he stood in a land wet and reeking of mud and the dung of underwater things. why he had come this way, armand did not know, but he sought footing in the slough nevertheless, dragging himself through it.

on the opposite bank, he gave up a small cry, for he was quite a vain boy, and his fur only glinted beneath its new veil of thick, stinking muck. it was the final test of his already well worn psyche; armand cried silently as he began to search for water, not to drink but to bathe.