eaten by the infinite, of being annulled by the only existing Absurd

curiosity stole the ironstar away from diaspora's claim and led him unto the taiga with impunity. he went as far as the burned lands, where things had become a thousand-fold more desolate because of the ice-powdered season. stigmata turned back, disappointed by the discovery - since there had been no fire the last time he had ventured round these plains - but the impasse was brightened by the scent of deer, wafting in that empty place.

he had only just begun to scour for the presence of the herd, when he was again distracted: this time by wolfscent. stigmata picked up his head, but he could not spot the wolf who had settled down among the mounds of snow on uneven flatlands. he sent a querying whine across the field, letting his company know that he was there, and would avoid trouble if he could.