We try to walk fast, but we must be careful.
'The narrow, twisty trail leads us up one slope and down another. The
leaves on the trees are so wide and densely packed that we are in deep
shadow. The sharp thorns on the slimy vines that hang from tree
branches claw at us, but we push them aside.
'Up ahead is an enormous tree with heavy branches stretched across the
trail. It blocks our way. The trunk of the tree, off to the side, is very
thick, and its branches and roots spread in all directions.
'We must get through the tangle of the tree's branches or roots, and find
our way again on the other side. We search for a trail around the tree.
The closely packed branches, roots, and steep rocks on both sides of the
trail are too dense to push through.
'Standing next to a branch across the trail I reach out to climb across the
tangle. The Princess and you are close behind.
'As I touch the branch, it draws back and away from my hand.
'What is this? A tree branch that pulls back and away when it is
touched? Impossible! I reach for it again. It pulls away. The Princess,
you and I stare at it, astonished.
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