Foul Is Fair

is father had told him not to ride alone.  The boy,  Fleance, knew he mustn't stray beyond Birnam Wood.  But as he galloped from the castle, he felt free and alive.  The sun was shining.  The mare was warm beneath him.  The wind blew through his unruly hair.  The mystery of the heath called to him.  He rode beyond all advice.   

Then something darted out of the heather.  His mare was startled.  She reared up. 

Fleance lost his grip and fell.  He landed hard on his left side.  She bolted into the mist.  He was left stunned and lost.   

He tried walking, limping at first, but his body was twisted away from his legs.  He was in such pain, he had to stop, then crawl.  Mist gathered around him.  He dragged himself hand by hand over heather and rock.   

The black mouth of the cave was suddenly there before him as if by magic.  Once inside, he lay on his chest crying and cursing.   

At last, aching limbs, heavy lids and self-pity lulled Fleance into edgy sleep. 

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