His thoughts were different. They came more as feelings. His mind was left empty, and he spoke more with his body, flowing from one movement to the next.
His eyes saw differently. The colours shone brighter, more intensely, as if he was looking at them for the first time. The slope that had seemed shrouded in shadow was now as rich and vibrant as a field full of spring flowers. He took it all in, not lingering on any one thing, but acknowledging the significance that each small piece could carry.
When he finally left the slope, and entered onto the third straight of the triple mountain grate, he did so with the utmost calmness, with the most natural of predatory hearts. He was well and truly ready for battle – and the enemy had arrived in front of him, just as ready.
