Amongst the scattered fallen leaves, twigs and the towering moss amongst the arching roots of the tree in whose branches he had just fought to the death in, Cieba's body lay spread eagle.
A massive hole burned straight through his chest, the edge of the wound charred and dripping with blood. His tanned and weather beaten face was now pale, and flecks of blood were scattered all throughout the short beard on his face.
As his corpse lay there, the Treasure Frond continued to advance along his arm, wrapping it tightly, extending more and more tendrils into his lifeless body.
The heavy furs wrapping his stocky frame were torn apart by the advancing roots, the shining gold of the roots glowing like golden veins all across his right arm.
The tendrils reached Cieba still heart, and plunged deep into it, for a moment, all of the constantly spreading tendrils stopped. Then, all of a sudden, Cieba's heart began to beat ferociously, almost thrusting itself out of his chest.
