The Book Of Night - Ten

Interlude: Oppositions within the Night Realm (1) Night is not a place of refuge. It does not provide sanctuary or safety. It is not a hollow tree into which you can climb, and taking shallow breaths, wait for your pursuers to disperse.* Even if they disperse, you will not be free, because The Night does not make common cause. You will prevail or fail on your own. No one in the distances of darkness will appear armed in your cause for succor or defense. The Night has its secret goals, it sets them in a secret accord with itself and never wavers. * Edgar, KING LEAR, II, iii (2) The Night covers you in her darkness. It is only her first gesture, others will follow, some so subtle you won't even realize she has helped. Like the wide stone arch, splashed with moonlight. it will house your secrets in silent depths. And the waters beneath the forest floor will assume a rhythm matching your heart-beat, you and the Earth making a single life pattern. And the owls, your spirit animal according to Marie of Ireland, will penetrate your skull and fill your brain with the quiet, lasting wisdom of the Night-Realm. NOW you know what so many others refuse to learn.