The mountainous rise in central Puerto Rico was called the "Land of Mist" by the Taino. This was the dwelling place of the Ancestral Spirits and the wind, and also a peaceful, tranquil mountain forest.
The mountains piled layer upon layer, like the rolling spine of the earth. The slopes were covered in dense long grass and palm groves, with ancient banyan trees of coffee-colored bark mixed among them. The great trees' hanging tendrils linked them to the earth, often blocking the narrow paths through the woods. The hollows hidden beneath thick leaves also made walking very difficult, especially when wearing armor; it was easy to fall.
"Whew! We've escaped into the mountains! The demons can't do anything now! If they're willing to chase us in here, I, red-haired Mikui, would be happy to play with them properly!"
Red-haired Mikui climbed up a banyan tree in the forest and looked toward the open fields and hills to the north, but unfortunately saw nothing. He had led more than thirty dog-kin archers, first burrowing into the long grass on the eastern slope, then turning south. They had run barefoot for two full days before finally reaching this place. After that raid and mad dash, even the dog-kin, skilled as they were at sudden attacks, were utterly exhausted.
"Let's go! To the little village in the southern mountains! There are supplies and food there, and grass beds... We can get a good sleep!"
"Strange! Why hasn't Puapu come back yet? They really aren't good at this. They run a little slowly..."
Thin morning mist rose from the gorge, and sunlight pierced the forest like golden feathers, sprinkling over the damp grass and stream stones. The mountain streams were clear, flowing through cracks in the rocks like silver threads stringing pearls, winding around