Autumn leaves had fallen, laying the mountain forests bare.
Deep in the dark green pine woods at the foot of the mountain, a long black shape moved slowly, gathering a few Pine Cones the mountain folk had missed. He left the squirrels' winter stores in their tree hollows untouched.
He saw some men traveling along the road. No one spoke. Carrying billhooks, they silently followed the man in front.
Black Snake knew they were going elsewhere to borrow grain. Only with enough men did they stand a chance of getting any.
He carried a few Pine Cones up the mountain in his mouth, which was filled with the pungent taste of pine resin. He marveled at how strong the stuff tasted. Once night came, he would gulp down water to rinse his mouth.
Knowledge was precious. There was no reason to expect someone to teach him for nothing. He ought to give her at least a little food.
Before, he had known nothing at all.
There was no need to give her any precious treasure, really. A few nuts would do, just to let her know he remembered her kindness.
Returning to the crevice where he hibernated, he gently placed the Pine Nuts he had gathered that day in a corner.
A pile of wild nuts had accumulated there.
Black Snake's scent was strong, and no small animals dared come steal the nuts. Of course, even if a few were carried off, he might not notice. He could only tell whether an animal had been there.
He slithered out of the cave, found a sheltered spot, and coiled up to bask in the sun. He had to make the most of the sunshine now. In a few days, it would be time to hibernate.
Half asleep, he caught the scent