"They come, riding fog, thirsty mules. A new breed with eyes on their arms, moving like hungry hunters, not yet poised to sleep. Inspecting valleys, terrain shifts, ambitions of the electric. Boasting blades and breathing machines, with ivory handles, and sharp edges.
'Hares and boars: targets for today.'

'Retractable springs under hooves make it possible to leap. Mechanisms are easily accessed through a panel resting between the mule's ears, modifications can be made while riding. Leaps cover a span of up to a mile, though these settings are reserved for skilled riders. Not recommended for beginners, or persons with heart conditions. Apt to crick.'
- Item Description - From the Mule's Box

Some say one could leap and touch clouds, all in the mule's diet and proper spring adjustment. Reports of mid-air flipping mules have come from various parts of the empire, and numerous accidents have been recorded. Leaping mules will not enter the woods."
EXCERPT FROM: "ANIMALS & LEAPING" Page 63 - BY MANTA PUX, Electropologist

"Decapitation was the preferred mode of execution. The ruthless prize of power. The long sword was considered honorable, and anarchy the supreme law. War. Permanent fires, sunless sky, the lake a pool of soot. The only bodies seen on its shores were headless ones. A sacrifice of ignorance to a spirit in shock. Magnetic nets and Terkel shields were used as protective devices against germ attacks, and Lie-Translators were mandatory. Curfews and checkpoints were still in place but impossible to enforce. Ziplock Tubs were used for bribery. More and more citizens fled to outer lands, some to the mountains, the braver ones entered the woods.

The woods were a dark place. All shade. Luminous symbols painted on trees in the Vils dynasty served as the only guides. Sound became intrinsic. The many perils newcomers faced were easily dealt with in two month's time. This sense became acute, an amp." EXCERPT FROM: "FLEEKS" BY VERVEL EENKS - Chapter 4: "Neutral Ground"