From the Introduction: The peaceful glade lies darkness. Only the stars and the full moon provide a little light. The glade's centre is taken up by a small pond, the moon reflected in its surface when it does not hide behind one of the passing clouds. At its shore grows a most curious circle of mushrooms. Whenever the glade is darkened by a passing cloud one can see the soft glow emitted by the underside of their umbrellas. And even although the water is clear not a single animal seems to approach the small pond. It seems they are reluctant to even enter the clearing. Even the mushrooms usually a delicacy for the wildlife are untouched. Truly, something strange seems to be afoot.