A Swamp can be a very dangerous place. In fact, it can take years off your life wondering what new organism my creep up on you in your sleep from its watery depths. It has strange beauty too, but to really appreciate the glory of its stagnant mossy pools you must become one with the swamp.
The face in the tree is the Guardian of the Swamp. It watches silently, but vigilantly. Chances are if you came across him, you would not be harmed. You probably wouldn’t notice him at all. However, if it saw you as a threat, your very existence would be in doubt.
The second character is a local native of the swamp. Like something out of the Heart Darkness he exudes the qualities one might expect after having been isolated in such a place for such a long time. He is unaware of the Guardian, but roams freely without fear and naively is about to tie his boat off at the Guardian’s long reaching roots.
Finally, the dog senses the Guardian and smiles knowing such a protector exists. So do I.