In the night

Caleb awoke.
The stars and the moon had abandoned him.
Lifting his head he listed and squinted, stared into the night.
Saw nothing. Felt something.
No weapon to wield, no spells to cast—only courage.
He got up on his feet.
Then, the raspy twang of a thousand swords unsheathed.
He clenched his fists, straightened his back, and filled his lungs.
“Who goes there?”
No answer.
“I am Caleb,” he said and stepped forward.
Again the raspy twang. Now, from everywhere.
Ice in his bones halted his steps.
The leaf-covered ground shivered and moaned.
Then opened and swallowed him whole.