Death was painful but swift. In a matter of seconds the spider's eyes
and forehead were gone. It felt a moment of searing pain, followed by a
shudder, and the darkness and terror were gone forever.
Dragging the lifeless corpse to the rim of the ledge, the Mantis flung
it wearily into the gorge. His limbs trembling with exhaustion, he
turned and strode slowly to the safety of his lair. Reaching the
entrance, he thought he caught a glimpse of shadow dart past him and
into the gathering night, but by then could no longer care. Sleep was
all that mattered now---sleep, and then food. And then sleep again.
*
'Death to the spider!' proclaimed Kalus, trying hard to keep his
voice down. 'Long life to the Mantis, protector of all who live in
Valley.' He turned and started to reenter.
'Kalus?' asked the girl tentatively. 'Don't you feel even a
little sorry for the spider? I mean. . .he is dead now.' She felt
compelled to say something, though she wasn't sure that was it. He
stopped and considered this, puzzled.
'Sylviana. You misread my emotions. It is not hate for the spider
but love for the Monarch I feel. Without him none in the Valley would
be safe, even for a short time. Still, it is hard to feel sorrow for
one who could so easily and thoughtlessly take my life.
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