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Along Came a Spider

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My father once told me I was destined for greater things. Back then I thought nothing of those words, as I thought every father said that to their children. Why should his words be any different?

However those words didn't make sense until my eighteenth summer, the year I became my village’s Shepherd. Now I know that​ job doesn't sound so important, but it was necessary to our way of life.

The country of my childhood was ruled by a man who stylized himself as the Sun King. An eccentric man with the power of the long dead Helios himself. His scorching rays baked our country until there was nothing left but dirt and grass.

The only animals that were able to survive such conditions were sheep and goats. Ewes milk and goat cheese were a staple on the dinner table, while water was a rare delicacy.

By using his power over the Sun, the king burned up the rivers and dammed the ones he could not. This kept the surrounding countries in his debt, as the only water within a thousand miles was controlled by him. With a monopoly on the water he could charge whatever he saw fit and people paid.

Anyway so being a Shepherd was a much needed and respected job. The job came with a few perks, besides tending the animals. It was nice to spend time on the bluffs were the air was cooler and the breeze was a warm welcome. Plus it gave me some time away from my six younger sibling.

I was content with my world, despite the oppression we faced. That is until one fateful dusk on the bluffs. Even though that day happened a very long time ago, I can still remember it clearly.

I was standing upon a hill, my eyes were locked upon the horizon as the sun dimmed. Back then  it never truly set, as the King kept it in the sky as a reminder of his power.

Closing my eyes I stood there, face tilted towards the darkening sun. One of those blessed breezes tickled my cheeks, a promise of cooler temperatures that I knew would never come.

In the distance I heard a crackling, like bacon sizzling on a pan. I squinted at the Sun, and witnessed something pulling away from it. Rubbing the sun spots from my eyes I was able to get a better view of what was happening.

I watched as a golden orb tore itself away from the Sun. It took me a moment but I realized it was the Sun King himself riding upon his flying chariot. Like a streak of lightning he shot over my flock and I as a hot wind followed in his wake. The cooler air was blasted away, leave it to the Sun King to ruin what little pleasantries we had.

My youngest sheep, and constant companion, Bella bleated. She was tugging at my cloak for attention.

“He seemed to be in a hurry…” I muttered scratching her ears, thinking that is what she wanted. However Bella bleated again, this time with a hint of panic.

I looked down at the frightened sheep, “What's the matter?” I asked her, as if she would reply.

She bleated again and this time I heard what was causing her distress. The crackling noise from earlier had grown louder. I cast my gaze towards the horizon and felt my stomach drop.

In the distance, following the path of the King, was a pillar of pure, raging sunlight that tore through the ground like a giant finger, instantly vaporizing anything in it's path. Within seconds the deadly beam was upon my flock.

I stood dumbstruck as the deadly pillar burned it's way through my flock. In an instant I saw my livelihood vanish. The entire flock was gone in a flash, and the beam still bore down on me.

As it drew closer I felt the ground crumble beneath Bella and I. The two of us tumbled backwards, narrowly missing the pillar of death, the heat and light still overbearing.

Head over heels we tumbled down a long, winding tunnel. We only stopped when I found my face planted into the dirt. “Ouch…” I mumbled wiping the dirt from my face. “Well at least we survive… and it is nice and cool.”

Wait, cool? I sniffed the air and was treated to something… fresh? Musty? Damp.

Wherever Bella and I were, it obviously wasn’t aboveground. In fact the only light shone from behind us, faint beams piercing loose dirt.

“Well… Well… Well…” A woman whispered, her voice echoing from around. “What splendid morsel has fallen into my web?” A faint scuttling accompanied the woman's voice.

Slowly turning on my heels I came eye to eye with what appeared to be an elderly woman. I say appeared to be, because I was not entirely sure. I could've sworn I saw something shuffle beneath the folds of her cloak.

From beneath her cowl came a hoarse cackle. “What? Haven't you seen an old lady before?” She asked, playfully waving.

“I have seen old ladies…” I paused and looked around, “But not one living in such a dark…and cool cave such as this.”

She cackled again, “Well you could say my  children and I like the cool, damp places.” As if on cue from overhead came the scuttling of thousands of tiny feet. I couldn’t make out the source, but it was obvious there was a lot of something up there.

She bowed as the last echoes died down. “My name is Eva Reece.” She said shuffling closer, “Mistress of Webs, Spinner of Lies.” Eva chuckled, “And who are you? You must be pretty courageous to come here all alone.” She licked her lips. “Such a sweet thing…”

“Shepherd.” I blurted out, as her name rang bells in my head. “I have heard tales of you Ms. Reece. Fairy tales of a hag living underground. The stories always said not to speak your true name in front of her for fear of being hexed.”

The hag chuckled, “Smart girl. I see the legend continues to live on. But…” She shrugged as she took a seat on a cob-webbed throne. “Thanks to that Sun King of yours I am practically powerless.”

From her folds Eva clasped her hands, “Give one man a single wish, and he turns it against you. Some righteous King he is. Now he only abuses that power I gave him.” Her head cocked to face me and I felt the full power of her stare. It fell across my shoulders like a blanket of unease.

“Well if you are as dangerous as the stories claim, I guess he did something right.” I muttered. “Locking you away down here must have been a wise decision.”

“Tell me dearie, is burning your entire flock a noble deed?” Eva grinned, her white teeth flashing in the darkness. “What? How did I know? Well I can smell them on you. Your dead flock, tell me are their screams ringing in your ears.” She tsked, “Some shepherd you turned out to be, eh?”

I felt bile rise in my throat as Bella nuzzled against my knee. I could tell she was missing her flock, the very flock I got killed. It was all because the King was flying overhead, I should have moved them though! I have been told countless times I shouldn’t go on the bluffs.

“Do you want to stop him?” I heard Eva whisper. “To extract revenge on the selfish King? I mean I don’t blame you one bit, it would be nice to remove those powers of his. You know, fulfill your destiny?”

You are destined for greater things…

I heard my father's voice echo through my mind. Was it really destiny that lead me to this cave? Was it destiny that forced me to watch my charges be murdered before my eyes, or was it sheer dumb luck.

I met the hag’s gaze. Her grin broadened as if she knew something I didn’t know.
“A King is meant to care for his people, not extort them at every turn. A true King does not monopolize water, or slaughter innocent lives.” I felt my fists clench tightly, “He will reap what he has sown.”

Eva clapped merrily, “Now that is what I like to hear! Though I will need one thing in order to complete this wonderful wish.” The old crone flicked a boney finger towards me, “You.”

I blinked in confusion, “You want... my sheep?” I asked, just to reiterate what she requested.  

However it was the hag’s turn to look confused, “No I want you!” She jabbed her finger towards my direction.

“Me? You want me and not the ewe?” I asked again, just to make sure.

“Yes, I need you!” she exclaimed, pointing at us again.

My companion bleated, “I think she wants you still, Bella.” I whispered to the young sheep.

A loud groan permeated from the cowl, “You miss Shepherd! Not your pet…” She paused for a moment, the sound of smacking lips could be heard, “On second thought​, I will take your sheep as well.”

“So you,” I pointed to this cave dwelling stranger, “Want ewe?” I asked pointing to Bella.

Much to my amusement the old hag threw her arms up in defeat, “Enough of these word games! Just give me the damn sheep!”

My eyes flicked from Bella to Eva. There was no telling what she wanted with my young ewe. Bella was all that I had left of my flock, my duty. I couldn't go home empty handed. But…

“It would be a shame returning home with a useless babe.” Eva said finishing my thought. “A failed shepherd who could only save a single charge. Think of the disgrace that awaits you.” Eva whispered, “Could you live with that?”

Her words at away at me. It was true, returning with one would raise many questions. Plus everyone knew attachment to Bella, they would claim I played favorites.

Bella bleated weakly.

“Why do you need her?” I asked, my gut churning. I recognized the look in her eye. Thirst.

“You already know, dearie.” Her voice came from all around, almost dreamlike. “It will be painless I can promise you that.” She hopped off the throne and shuffled closer. “With that promise I offer you great power.”

From the folds of her cloak she produced a ball of webs. An object glowed softly through the silken cocoon.

The object held my gaze as I nodded slowly and gave Bella one last pet. The hag cackled and tossed me the web wrapped stone and in the blink of an eye she pounced. A strange tubelike appendage protruded from her mouth and sank deep into Bella's neck.

That was all I saw as the cloak fell over my fallen friend. A sick slurping sound resounded through the large cavern.

Within seconds Eva stood up, her hands wiping her mouth. There was no sign of my ewe.

“So tasty.” The hag said smacking her lips. “Now there is no turning back for you my dear. If you fail in your task living in exile and shame will be the last of your worries.”

I cocked her a curious brow.

“You will be made an example of and executed before everyone should you fail.” Eva continued as she placed the web in my outstretched palm. Our fingers touched for the barest of seconds, and my skin erupted into goosebumps.

She cracked me a grin, the coppery tang of blood still fresh upon her breath. “Don't worry, I know you won't fail. The lives of your countrymen are on your shoulders. They will perish if you fail.”

Her hand wrapped tightly around my own, I almost writhed in disgust. However I felt my attention drawn to the crimson light that was filling the room. Glancing upwards I felt my stomach churn as I took in the source of the lights. Eyes, an immeasurable amount of eyes were staring down at me. The entire ceiling was coated in spiders and their attention was locked onto me and the gem I held.

From beneath the cowl, the hag’s own eyes glowed with the same light.

“When you leave this cave…” Her voice, like a whisper, came from all around. “You will find yourself at the foot of a great castle. Your quarry resides in the throne room…”

I blinked, “My quarry?”

“The Sun King himself. You are to steal away the source of his power! The thing that allows him to terrorize your land!”

“The Sun? You want me to steal the Sun from him?” I was shocked. She wanted me to steal the very thing that floated in the sky!

“Not the Sun you impudent cur! His power comes from a special jewel, which converts the Sun’s rays into power for him.” Her grip tightened.

“But what if he is carrying it?” I asked, “That sounds like something to precious to leave lying around!”

The hag hissed, “He cannot carry it on his person. The jewel is too powerful to be held by mortal hands. It will be embedded somewhere in the throne room. A place where he would have easy access to it.” Her eyes continued to glow brighter, “Does that make sense?”

I nodded slowly, my brows knit in pain. “I… Guess so….”

With one last grin she let go and shoved me back. “Good! Now you will need a distraction, I have enough power to help with that. Now go my little one, go and fulfill your destiny.”

The crimson light was snuffed out like a candle, plunging the entire cavern into immediate darkness. For the briefest of moments it felt like I was falling.

When I came to I was standing at the foot of a tall, alabaster tower of the Sun King’s castle. The heat of the sun piercing my own cloak. Raising my hand to cover my eyes I felt a change in the temperature as a shadow fell over me.

Peaking through my fingers I witnessed something I never thought I'd see again. High in the sky, blocking out the sun was a cloud. My fingers tightened around the gem, and the cloud began to swirl.

I smiled as the clouds took the form of letters.

Sun King. Too long have you have flown unopposed. You shall pay for your tyrannical rule with your powers. Enjoy your last few hours.

The Shepherd


Glancing towards the tower, I clutched the stone tightly. There was no turning back.

---

Meanwhile in the throne room the Sun King lounged with a glass of red wine clutched in his grip.

“What a lovely day to be King.” He sighed, plucking a grape from the nearby dais. Licking plump lips he popped the juicy morsel in.

The gilded doors of the throne room burst open, startling the pudgy King. Red wine spilled all over his pristine white toga. His brows knitted in fury as he stared down one of his soldiers as an intense power began to fill the room.

“I'm sorry your majesty, but there is urgent news.” The quivering soldier bowed his head low. “Something has shrouded the Most Holy!”

---

“Just a few more steps…” I whispered to myself as I continued to climb the interior staircase of this tower. Thankfully I had the gem, as it seemed to be growing warmer the further up I went. It was reacting with something in this castle.

An explosive roar and an intense wave of heat and light came crashing through the stained glass window. The Sun King must have noticed my message staining his pristine skies. From my position in the window I quietly observed as that second sun flew skyward.

Taking a deep breath to steel my nerves, I raced up the last few floors. The clouds would keep him distracted for only so long. Coming up to a wooden door I placed my ear against it.

Silence.

Good, hopefully no one else was in the room. It had been too easy so far, but I chalked it up to the Sun King’s comfort in his own power. I highly doubt he expected anyone to come crashing in to steal the source of his power.

Pushing open door I found myself behind a scarlet curtain. I assumed this was an old servant’s door, out of sight out of mind. Gripping the smooth fabric I gently moved the curtain aside and peeked around the corner.

A warm breeze blew in from the busted window, it carried an unpleasant fragrance of charred meat. It didn’t take long to find the source of the scent, a smoldering pile of hair, flesh and metal was resting by the window. Another victim of the Sun King’s. My thoughts were torn away as I felt the gem in my hand grow hot like an ember.

“Ouch…” I hissed, tossing the stone from palm to palm. I needed to find the source quick, otherwise this thing was going to burn a hole through my hand.

Something flashed over the throne, causing my heart to miss a beat. For a moment I thought the King had returned, but much to my relief it was just a ray of sunlight bouncing off an embedded gem.

“This is too easy…” Shaking my head I walked over to the throne itself. Sure enough placed deep into the top of the throne was a similar jewel to the one I held. Lifting mine high, I placed it against the shimmering stone.

A bright flash filled the room, as the cobwebs began to burn away.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?!” A voice roared from behind as a pair of grimy hands wrapped around my wrists. “That is my jewel you bitch!” The King tugged at my arms in an attempt to pry away the prize. The lustrous light that once bathed him was beginning to fade, Reece’s stone must have been doing its job.

“Give it back to me!” He roared throwing me to the ground hard. The gem, knocked from my hand, skittered across the floor. The King noticed this and tried to grab it, however my fingers latched onto his toga. The loose article of clothing fell around his legs, causing the man to trip and fall flat on his face.

Scrambling over him, and giving him a swift kick in the nose, I snatched the gem from.

“Ouch!” The stone burning like the sun began to sink into my palm. It was at that moment I recalled the hag’s warning. No mortal was to touch this stone. Within a few seconds the entire stone was gone, though the fire it carried was not.

A fire began to fill my entire body, causing me to collapse to my knees. Screaming in pain I writhed on the ground in an attempt to put out the invisible flames.

“Heh, that’s what you get girl.” The Sun King laughed a whiny laugh.  “You are going to die for defying---” He paused, “Me?”

“SHUT UP!” I roared as the fire pressed against my skin. “SHUT UP SHUT UP SHUT UP!”

It was then that a strange sensation fell over my body. The raging fire in my body began to die down, though in its place another pain began to rise. I could feel my bones crack and press against their fleshy prison, as if they wanted to break free. In order to keep up with the expanding bones, the very muscle of my body began to tear and repair itself. This cycle continued, and it was soon apparent what was happening. My body was beginning to grow at an accelerated rate.

It was not long until my back began to stretch across the floor throne room. My arms, legs, and head crashed into the nearby walls. But the stone did little to stop the growth. With a roar, and wanting a little leg room, I pushed through the walls like their were straw.

The tower was not able to support my colossal body, and began to crumble. For the briefest of seconds I fell, but it was like an inch to me. I barely moved, and soon found myself resting on my back.

Placing my hands into the ground I sat up, “Ow…” I groaned as I took in the wreckage around me. “Dear God…” My body was like a landscape itself, I was so huge!

“--urse you…” I heard a faint voice, “---- YOU!”

Looking for the source of the voice I easily brushed aside the rubble of the castle. Within moments I found the source of the voice, it was the Sun King. His entire left side was crushed beneath pieces of the castle. It was a surprise that he was still alive, though I could tell that was fading fast.

“You bitch…” He hissed and spat at me, “I may not have much time left…” The King coughed, “Wi-with the last of my life….” He shuddered, “I curse you… may your family and all who know you… f-forget your name! You sha-shall forever walk these lands an outcast!”

I watched as the life left his eyes, and a dread filled me and quickly I scrambled to my feet. In that moment I began to run, the setting sun my only guide home. My tear filled eyes took in the landscape below as I scanned for any familiar sign.

An hour later I found myself standing next to the mountain range of my home. What were once tall peaks now where a head or two taller than me. This couldn’t be happening, all of this must be a dream! Clearly I fell asleep while watching my herd.

Sadly that was not the case.

A small flock of white drew my attention, there was a another shepherd out! Taking a cautious step over, I kneeled down before them. It was Rodric, an old family friend of mine. However he didn’t even seem to notice me.

“Rodric! It’s me!” I called out, but still the man didn’t even bother to turn around. “Rodric!” Hot tears began to gather in my eyes, “Please… see me…” I sniffled, as the tears began to sizzle against my skin.

I watched as Rodric turned around and looked skyward. Instead of addressing me, and my new size, Rodric pointed towards something that behind my head. The biggest, whitest, and fluffiest cloud floated by and I heard him cheer. Something cool brushed against my toes, and glancing down revealed I was standing in an old riverbed that was miraculously flowing with water. Following the source of the river I noticed in the distance a broken dam. In my haste to return home I must have crushed the dam. Rodric’s cheers of joy brought my attention back to him, and I watched as he ran back to the village.

Standing tall I rubbed my chin. It was apparent the King’s curse had already taken effect, but I could still interact with this world. A bleat caught my attention, and looking over my shoulder I noticed several more clouds had taken form. A smile tugged at my lips.

“You may have taken my herd, Fallen King. You may have taken my family from me, but you have not taken my desire to help them.” Giving a cloud a gentle nudge, I sent it flying over my old town. “You have given me those means to fulfill my destiny...” I laughed softly, “As a shepherd.”
My contest entry for :iconserialstories: current challenge, Phantom Thieves!

Now for the story two conditions had to be met. 

- A calling card or some sort of letter of intent must be given.
- An item needed to be stolen.

Now I chose to do my story on She Who Brings the Clouds, because her origin needed to be told. A number of friends have been asking that question, and well I hope this gives you your answers. 

It is 2:15 here, and I spent the past four hours finishing this up lol.

So I hope it sounds good! Now I'm going to bed. 

I am terrible with writing about growth, so if it sounds poor I will fix it. I am just terrible at describing that process. 

Nod to :iconlordwolx: for turning my Demon of Greed Eva Reece into something of more Eldritch nature. I like that change in her better. 
© 2017 - 2024 Samarkana
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