The mammoth head with a snake neck is the first to appear. It wears gold chains and rings that start from the external tusks and reach the front legs.

The spider then wears plate armor that covers its body and a black hair crest tops its neck.

Eight front eyes, eight legs, and a drooling and horrifying jaw: predatory.

Disarmed, Filo and Sely hold each other. She feels fear creep up her spine, while Filo gasps.

The being stinks of sulfur and the various lanterns hanging from its belly are the source. Butcher hooks encrusted with dirt and blood hang and clash with chains and lanterns.

“Welcome to my presence, I am glad you accepted my invitation.”

The armored spider stopped in front of them. Its voice is deep and aberrant, its head moves in the air surrounding the guests with its ornate neck.

“Are you the king of spiders?” Sely tries not to let her voice shake. The hairs on her arms are already standing on end and her antennae move as cautiously as her gaze.

Due to the previous rain, the ground is muddy but the large spider does not sink. Its pointed legs make it light, a surface skater.

“Yes. Just call me Awulqo, heroine.”

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

That name, recited by such a frightening creature, helps Sely find serenity again.

If nothing else it is reverent towards me, I shouldn't be in danger.

“My servants have already told me much, but I would prefer to know the full story from someone who can give it to me.”

Sely finally releases Filo's arm and takes a step forward, towards Awulqo's face.

The king portrays its neck like a rearing serpent, rearing back with its hind legs and swinging the scrap metal and flames. A whiff of sulfur hits Sely who raises her hands to her nose, trying to counteract the stench of decay.

“I can't give you the full story, Awulqo. But I can give you a part of the story that maybe you don't know.”

The king is interested and urges Sely to continue.

There are no other spiders around and the sounds of the party can barely be heard carried by the wind.

The moon emerges brightly from the clouds and Sely looks at it for a few moments.

Then the girl tells Awulqo about the flying city, her journey, the murder of her father, and the task assigned to her by the mayor of Vanoge.

She talks about Endya's betrayal, Filo's help, and the meeting with Wylco and the scolopendras.

Masked by its unfathomable spider patience, Awulqo listens to the entire monologue. Not a sound, not a movement: nothing about it betrays her emotions or thoughts of it.

This makes Sely insecure and suspicious. But it doesn't matter...

… now what's done is done.

“And so now I'm here with Filo, but I don't know what to do.”

Sely stops speaking and Awulqo remains motionless.

She remains still.

She stays…

…motionless.

Stay…

“I understand.” With a sudden sprint, Awulqo scares Sely who falls backwards.

Filo manages to support her, making her blush.

“I have good news for you, heroine. I met your father and mother. Together we started that conflict that continues between humans and scolopendrids. Your arrival, the arrival of a flying city indeed... is the opportunity we needed.”