Chapter 23.3

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    “That’s it?”  Lord Fantail peered closely at the crudely carved figure in Jovibon’s hands. It had the head and body of a shark, but a multitude of tentacles, like octopus arms, reached back from the neck.  Each ended in a sharp stinger.  A ring of bulging eyes circled the head. The entire surface was covered with sharp scales.  “That will bring her to me?”

    “After my pet wizard brings it to life, nothing will stop it.”  Jovibon smirked as he spoke, a man far too proud of himself.

    Lord Fantail measured the creation with his hands.  He had drunk from wine bottles which were larger.  “It’s too small.  One hard thrust with a spear...”

    “It will be ravenous, and as it eats, it grows.  When it finds her, it will be able to swallow men whole.”  With that, Jovibon picked up the opal necklace that he had taken from Princess’s bedroom.  That was a necklace that Lord Fantail had himself placed around her neck, and thus it bound them to each other.  And it would bring her back.  The wizard let it dangle from his fingers, then dropped it into the gullet of his creation.

    “I want her alive,” Lord Fantail reminded him.

    “She will be, as long as you wish.  When the creature’s flesh touches hers, she will be brought her for you to play with.”  Jovibon gestured to a large iron cage, then widened his gesture to include the hammers, pliers, clamps, and other instruments hanging n the walls. “And you may use my toys.”

    Lord Fantail’s eyes glittered with delight.

    Such an easy man to please, and to draw deeper into the trap.  Jovibon smiled a little wider.  “And never fear – for when my power is released, I can keep her alive as long as you want.”

    Lord Fantail’s smile widened to sheer delight.

    As I will keep you.

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