The Sypder's Amulet: Part One

by beckykwinson

The Spyder Queen looked proudly upon her gathered army of evil. Pant Devils and Swamp Ghouls congregated in clumps around the cavern. Ghost Lions prowled around the back of the cave, growling fearlessly, and flicking wet drops of water from their fur with their long, jerking tails. Grundos waited impatiently in strict formation, showing off their blundering strength and thickset muscles. Mutant Pets cackled evilly, talking to each other in hushed whispers. Above them all, in clusters all over the roof, creeping up and down the Stalactites were huge Spyders, waving their spindly legs excitedly, and clicking their huge brown pincers. Cobwebs covered the cave, almost like ragged curtains, ghostly and thin. There was a babble of excitement. Then the Spyder Queen spoke.

"SILENCE! You have been called here to discuss the matter of the Iceburg the Lupe, and his twin, who is currently imprisoned in the depths of our chambers."

There was a lot of whooping and cheering. The Spyder called out into the cavern once more.

"SILENCE, I say! Have your years of punishment taught you nothing? We must discuss what is to be done about the twins, for their future is somehow linked with ours. They may ruin all. The doctor will not be pleased. We only have Icebolt, and he is useless without his brother."

"Get 'im!" declared the captain of the Grundos, his army roaring with anticipation.

"Maybe. But they could be useful. I have other plans..."

Then the ball went black. The old Gelert put his head in his crooked old paws, and wept.

***

I limped down the hill, my brow prickling with sweat. Behind me the shouts and screams of the villagers echoed in the darkness. I could still hear the thundering of the Ghost Lions, and the huge, powerful blasts from Sparkshooters. I had to get back home. I crept silently into the dark pine trees of the wintery forest, trying to work out what was happening. Under my feet, the powdery snow crunched, and froze my paws, numbing the pain. I looked down at them. They were half crushed and bleeding. I limped into the darkest part of the forest, where the hamlet was. My only thought was to get home, and get out of here. Eventually, the shapes of the familiar houses loomed into sight. They nestled together for warmth in the cold forest, sheltered by the hundred feet pine trees which had grown there for centuries. I hastily limped to the middle cottage, and burst my way in, dripping blood all over the creamy rug that covered our marble floor. I flopped down in the warmth, breathing great sighs of relief. As my feet began to thaw out, my owner came rushing down the stairs, shrieking.

"Iceburg, what's happened? I looked out of the window-everything's on fire! Everyone's screaming!"

"I know."

"What's happened? I was so worried! Where were you?"

"Oh I was just playing happily in a daisy filled meadow, picking flowers and skipping through long grass, when I just happened to get burnt by some mysterious fire, and my paws were magically crushed!" I yelled sarcastically."Where do you think I was you dope! I was in the town!"

"For goodness sake, you're bleeding! Look at your paws!"

"It's not that bad. Healing Potion VI should sort me out."

Becki rushed off to her safety deposit box, in our living room, and came back carrying a huge bottle.

"Okay. It'll sting a bit, but promise not to make a sound, won't you? I've just got your brothers to sleep."

I sat up in horror. "WHAT? Becki, you'll have to wake them up. Have you seen what it's like out there? The monster's are heading straight for us! Heal my paws, and get some stuff together. I'll get Tuftyia and the others awake."

"Iceburg, stop being so stupid. You've obviously just had too many Neggs at the bonfire."

"BECKI, BE QUIET AND LISTEN! THERE ARE ABOUT FIVE HUNDRED GHOST LIONS HEADING FOR OUR HOUSE. WE WILL ALL BE DESTROYED IF YOU DON'T STOP MUCKING ABOUT AND GET A MOVE ON!"

Becki looked shocked. I suppose I've never spoken to her like that before. She sat up straight, and looked at me.

"You sure?"

"Positive! Now just get together the bare essentials! No stupid snack food, leave it in your safety deposit box!"

I tipped the potion onto my paws, and banged upstairs. I shook my brothers awake, and yelled at them.

"Get together your clothes, your favourite toys, and your pocket money. Get it in a bag, and get downstairs. Do it quickly NOW!"

My brow was prickling with fear. I realised I was freezing cold. I skidded round the bottom of the spiral staircase, sweating. I rushed into the kitchen. Becki had the tent under her arm, and was pulling clothes, toys, blankets, pillows, and food out of her safety deposit box and into a huge rucksack.

"Is that all?" I panted, wiping my head with my paw.

"No! You've got to get your stuff together!" How could I forget? I rushed upstairs, and pushed my plushies, pocket money, toys, clothes and a few bottles of Neocola into a bag. I was about to dash out of the room, when I remembered my amulet, Hastily, I snatched it out of my Kauvara Drawers and knotted it around my neck. I equipped myself with a sparkshooter, two motes and a couple of Snowballs. Picking up my sleeping Noil, and stuffing him into the pocket of my rucksack, I ran out of the room,and down the stairs. Becki stuffed her Bank Card and password into her pocket, and grabbed the handle of the door. She rummaged for the key in her pocket, and fitted it into the lock.

Suddenly, a loud knocking on the window interrupted us.

To be continued...