88. Web Design
Figuring that out of sight was out of mind, Rosella fled the kitchen into the next room only to find herself once again at
another corner of the castle. Her progress was continuing. This time, there was an intricate web that filled the corner.
The princess warily approached the sticky design hanging wall to wall, wondering what kind of spider had designed such
a creepily impressive tapestry.
“Hello there,” whispered a voice from deep within the web. Rosella screamed and jumped backward in surprise. “Don’t
be frightened little girl. I’m not here to hurt you. As a matter of fact, I need your help.”
“My… help? Who –who are you?” squeaked the frightened princess, squinting her eyes, trying to peer into the many
tangled folds of the web.
“I am nobody, a humble servant of the witch, Lolotte. I serve only one purpose, to guard the magic mirror. But it brings
me no joy. I only find comfort in spinning my web, but I have not eaten in so long, that I’m afraid I lack the nourishment
to produce any more. And that is why, I need your help miss.” With that, the mysterious voice made himself visible,
crawling out from the shadows of the web on all eight legs. He dwarfed the size of normal spiders; closer to that of a
small dog, there was no mistaking the evil markings on his fat body, and the wickedness in his red eyes. It seemed
strange that his voice would be so pleasant to the ear.
“What can I do for… you?” asked the timid princess, dreading the answer.
“I am bound to this web by Lolotte’s magic, and can go no further, but I lack the nourishment to spin any more, thus I am
trapped. Over there… on that table… the guards leave dead animals to tease me because they know I cannot reach
them. I ask of you to bring me one of the carcasses so that I might feast… and in return, I will allow you safe passage up
my web to claim the magic mirror that I am guardian to. It will allow you safe passage to the second floor of the castle.
Without it, you will only find a stone wall.”
Rosella pondered the words of the spider as she glanced around the room to see if there were truly freshly killed
animals on the far table. Despite her best doubts, they were there, just as the spider had said. But there was no
denying how evil the spider appeared, how dangerous his offer was, and how foolish she would be to trust him, and
climb up into his web willingly. And what if he was right? What if she did need this so-called “magic mirror?” Then
what? Did she really have a choice?
Perhaps, she could convince him to allow her to climb up and get the mirror first, then retrieve his sought after food. Or
perhaps it was best to trust in his benign request, and do as he asked. One way or another, Rosella had to get that
mirror.
Trust him
Don't trust him