The dwellings were scattered, separated by green meadows and
forest. Each small domicile resembled in its own way the home
where he lived with his Mother.
But he did not find her in one of these.
They met in the square of the little village. He was
astonished. With her reputation for physical superiority he
expected - well, it doesn't matter.
What he found was a beautiful woman, tall and slender. Not
muscle-bound, she. Not the heavy wrestler. Nor the huge-biceped
brute he had visualized.
They talked.
"Ah, young sojourner. What brings you to our land? Do you seek
adventure, riches? You'll not find them here, I assure you. But,
while you tary, join with me in a race." She challenged him, as
she did all newcomers to the village. Race with her, and if he
but win she would acquiesce to his every demand.
Demo blinked. It was going to be so easy. Amazing! He had
expected to cajole, beg, lie - even, terrible thought, to carry
her off against her will.
The race began unpropitiously.
She darted ahead, turned with a smile - a sarcastic, mocking
one.
"My, shall I help you? Perhaps your brogans are too heavy. Or
is it those huge feet?"
Quickly he tossed one of the golden apples before her, slightly
off to the side. The legends proved true.
She quickly deviated from the path, picked up the apple,
continued on her way.
Happily, in those moments he gained. She was now only steps
ahead!
Once more Demo tossed an apple.
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