It had one more characteristic.
It lived!
Vulcan had withdrawn from the huge furnace a heart of fire,
ensconced it in the body of his creation. That burning, beating
heart gave it an existence of its own.
Prometheus' entrance was noted.
Noted by Vulcan's metal monster!
Prometheus stalked quickly to the fiery confines of Vulcan's
furnace. Opening the door to its sizzling interior, he flinched
back from the blast of flames and heat.
Quickly he picked up the long shovel, thrust it into the midst
of the flames. Slowly he withdrew it, the very heart of
scorching mass centered in the scoop.
Vulcan's creation struck!
The metal monster, moving silently, steadily, had positioned
itself behind Prometheus. Even as he captured the heart of the
furnace its arms enfolded him.
Prometheus dropped the shovel!
The white-hot mass of fire rolled onto the floor, began to melt
the stones that supported it.
Prometheus threw himself backward, tipping over his attacker!
They rolled on the floor. The creature dug its iron talons into
Prometheus stomach.
Prometheus screamed!
The memory of the eagle engulfed him!
Once again he was chained to the crag, the eagle coming ever
closer.
Now it struck!
Its talons, tearing, ripping . . . !
He seized the metal arm, bending and ripping at the fingers!
One by one they gave way to his strength.
Even as the last finger gave way, the other arm now enwrapped
his throat! His breathing grew ever more difficult.
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