A flash of lightning lit a rocky rise before him, and he noted
the mouth of a huge cave. Slowly he inched up to the opening,
slowing stared into its depth.
Though nothing met his eyes, yet there seemed a light, a small
flickering light, somewhere in its deep within. Cautiously he
moved forward.
"Welcome, Welcome, Young man! We've been waiting. What kept you
so long? Hurry along now, The thread is growing short. Come
along."
He blinked. She wasn't there a moment ago! Waiting for me? I
don't understand!
"Madame, there is a mistake. You couldn't have been waiting for
me. I don't know you. I had no intention of stopping here. I . .
."
She smiled. And though she were old and wrinkled, her eyes
brightened like a happy child's. "Come along. You'll understand
by and by. Come along."
She led him ever deeper into the cavern. The flickering light
grew ever brighter, and seemed to flicker no more. Finally his
companion motioned for him to stop. "Mustn't frighten them.
'Twould be terrible if they made a mistake. Terrible!"
"Clotho, he has arrived. Lachesis, welcome him. Come, my dear."
She led him forward, and he bowed to the ladies who looked up
from their labor, glanced at him without emotion or even
interest.
"Girls, girls, are we that old! Look at him. Isn't he a
handsome one. Ah, how sad. To die so young!"
"Atropos, your were always one to talk too much. Here are your
scissors. Now get on with it!"
Clotho was busy spinning a thread.
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