Violet Jacob > Stories told by the miller

n6 STORIES TOLD BY THE MILLER
“ He shall die first, that you may see it,”
replied the Enchantress, with a look of hatred.
But at this moment there was a sudden
movement among the Bat-people, and all their
dark arms were raised, pointing in one direction.
For, far away eastward, beyond the tree-trunks,
the first pale streaks of morning lay along the
edge of the world.
“ It is too late,” cried the Bat-King. “ In a
few minutes the dawn will be upon us, and we
shall not be able to see.”
Even as he spoke the Bat-creatures were
hurrying back to their trees, blinking in the
growing light. His eyes were getting dimmer
every moment, and the Enchantress saw that
she must put off her vengeance.
“ When I return, this night week, we will kill
them,” said she. “ Keep them for me, for I
will not lose the sight for twenty kingdoms.”
And she went off in haste, for she feared
that her owls might not reach the castle ere the
full blaze of day.
Before the Bat-King left his prisoners, he
struck his spear on the ground, and a wall of
briers rose around them, shutting them in. As
soon as they were alone, the King, who still