The Sphinx and the Knights left the forest clearing to the birds and creatures of the quiet places. The two knights rode upon their horses and the Sphinx made good progress on its four clawed feet.
Where shall we be when we have got there, said the Sphinx, not in any manner out of breath.
We shall be at the Feet of the Hill of the Woman, said the woman Knight, It is a wonder beyond time, who made it is unknown. We shall travel along its leg for one day until we can make camp upon her hip. That is a place of high seeing wherein we may find the lying and progress and resistance of the darkness across the lands. Then we will know wherein we might throw our efforts in the war of the light against the dark.
So they travelled all day and into the late evening when they made their pavillions by the very feet of the woman which rose before them like unto a cliff.
How then shall we go up onto the woman? asked Sphinx.
There is a way, one path that curls about the dresses at her ankle. There is a path upon her ankle that is, replied the woman Knight.
When they came to the pathway, along and back, along and back, climbing each hour, the ground below sometimes hidden in the mist until it was gone and the distance becoming more and clear as each hour was itself away. Then, sudden, sitting in the narrow path without. Unable to pass by.
Hello, it said, I’m afraid that you may not pass because I am here. I could jump off to the bottom, but I’m not inclined, so there you have. You could be nice to me, and then we might engage in ideas about going over or under, but as I have just eaten I am not inclined and I shall sleep.
I could just throw you away, said the Sphinx, and then the issue would resolve.
That is true, that is true, it said, true enough, but then what would be the story and adventure in that. Now and now let us bargain, then as I am keen to close my eyes and rest, this person that I have eaten is quite hard to digest.
Anyone that we might know? Inquired the man knight
That is hard to ascertain as I do not have here present a list of your family, friends and acquaintances. If you wish to furnish me with a list I would be happy to check. Although you will have to add a fair amount of visually descriptive traits to each person as I did not have the foresight to enquire the spelling or indeed any naming information before I swallowed her whole.
I see, said the knights, well perhaps you can recall any distinguishing features? Hair and or eye colour, manner of dressing etc.
Well, it was all a bit of a blur to be honest, one minute she was striding up the pathway. I remember distinctly feeling ravenous at the time. Then before she could even speak, I had approached, at speed I might add, I can be pretty quick when the occasion requires, and there she was, gone.
I do recall thinking that she was tall but not as wide as I would have liked. She definitely had a head but of what manner hair I have no idea, it was all hidden under some kind of hat, again, sorry, not a hat expert.
Well, said the man Knight, and here I think that I can speak for us all. At this he gestured to the woman Knight and the Sphinx, We are very disappointed to find some creature that eats people and can only assume that you are in league with those that we consider enemies. This being the case I shall have to despatch you forthwith.
So saying the two knights moved forwards towards the creature with drawn swords.
Let me handle this, said the Sphinx, at least then your armour will remain undinted. With that She leapt past the knights and struck off the creature’s head with one great clawed paw.
That was very satisfying, she said.
The knights then opened the belly of the beast to release the unfortunate woman who fell out spluttering and gasping for a breath.
Good Morning, said the Sphinx, and who might you be?
The Guardians of the Cave 