The Blood Red ruby by Evelyn J. Steward (i read a book TXT) 📕

littered the floor. He held the light behind the statue. The light pulsed red, deep red.
"This one," said Robert, "is a ruby, a blood red ruby". There was awe in his voice as he almost jealously carressed the icy cold gem, felt its shape so lovingly crafted.
"That's the first ruby you've found, isn't it?"
"Yes it is, but just look at the size of it. Enormous, compared with all the others." Robert fondled the piece, caressing every cut, every line. No! It wasn't for what he could sell it for. He just wanted it for its beauty, its craftsmanship. When he held one of these, it was as if it were talking to him, wishing him to stay. But then he took a good look at its shape.
He turned to Henry. "Look at it! It's the same as those wall paintings over there. Not like the others at all."
Henry studied the statue in the dimming light from the shiner, then compared it with the drawings on the wall. "You are right. I don't like the feeling I am getting!"
Robert also gave the statue an even closer look. It wasn't humanoid like the others. The ruby statue was carved in the shape of a two-legged reptile with wings that hugged its shoulders. He was reminded of those flying foxes enclosed within their leathery wings and hanging, just hanging but without the fur and the gentle face. Definitely reptilian! At its knee were carved two of ar. He ran for the cylinder. Found it empty. In his panic, he grabbed at his brother. Henry slid into a foetal position, his breathing regular.
Now Robert smelt the gas.
Retrieving the fallen ruby statue, he held it close to his chest, stroking the strangely warming curio.
He never heard the grating of the opening sarcophagus.
He never saw the wakening creature, restored and hungry after an elongated hibernation period.

© Copyright. Evelyn J. Steward. November, 1995.


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Publication Date: 11-11-2010

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