( He thinks, if they turn their heads to seek another route, the creature will smite him once more.

Experiments with the possibility by shifting —

And earning a jiggling, mountainous tendril flat on his nape, another on his back, and a third — how many tails does one serpent possess? — binding his legs.

Forgive him stumbling unsteered into Bucky to mutter: )

The known route will suffice.

( Why is the tentacle returning for another swipe — )