She reached the portal, followed the rough and strenuous path leading downward from the heights of Taenarus. Always she gazed fearfully behind.
He would come!
23. The Extra Task
"Well done!," Zeus roared. "Every task completed!"
He paused. "Hmmm! I've lost count. Every task . . . . Well,
I'm sure you won't mind just one more to, eh, help me out."
"Yes, yes, every task, that is, except one, a minor one I overlooked."
Chagrined he listened as Zeus stated the Final task.
"Perhaps you have noticed, in your sojourns, that you have had a companion. An unseen watcher. A sneaky follower. A sly, disreputable creature! Destroy it! That is your final task. Now, begone!"
Imperiously he waved his hand, and as it fell he faded slowly into oblivion. Why was he smiling so happily?
It happened so quickly that Demo had not time to complain, not even time to think. He stood on the mountain path once more, alone.