There was only one way now for the great larva to go,
and the demons around it kept it going that way. It fell
toward the Bottom down the side of the rock, naked and
ungainly, shaking its blind head and bloating.
Lavon sent five Didin after it. They could not kill it, for it
was far too huge to die under their poison, but they could
sting it hard enough to keep it travelling. Otherwise, it would
be almost sure to return to the rock to start a new house.
Lavon settled on an abutment and surveyed his prize with
satisfaction. It was more than big enough to hold his entire
clana great tubular hall, easily defended once the breach
in the rear wall was rebuilt, and well out of the usual haunts
of the Eaters. The muck the caddis-worm had left behind
would have to be cleaned up, guards posted, vents knocked
out to keep the oxygen-poor water of the depths in motion
inside. It was too bad that the amoebae could not be detailed
to scavenge the place, but Lavon knew better than to issue
such an order. The Fathers of the Protos could not be asked
to do useful work; that had been made very clear.
He looked around at his army. They were standing around
him in awed silence, looking at the spoils of their attack upon
the largest creature in the world. He did not think they
would ever again feel as timid toward the Eaters. He stood
up quickly.
“What are you gaping at?” he shouted. “It’s yours, all of it.
Get to work!”
Old Shar sat comfortably upon a pebble which had been
hoUowed out and cushioned with spirogyra straw. Lavon