They were not threatened by the wild stick waving that immediately took place, nor were they swayed by the hollow words of protection and peace that were being handed out. Mother had been specific in her plan and when some fell, others were there to take their place. Not even the attempts at taming them with magic could prove effective for the highly intelligent creatures.

The number that remained, however, was not great enough to keep rising when their siblings fell so when that man (Sabel) raised his wand and sent the blast, it took some time before any others could move into action.

But then they heard it, there was a stampede heading towards them. Pincers clicking wildly, heavy thuds and quick steps. Soon the forest came alive with the shrill cries of hundreds of acromantulas all rushing and pushing in an effort to be anywhere else. "RUN!" One shouted.

"Get away if you can! The enemy is near!"

The spiders in the clearing though confused at first, quickly jumped into motion with the others at the sudden, dreaded mention of two 'basilisks' in the castle. The giant swarm grew even bigger as now they were joined by those who had once been watching the hostages. In one large movement they swept across the forest floor in obvious retreat, wailing and shrieking of the horrors that they had seen until finally the swarm was no longer visible and the forest fell silent once more.