The Trickster Spider

" Why do we have to collect herbs? " said Azi.

" That is the assignment Aaqil have given us. He says that knowing how to use herbs will help in the future " said Anna.

" But come on. Can we not take a break just for one day " said Azi.

" The quest for knowledge and wisdom is a hard and long one " said Ana.

" Yes but the mind and body needs a break from time to time " said Azi.

" I do have breaks " said Anna.

" Sleeping is not so much a break as something you need to function and at this point I fear that Aaqil will even take your sleep from you " said Azi.

" I will do what I must to get better " said Anna.

Azi just looked at Anna.

After awhile Azi started to notice something.

" Ladies. Call me crazy but are there not a lot more spiders than usual " said Azi.

" Maybe it is breeding season for them " said Anna.

" No. I don't think so. Something is wrong " said Ana.

Anna started to look around the forest.

It was as if the forest itself was caught in a web.

Suddenly, what seemed like a man started to approach Anna.

Anna looked at the man.

At first the man looked normal but when Anna saw the man's shadow. She saw a spider.

The man now stood in front of Anna.

" Hello there young lady. My name is Anansi and I have come here today to get something " said Anansi.

" Are you here for my life " said Anna.

" Yes but for now I would like that necklace of yours " said Anansi.

" Why not take it from me after you have killed me " said Anna.

" Not my style. I would rather win it from you in a bet " said Anansi.

" Don't listen to this guy Anna. I don't know what it is but he is giving me the creeps " said Azi.

" Anansi the spider god and the trickster god. He is well known by many and he is very cunning. Be very careful Anna " said Ana.

" What bet do you have in mind " said Anna.

" That is for you to decide " said Anansi with a smile.

Anna thought about it for a moment and then said

" How about a bet to guess how long it will take the sun to set "

" Very well. Ladies first " said Anansi.

" I am betting that it will take the sun less than 2 minutes to set " said Anna with a smile.

Anansi, Ana and Azi were all in shock by what Anna just said.

" Anna! What are you saying. It is noon right now. The sun won't set for a couple of hours from now " said Azi.

" Hahaha. Dear child. Since I am feeling generous. I will allow you to make a new guess " said Anansi.

" Why? are you afraid I am right " said Anna.

Anansi just looked at Anna.

" Very well. I guess it will take the sun 3 hour to set. So you might as will hand over that pretty necklace of yours " said Anansi with a smile.

" Not so fast. 2 minutes have not yet gone by " said Anna.

Anansi looked at Anna confused.

Anna smiled and then said

" Ana. Kindly make the sun set "

" Gladly " said Ana and so the sun set under 2 minuttes.

" Well I'll be. Seems that I lost the bet " said Anansi.

" So what now. Are you still going to kill Anna? " said Azi.

" Nope. I will be leaving now and you ladies will never be bothered by me again " said Anansi.

Anansi started to walk into the forest.

" Wait. Did Veles send you? " said Anna.

Anansi looked back at Anna and then smiled.

Anansi then walked into the forest and then vanished.

Anna was silent.

" Hey Anna. I know that this is a bad time and all but did you forget that you had till sunset to collect all the herbs Aaqil told you about " said Azi.

Anna's heart dropped.

Anna then ran back towards the kingdom and afterwards got a long lecture from Aaqil about being on time.