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But then Queen Acma laughs, her ample belly rolling.

"Aha, we serve no one, of course!" she says. "Even the swarmwalkers do not trouble us, for we offer our healing honey to all equally, from honest humans and ophidians to our old enemies, who need our help maintaining their half-living hosts."

Therko shudders with rage at the thought of Queen Acma providing for the "swarmwalkers," but then the queen turns to regard Vecla.

"It is nearly too late," Queen Acma tells Vecla, "but there is still time for us to disintegrate you. Guards!"

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