Chapter 7: Wasteland Forsaken - Interlude

THE SCORPION & THE FROG

Sat on a Lilipad during a Spring's day, was a frog.

She sat there admiring the river's flow which was calm & gentle.

Her thoughts were few as the day seemed to offer very little concerns worth thinking about.

Hopping in the waters for a cool swim, she dreamt of finding a mate to share her remaining seasons with.

The joy her dozens of children will bring her & the family surrounding often wished for.

Getting onto the banks, she thought of what lunch might consist of for the day.

Just then, a scorpion crept behind her... tail raised with sting at the ready... it's eyes fierce & menacing... a threat to creatures big & small alike.

The little frog gasped in fear at the surprise which she had not hoped to face on such a day.

Shivers ran cold through her body as she mentally prepared herself for the inevitable...

"I need your help little frog."
said the scorpion.
"I need you to help me cross this river so I may get to the other side..."

The poor frog still shaking replied,

 " Why should I? You could very well kill me when the deed is done... I fear however,  a similar fate awaits me if I should deny you aid."

The scorpion stepped forward, pincers closer now to the frightened frog...

"Such judgement on a stranger just met, why the assumption?"

"Oh scorpion, though our paths have never crossed... tales of deceit about you have reached the farthest regions in there forests.
Helpless lives lost for believing your words..."

answered the frog.

"Do not worry, I will not kill you. All I ask is for your assistance... Help me & you shall be rewarded the breath of another day."

said the scorpion.

"How sure am I that trust can be invested to such a villain?
There is no certainty for me... Then again, dare you worry?
For I may very well dive under while crossing with you & leave you to sink to the bottom."

caution brought forward by the little frog's dilemma.

"I know you will not allow me to succumb to such a fate.
Your eyes speak louder than your words.... You are kind & innocent by creation... actions of that sort do not suit your abilities."

 said the scorpion, confident of his safety in the hands of the frog.

"I will not harm you... just help me. Please..."

After sometime to contemplate for a decision filled with uncertainties... the little frog agreed, having faith in this foe to not smite her.

So the scorpion climbed onto the back of the frog as she wadded into the river...

All seemed well, they were half way across with the frog now fully assured of her life spared.

Suddenly, a deep pinch is felt as the scorpion plunged it's venom soaked sting into the frog's back.

Poison rushed through the veins... killing her ever so quickly....

"You fool! You've doomed us both!"

With a snicker the scorpion answered...

 "It's in my nature..."

the last words the dying little frog heard before her last breathe taken.