The sharp overhang of the entrance came at him in a rush, but he lay flat on his back just in time. He stuffed the hologram and the little red book into his pocket and then rolled over and gripped the rippling body of the gilaworm as it plunged into the dark abyss. Deeper and deeper into the mountain they slid. Just as Simon felt he couldn’t possibly hold on any longer, the bumpy ride came to an abrupt halt. They appeared to be in some sort of resting chamber. Dozens of giant worms lay dormant on the warm floor, and a faint rumbling sound echoed throughout the cavern. A crack in the ceiling allowed the beginnings of morning to slip in. Had he really been in the cave that long? The tired gilaworm’s huge body sagged to the ground, and the creature quickly fell into a deep sleep. Gusts of sweltering air made Simon want to sleep as well. Tingling sensations spread throughout his body as the spider venom slowly attacked his nervous system.
