The Venus of Konpara

In the humid warmth of the jungle a dark group of people gather huddled about a flickering, dying fire,... ' She has returned ... a part of one leg was found before dusk today... Another spoke - "Her power over the mind and flesh is stronger than gold. By that she will lead them on. She has already captivated, them' - 'Is she, then, evil?" "No. But where she comes from, and must return to - there are the evil powers, which she will release, unknowing.' The darkness vibrates, shapes take form and a cloud hides the lace of the moon. 'What can we do? one cries - 'We are mortal' 'It is the duty laid upon us, as well as for our own preservation... we cannot prevail by strength. Greed makes men blind-the more gold, the more blind... SHE can beckon and lead them, but greed, fear, jealousy and ambition can be stronger. These we can create among them.' 'All that we have, and are, and can be, all that we know and guess and feel-we will use...'