The Short and Tragic Reign of the Spider King

Thurston is a simpleton, a stablehand at the inn in the village of Coremark. Thurston might not be the brightest man, but even he understands the value of the jewel-encrusted golden ring he discovers stuck to a large spider web in the Wood near the village.

Unfortunately, poor Thurston has no idea what cost is attached to the glimmering bauble. The price he will pay for snatching it from whence it came. Perhaps even the ultimate price.

A horror/dark fantasy short story of 2500 words.