SOURCE: "The Abonimations of Yondo" by Clark Ashton Smith (1960) Arkham House, though probably written earlier.

DESCRIPTION: "But on its heels ere the sunset faded, there came a second apparition, striding with incredible strides and halting when it loomed almost upon me in the red twilight -- the monstrous mummy of some ancient king still crowned with untarnished gold but turning to my gaze a visage that more than time or the worm had wasted. Broken swathings flapped about the skeleton legs, and above the crown that was set with sapphires and orange rubies, a black something swayed and nodded horribly; but, for an instant, I did not dream what it was. Then, in its middle, two oblique and scarlet eyes opened and glowed like hellish coals, and two ophidian fangs glittered in an ape-like mouth. A squat, furless, shapeless head on a neck of disproportionate extent leaned unspeakably down and whispered in the mummy 's ear. Then, with one stride, the titanic lich took half the distance between us, and from out the folds of the tattered sere-cloth a gaunt arm arose, and fleshless, taloned fingers laden with glowering gems, reached out and fumbled for my throat ..."

NOTES:

HISTORY: Clark Ashton Smith created several bizarre creatures for this story which is little more than an exercise in monster making. Also see: The Chuckler, The Shadow, The Soldier and the Venus of Yondo.
 
 

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