Morgan Howell

“Master,” she called out. “I’ve brought breakfast!”

  Honus noted that she was carefully carrying a large leaf, folded to make a package. She sat on the ground close to him, and with a bit of drama, opened her makeshift bundle. When Honus saw what it contained, he shrank back in revulsion.

  “Wood grubs!” said Yim. “I found a log full of them.” She picked up a finger-sized larva from the writhing mass on the leaf. Holding it by its dark round head, she placed its plump white body between her teeth. Then she bit down to burst the skin and suck its contents before discarding the head and limp body.

  Honus felt the blood drain from his face.

  Yim looked at him in surprise. “Haven’t you ever tasted them?” she asked. “They’re like mushrooms, only creamy.” Yim lifted another from the leaf and held it out. “Here, try one.”

  As far as Honus was concerned, she might as well have been holding an adder. When he backed away, a look of amusement came to Yim’s face. “I thought Sarfs were brave.”

  “That’s disgusting!” exclaimed Honus.

  “No, that’s breakfast. I take it you’re not having any.” Yim placed the grub in her mouth and made quick work of it.

  “How can you eat caterpillars?” asked Honus, as he backed farther away.

  “They’re wood grubs,” Yim replied. “Caterpillars aren’t in season.”

  Honus turned his back to Yim, but he could still hear her eat. He felt she was exaggerating the sucking sounds for his benefit. Then Yim giggled and said, “If I ever have to fight you, I’ll know how to arm myself.”
― Morgan Howell, A Woman Worth Ten Coppers