Commission Example 02
It is the morning after the lonely night. A slaughter will happen this morning.... Brutal.. And Ruthless... And Calculated Slaughter! At the moment, the two men who stalk the snarling leopard think they will commit the kill. They will spear the animal hide at the throat, careful not to ruin the pelt... and then they will take turns bashing in its skull until it ceases to fight! They are alone with the morning and their brutality, and secure in that knowledge until a foreign sound rips away their security! And they look upon the faces of their executioners! There will be a slaughter this morning—but they will be victims!
I am Madam Slay and I killed those killers! And you need not ask... I’m going to kill you, also! But you knew someone very close... to me. You haven’t forgotten Erik, have you? I called him Erik. He was fond of that name. And he was fond of me as I was fond of him! But that’s all over now, isn’t it? It’s past... because you caused his death! Don’t bother denying it. I haven’t been lonely. Mute here is more suitable company than most. Erik told me Mute had something called Aphonia... But that’s of no real consequence either. It’s enough to say.. Mute’s name fits him—adequately. You might wonder why I wear these pelts. I do not want that misunderstood. Those beautiful animals were slain by members of your righteous people! I wear these hides as tribute... to Erk... and to the superb cats that were butchered in their prime! The closeness of these pelts remind me of their grace and warmth when they were alive—but more—it keeps the memory of Erik close to me!
— Madam Slay, Jungle Action (1972) #18