Rebellion: Prince of Dawn

Chapter 25.8: Something In The Way

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ILIAS VAN PAYNE

"It's a bit dark," Trebor complained as we searched for a window.

"It's been quiet for a while now. I think we can risk a bit of light."

I cast a spell that turned one of my gates into an orb of light that guided our way through the stone corridors.

The hallways were designed as if they were a maze. Even with light, we continued finding ourselves at dead ends. We'd walk and walk and walk, and just as we thought we found a way out, Trebor would point out landmarks we've passed before.

"Most castles were built with a basic layout," Trebor explained. "But the ones built by rich lords would hire expert architects to design them to be as confusing as possible. Any form of attack—war or silent assassinations—the enemy would have a hard time navigating the castle. That's an advantage for the inhabitants."

"And this one was built by the richest man in history."

"He would've spared no expenses building this to be as complex as possible."

Which meant getting out would be more difficult than finding moisture in a desert.

Trebor caressed his hand on the wall. "I have heard one thing about mazes. If we follow the right hand side, it would always lead us to an exit."

"That would lead us to the different stairwells. We're trying to find a window to jump out of. It's the safest way."

"If you have any other ideas, spit them out. We're better off finding one along the way over walking mindlessly."

He does have a point there. If we follow his method, we're at least making sure we're not walking in circles.

Trebor ran his right hand on the wall and followed its twists and turns. I trailed behind with my staff out, ready to provide support.

"It's been well past ten minutes at this point," Trebor pointed out. "What do you think the others are doing?"

"I told Joji to turn this place to sand, but this ruin's Untouchable charm is strong. Not to mention that it's huge. He won't be able to do it. Even I can't. I just wanted to keep the Night Dancers on their toes."

"What about Jaime? I hope she didn't follow us inside."

"She wouldn't do that. But the more time that passes, the more likely she will. I can overpower a part of the wall so my jynx can work on the castle, but we don't even know which wall leads to the outside."

We turned the corner and finally stumbled upon the sun's burning shine cutting through the end of the hall.

A glimmer of light within the darkness.

Trebor and I hurried, keeping our footsteps at a minimum.

Hold on, this doesn't look right.

I could see the light just fine, but there were no blues for the sky. Not to mention that I couldn't make out the window's borders.

I stopped for a moment of clarity before glancing at the orb of light by my side. The one that's been guarding our way.

"Trebor, stop, it's a trap!" I yelled out. "That's not the sun. It's an Inner Light orb at a dead end."

The archaelogist struggled to slow down, losing balance right by a concourse that led to another hallway. "What?!"