The Friendship of the Maze

Chapter 4

Averi-

On cue, Warren started talking. "Well done, you fared better than I imagined. Even the crowd loved you. For your valor, you may choose an item for your quest." There were different things to choose from. This time I got to choose from a length of rope, a med kit, or what appeared to be a large hook. It's purpose: a mystery. I don't know what's ahead but everything here has a reason. I'll need all the items for some challenges in the future.

"I'll take the med kit," I reply after a few moments. I better play it safe.

"Good choice. Sleep well, your next challenge will be a challenge but in words not deeds." What does that even mean? Then just as he appeared he diapered. I headed toward the open passage and walked until I could go no farther. I was dreading spending another night in The Maze. I also can't get what Warren said out of my head. What did he mean by 'But in words, not deeds'?

With the flint and the bundle of wood, I managed to start a small fire. My eyes lit up as I tasted my dinner. It's warm. Now that I have fire I can heat my food. It's funny how something so small can bring so much hope. I ate slowly, savoring every bite. I will never take for granted a warm meal, a warm bed, or my friends. I cleaned up and prepared for the night ahead. Opening my med kit I saw that I have a little of everything. I had enough bandages to wrap my entire body, pain medicine, creams, rubs, and splint material. I repacked the med kit so it was more organized than it had been before. Wait. I saw something. I looked up into the black sky trying to get another glimpse of whatever it was. I waited for it to move again. When it came closer I could just make out a large black bird, like a raven. What's a raven doing out here? Then it screeched and a multitude of them joined in. The ravens dove at me. I hit the ground faster than you can say 'Watch out'. Breathe. They stopped right before they hit the top of The Maze wall. This was the first time that I was very glad to be in The Maze. Because the walls are so close together the giant birds can't get to me. But why did they attack me tonight and not the night before? Then it hit me. The only thing different is the fire, they are attracted to the fire. I rushed to stamp out the fire with my foot and thankfully the ravens screech's disappeared one by one. Warren, he knew but didn't tell me. No fire at night. That was to close a call. Still shaking I hid under my cloak with the blanket wrapped around me, trying to forget where I was. The hope from dinner has all but faded. I tried to cover my ears with my hands to block out the screech of the ravens but I could still hear them inside my head. I cry out, "God help me. Please, help me." Help me.

At the third challenge, I waited for a few minutes. Warren did not appear. He better be here. I have walked for days. When I decided to turn back he finally bothered to show up.

"A bit late are you? It's not like my best friend's life depends on this."

"I apologize. I had to attend to some very important business. Another contender has entered the game. She-"

I interrupted. "Another contender. Friend or foe?" Maybe we can work together and defeat this Warren. "Well, that's up to you. You will be partners in a future challenge." Uh, oh. "But that is later you have a challenge to complete now," Warren says.

I stood up straighter to show that I was ready but before he could continue, I asked, "Warren, I was attacked by some giant black ravens last night. Do you happen to know of it?" Let's see how he gets out of this.

"Yes, I do-"

"You do, uh?"

He tried again, "It was not my doing but I did know of it. And the black ravens are called Varren." "What do you mean it was not your doing?"