Legend of Parocaav: The Quest for Redemption (First Draft)

Chapter XXVIII: Onward to the Labyrinth

Light shines in through the window. The morning Sun has risen again. Sammi opens her eyes. The sight of her mimicked room is before her. None of this has been a dream. Thoughts of Drayk came to her mind. He thinks she dead. Guilt sinks in her core. Maybe she should go through with this. Accepting this gift from the Dark Lord may be the only chance she will get to see her brother again. The room she is in may be an exact replica of her room, but she can't help but feel homesick.

She climbs out of bed and walks over to her dresser. Getting dressed might be a good idea. Kraag had told her she leaves for Bahemyth's lair this morning. Sammi digs around in her dresser trying to find something to wear.

"I am such a girl," Sammi says under her breath.

Walking over to her closet, she flings the door open and peers inside. A robe of the Fire Mage Clan was the only thing hanging up. It looked just like her mother's. A long red robe that gets orange up at the shoulders and hood. It opens in a 'V' at the collar to display a necklace. A golden lace belt was tied around the torso which reflected the light coming into the room. As she looked closer, she realized this was her mother's old Mage robe! Her initials were etched into shoulder pads with yellow strings.

"Mother."

Sammi takes the robe off the hanger and hugs robe tight. Tears filled her eyes. The last time these robes were worn was just before she gave birth to her. Sammi recalls seeing pictures of her mother wearing this very robe. She never had a chance to meet her mother. The way her brother and father talked about her, it seemed like she never died. Drayk and their father never showed grief over the loss.

"Your mother will always be there in spirit," the voice of Sammi's father echoing in her head.

"This is what I will wear," Sammi tells herself out loud, still pondering why it was here to begin with.

After getting changed, Sammi walks over to the window. Her thoughts still on her brother. Letting out a sigh, she walks over to the full body mirror near the door. Other than her hair not matching, she looked just like her mother. A smile spread across her face. She wished she had the chance to meet her. Drayk always talked so highly of her.

The door opens suddenly, making Sammi flinch back. Kraag walks into the room holding a tray of food. After closing the door, he sets the tray down on her nightstand. He sits at the foot of Sammi's bed. She walks over and sits at the head of her bed, facing the man.

"You should eat before we hit the road. It is a long trip by horse carriage," Kraag tells her.

"My father gave you that scar, didn't he?" Sammi asks, completely ignoring him.

"Of course he's told you that story. Why wouldn't he?" Kraag says, slight irritation in his voice, "That was the greatest achievement of your father. Taking down the Ice Capital. Defeating me. Making me lose my daughter Riinah."

"That name sounds familiar."

"I can guarantee you don't know her Lady Samantha. Your brother.... on the other hand.... He does. She's been traveling with him."

A look of surprise takes over Sammi's expression. She didn't know how she knew, but Kraag wasn't lying to her. A sound of genuine sorrow in his voice. Any thought of Kraag setting her up for something left her mind. He wasn't such a bad guy. He's just as worried about this Riinah girl as she is about her brother. If she really is with him, Kraag might be easier to work with.

A newly found confidence has stricken Sammi. It can be heard in her voice as speaks, "I'm not hungry Kraag. Let's travel to see Bahemyth."

Kraag looks at her. He isn't sure what to say to this girl. She reminds him of how Riinah was when she was a toddler. This girl is important to Xivaac, yet classified information. He has even been ordered to not share details of this with Mistress Karleigh. It seems distrust has affected the God of Darkness. Kraag isn't even sure how Bahemyth will react to this being brought upon him so unannounced.

"Alright Lady Saman-" Kraag began.

"Sammi. My name is Sammi," She interrupts.

Several hours later~

The sun is beginning to set on the world. Once again leaving for the night and leaving everything in darkness. The sound of the horses' hooves click on the stone road. A small shack can be seen up ahead. No light around it, except for that made by a porch candlelight. The terrain is barren. Dirt and rocks were the only things out here. Trees, plants or animals no where even near here. Signs there even was once life here is scarce. This area must have been abandoned, or never inhabited to begin with.

The carriage comes to a dead stop. The horses make noise of satisfaction, knowing they get time to relax. Kraag climbs out, then turns to assist Sammi down. The shack appears to be no bigger than a closet. This isn't a lair. What kind of game is Kraag trying to pull here? Just has that thought crosses her mind, the door on the shack file open. A tired looking old man stands before them. Bahemyth. Father Time. He looks just like he does in history books and children's stories that Sammi has read.

"Kraag DeVille. What brings you to my home so late in the evening?" Bahemyth asks, sounding a little upset.

"You knew we were coming, didn't you?" Kraag asks him, completely ignoring the old man's question.

"I never have liked you DeVille. You take the fun out of it," Bahemyth laughs really loud, "I know exactly why you're here. Hello Samantha."

"H-hello sir," Sammi studders.

"Such a well mannered child you are," Bahemyth smiles, "Come into my labyrinth. You are not welcome inside DeVille. Samantha will be back."

Sammi nervously walks toward the shack. This all still seems too familiar to her, yet she has never been anywhere like this. She looks back at Kraag, unsure if she should continue without him. He just smiles at her and waves. He'd still be there when she returns, right? He wouldn't leave her here. These thoughts only giving her slight comfort.

Descending down into the labyrinth, Sammi sees how big it really is. It looks like a giant rat maze. There's a seating area high above it all. It would seem Bahemyth finds pleasure in watching whoever is here find there way his labyrinth. At the bottom of the staircase is a door leading inside a small house.

"I understand you have been offered a gift by Lord Xivaac" Bahemyth begins, "That I am suppose to bestow to you?"

"Yes sir," Sammi says nervously.

"Please child. Be a little more informal," he tells her, his voice echoing, "Call me Bahemyth."

"Yes s- I mean, Bahemyth," Sammi corrects herself.

"You may only receive such a gift if you prove yourself to me," Bahemyth explains, "Somewhere. Hidden within this realm... is a silver tiara. Find it, and the power will be yours. Don't worry about how long it takes you. I assure you that when you leave the Labyrinth of Time, no more than a few minutes will have passed. Time has no meaning without my say so."

"What does the tiara have to do with anything?" Sammi asks quite confused.

"It is the tiara of Lady Bless. She had given it to me so I would always remember her. Sarrah Bless was like a daughter to me. She spent a lot of time here, learning secrets of the world Parocaav would not tell her. That tiara was touched by Lady Bless, giving it part of her ability. She told me it would be easier to keep an eye on her in the future. Silly girl forgets I live in all time. I see and know everything. That story will have to wait for another time."

Sammi walks out and over to the entrance to the maze. She couldn't even see the back of it from the stairs. Not knowing how long she'd actually be here, she cautiously walks into the Labyrinth. She knows there is no turning back now. That tiara must be found. Once she has this power, she will try to find a way to use it to help Drayk. This is motivation enough to keep her mind focused and not wimp out.

"This is for you, Drayk," Sammi sighs as she disappears into the shadows of the Labyrinth of Time.