The Labyrinth

Dedicated to Smilie254. Thank you for believing in my first story :D

Wind whirled eerily between the ancient spindly trees. My head throbbed as I sat up wincing in pain. I struggled to my feet and look at the grey leafless trees that surrounded me. I shoved my curly brown hair from my face, peering beyond the trees to see a voluminous stone wall. I sauntered forward, the overgrown patchy grass brushing at my ankles. A few metres away I spotted a door, an exit!

I dashed madly toward the tall, stone archway and pushed through it. I stopped in horror to see not an exit but a long, shiny sword accompanied by an ornate red and silver shield.  I growled through my teeth, disappointed. But I decided to bring the weapons with me for I did not know what may follow. In the small, alcove-like room I strode to the next door feigning confidence. As I passed through the archway I gripped the sword anxiously, checking for signs of danger. Satisfied with my search, I crept into the room. The entire area was a forest of stones, pebbles and boulders. I walked, watching my footing carefully, until I passed a looming monolith of rock. I heard a loud thump and I spun around to see a massive scaly serpent. My eyes widened in shock but my instincts told me to attack, and that's what I did.

I leapt into battle, dodging  the serpent's tail flicks and lunges. I was struggling to keep up until I blindly thrust my sword in front of me, catching the serpent's neck. The monstrous beast fell to the ground with a loud hiss of anguish. With adrenaline flooding my veins, I dashed to the door feeling invincible.

Through the next door was a field of crops with oddly shining tips. Thinking nothing of it I ran as the next doorway was in sight. I didn't realise what was happening until I was at least halfway there. I stopped dead. The shiny tips of the reeds were metal and they were cutting my legs. I decided to merely suck it up and bear the pain. I set off running again. I squeezed my eyes closed as the tiny blades ripped at my trousers. Bursting out of the other door, I paused to examine my wounds. That was a mistake. The sky grew dark and misty. The sound of thunder cracked through the silence. A bolt of lightning struck the stone bricks next to me. I cried out in shock at my near death. I dove to the side to narrowly miss another bolt.

"Oh God!" I groaned and darted quickly to avoid the flashes of white-hot electricity that appeared to me following me. I saw a new archway, this one was significantly bigger than its predecessors. I decided to make a run for it, not that I had much time to ponder my options. I broke into a sprint toward the door. My legs ached with the effort. I stumbled through the archway to fall at the feet of a tall human-like creature.

I stood up to see the creature's head which resembled that of a bull. My face contorted in confusion. The creature chuckled "You have completed my labyrinth!" he announced joyously "I will grant you immortality!". I was dumbstruck, "I-I don't really want immortality." I stuttered. "Oh" the creature boomed "In which case I shall send you back to your realm!" his pleased glow returning. "Uh...thanks?" I told the creature as a staff appeared in his hand. He raised it and then banged it down on the cobblestone floor.

With a flash of light I appeared back in my bedroom. It was nighttime. I was confused, more so than I have ever been before. I knew it was not a dream and yet I cannot believe I just passed up immortality!