Short Stories

The Mysterious Clocktower Labyrinth (Part I)

There once was a small village called the village of time. Inhabitants included mages, philosophers, merchants, and many more. In the middle of the town stood a large clocktower that was used as a reference of time for the entire world. At the base of the tower was a large garden guarded by a sphinx and enchanted garden animals. Legends say there was a great treasure that lay at the end of the hedge maze in the garden. Only one person had ever solved the sphinx's riddle and braved the maze. However, he has not been seen since he entered it.

Many villagers longed to try to find the great treasure, but all were too scared to try. Even the potion shop owner, who made strength,agility, and wisdom potions was not brave enough. The marketplace was always buzzing with tales of a new person's future attempt to find the treasure (which, by the way, would never happen). There was only one boy who dreamed about this from birth. His name was Malcolm.

Malcolm,as a young boy, loved to climb trees and read books at their lofty heights. He would even occasionally write books himself, but only if the weather and atmosphere was perfect. He also loved to run and explore, always dashing into the house with mud on his shoes from his trek through the nearby swamp. He never had any siblings, so he wanted to constantly fill his life with new adventures and experiences. He'd strategized about how to get through the maze since he was very young.

Now,Malcolm was nearing the age of 17, finally ready to tackle his lifelong dream of finding this elusive treasure. First, he went to the marketplace, buying small things to eat such as apples, carrots,small smoked ribs, and small turkey legs. He placed all these into his leather bag. Next, he went to the potion store. He drank a phial of luck potion, then secured an agility potion, a strength potion,and a wisdom potion to his belt. Lastly, he bid his parents farewell and was off to the clocktower.

Even from a distance, the tower was massive, casting a long shadow over the small town. As Malcolm approached the cool marble steps of the entryway, he knew this would be an adventure of a lifetime. He once again made himself mentally prepared for the journey ahead as he opened the front door. As soon as he did, he was struck with awe at the magnificence of the garden. Light streamed in through the windows, leaving everything inside bright and cheerful. There was alight breeze that slightly ruffled his hair, trying to lull him into a false sense of security.

This was when Malcolm realized the charm of the garden. It was all an elaborate ruse; an intricate attempt to make him surrender and leave.He had to stay alert. He had to remain vigilant. He had to beware the tricks this mystical place used.

But one question loomed in the back of Malcolm's mind as he stepped onto the cool grass. One that could not be ignored. If I'm already becoming tricked, how will I be able to survive the rest of this place?