Embers of Magic

Enter The Labyrinth

I felt terrible by the next morning. I sat in the dining area next to Josh as I stared down at my food – flame cooked fish from Gelida and raisen and currant cakes that the old lady at the end of the market place prepared for prepared. I admit, it wasn’t exactly breakfast food but when the idea of breakfast popped up, I jumped to what I had been craving for since I got here. I poked my fork into my plate as I stared downwards. I couldn’t take a bite now that it felt like my last meal before I headed to my death.

“Hey, Ember.” Josh whispered as if he were asking test answers. He pushed his mashed potatoes to the side of his plate. “You too, huh?” I asked and he agreed. “Don’t worry. We’re going to bring him back.” Josh’s head dropped as he let go of his fork. “I’m not sure if he wants to come back.”

“What do you mean? Of course, he wants to come back. He’ll come back to us.” I said, forcing a smile. I couldn’t help but feeling as if I were trying to convince myself as the vision I had just before reached Metamorph played through my head again and again. I looked downwards.

“I’ve lost my apatite.” I said as I got up and moved towards the fireplace, showing my food into the crackling flame as I whispered my mother’s name. I don’t know why I did it, but it just felt right. I walked past a few tables as a few people stared at me as if I had a different scent about me – one that didn’t belong with them. I left.

I walked towards the Willow and dropped down, my back propped against the trunk. The boy didn’t show up this time but I could feel him. The energy that flowed through the tree felt exactly like being around him had. I hugged my knees as I let my head drop in between them. I exhaled as I suppressed my fear and stood up. I couldn’t be weak anymore. The chance I had to sulk about the way my life had been been had ended the moment I opened the Pithos. Now, I had to fix what I’ve done.

Zarah and Josh walked up towards me. Josh’s eyes gleamed with determination from the idea of bringing Felix back. Zarah seemed uneasy, though. Her fingernails were bitten into half-moons and her knuckles were bruised up and slightly swollen – signs of anxiety. It made sense. The intensity of her words yesterday, that scared me, needed a reason. She had been in the labyrinth before and it frightened her. I walked forward, meeting the two half way as Zarah handed my a Gladius that I buckled up onto my waist awkwardly.

“Do we have everything?” I asked as I looked down the river as Hecuba buzzed around my neck as if she were urging me to push forward. I exhaled.

“No, we’re waiting for Rain.” Zarah spoke. “”She’s going with?” I questioned. I honestly thought it would be just the three of us since she had a village to take care of. “Yes. She wants to talk to Zaahir directly. She wouldn’t accept that he won’t respond to words.”

“I see.” I said as I saw her walking up to us with her usual outfit and Blue Angels peak cap and a backpack. “What’s in the bag? I hope it’s snacks.” Josh questioned. “Among other things.” Rain answered. “Now let’s get out of here before the elders prevent us from going.” I nodded as we began walking down the river.

Hecuba continued to buzz around my neck as her voice creeped into me. “Be careful in there, Ember.” She warned. Not that she had to, I already knew what I was headed into and I was planning to make it through as soon as possible.

The entrance of the labyrinth looked completely inconspicuous. It was simply a bunch of rocks crumpled into the river, causing it to pool as the water seeped in slowly. Josh moved forward first and slipped into the a small crevice between two of the rocks and slipped. Zarah dropped into the river just after him and slipped in. I moved forward.

“Ember, wait.” Rain spoke as she placed her hand onto my shoulder. “You don’t have to do this. If you wish, you may turn around and continue as if none of this had happened.” She continued. I shook my head, then looked down. Of course, I didn’t want to do this. No one in their right mind would want this. But, I had to. Zaahir, or whoever he may be, has become this much of a threat to Metamorph because of my mistake. I was the one who’ve opened the Pithos.

“I see.” Rain spoke grimly as she stepped out of the way. She was younger then I was yet, she was no idiot. She is the ruler of an entire town. A ruler who is adored. If anyone had reason to turn around, it would be her. She had a town who looked up to her. But, I suppose they’re her reason for pressing forward. I dropped into the pool of water as it sent shivers through me so intense that it reverberated through my very being and slipped through the narrow crevice, making sure my Gladius didn’t fall on the other side.

When we all made it through, Rain scrambled through her backpack and pulled out a glow stick. After she snapped it, I could see what was around me. The walls weren’t like they were in the other entrance but instead, they looked like an old alleyway – old leaky pipes dripped down into the water bellow us and rats scurried around, frightened. I looked at the others as the green light dimly lit their faces as I wondered what we were getting into.

“Let’s go.” I said as I turned around, facing forward.

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Hey guys! Sorry for the slow updates, I've been having a really busy week but I'm doing everything in my power to keep posting as soon as possible and I'll see you guys in the next chapter!