The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 7 The Garden Game

"My daughter and I have devised a little game for you all to participate in this evening. In teams of two, you will enter our garden hedge maze. Using only your wits, the first team to escape from the maze will receive a special token of favor from myself personally. My family and I will be watching from an upstairs balcony that affords us an overhead view of the entire maze."

"I wanted you all to use your wielding abilities but daddy said it would be too destructive."
Cymber said, sticking her lower lip out in a pout.

"Well, I would appreciate it if you didn't destroy the garden in the process."
The Queen added, looking as though she had not been clued into this little surprise.

"Father, there are fifteen competitors, someone will be without a partner."
Princess Navia spoke up for the first time that night, in a soft, melodic voice.

"That's easily remedied. I'll play."
Ranen replied.

The King hesitated, clearly that hadn't been his solution to the odd number issue. Then with a shrug, he nodded.

"Very well, if you would like Ranen."

A smile flashed across Ranen's handsome face.

"So the rules are simple. No wielding abilities, no killing another competitor, and be the first to cross the finish line. I will warn you all that there will be some surprises in there, so be prepared."
The King finished.

"I'm assigning all the teams."
Cymber announced.

I bit my lower lip.

"Blackout and Flicker."

There was an awkward pause as we all tried to figure out who she was talking about.

"Well, I know Blackout is me."
Kairos said slowly.

"But who is Flicker?"

"I put her right next to you."
Cymber replied back in an exasperated tone.

"Me?"
Asked Vienna in surprise.

Oh, good. So I was the only one from my team without a cool nickname.

"Yes, you."
Cymber replied as though it were obvious.

The two stood and stepped to the side.

"Shockwave, I want you with Poison Ivy."

I wasn't terribly surprised when the girl with the green hair stood up.

"Beater and Breaker."

Those names made more sense when two of the scarred boys rose to their feet.

Cymber proceeded to announce the rest of the partners, most of them had epic nicknames, but there were at least a few like me who didn't, which made me feel slightly better. Slightly. It wasn't until she got to the very end that I realized what she was leaving me with. Or rather who.

Don't say it. Don't say it.

"And finally, Astrid Coften and my brother."

Ugh.

Ranen grinned at me as I reluctantly got to my feet.

"What do you say, partner, you ready to kick these competitor's butts?"

"Is it even fair that they're letting you play? You probably know your way out."

"And as my partner, you're complaining why exactly?"
He asked with a cocked eyebrow.

"Well, it's hardly fair."

He shook his head in amusement.

"Well I can set your mind at ease, I have far too many other commitments to spend time wandering around in the hedge maze. I'll be as lost as the rest of you all."