My Friend Loki: Strange Magic

Chapter 10

Continuing on with our strategy, we soon heard a crying child in the distance. While not an uncommon sound, we presumed the child would be tended to by its parent/guardian and the crying would soon cease.  However, this crying had been going on pretty consistently - and our steps were taking us closer to the source. 

We discovered a very young child on the side of the path, their knees tucked up into their chest, bawling - and they were alone.

How was this possible? Could it be this was a rare area of the maze?  In using our strategy, perhaps not many came by this way?  In any case, the child was here.

Loki and I looked at each other. We couldn't ignore this situation.

"Just to be sure, this isn't a trick?" Loki asked. "I've read of such things in Asgardian fairy tales."

"I've also read of such things in our Midgardian ones," I replied, "however in this realm, things of this nature are more of what they seem rather than supernatural."

Carefully we approached and crouched by the child.

"Hey, little one," I said quietly, "what's a matter?"

Looking up at us, we could see it was a little girl. She looked frightened but remained quiet.

"I know, I'm a stranger," I continued, "and you must have been told not to talk to strangers. You're doing the right thing. My name is Beverlee, and this is my friend Loki." I smiled softly at the girl, "where's your group?"

The girl shrugged and shook her head, tears continuing to fall from her eyes.

"It's okay to be scared," Loki said gently. "I would be too, lost in this crazy maze," and gave her a smile. "But someone must be looking for you. Maybe if the three of us work together we can find them. Will you let us help you?"

She nodded, looking less stressed.

"May we know your name?" I asked. "It's just so when we hear someone calling it out, we know where we need to go."

"My name is Abigail," she said, her voice quiet.

"Well, pleased to meet you, Abigail," I said, then slowly extended my hand, with the palm up. "May I?"

Abigail took my hand and I helped her stand. I expected her to let go of my hand after doing so, but she didn't. I was rather touched at that - it made me want to help this girl even more.

While I understood that the best thing one can do in these kinds of situations is to just stay put and wait for the parent/guardian to arrive, sometimes the circumstances don't make that possible. We couldn't begin to know how adept whoever was taking care of Abigail, especially when it came to maneuvering in these mazes - they might get just as lost as she was.

"Loki," I said, giving him a warm smile, "it appears the parameters of this maze has changed." With my free hand, I touched his arm, "sounds like a story I once heard..."

Loki looked at me with a sweet expression of utter fondness.

"Beverlee," Loki said, sounding hesitant, "I have a suggestion to help Abigail."

"Sure," I said, "what have you got in mind?"

"Before I tell you... please, believe me, it's not for the purpose of cheating," Loki looked at me imploringly. A small smile soon appeared, then he spoke in a playful tone. "I still intend to earn that reward."

I had to smile at Loki's enthusiasm. Of course, he would be eager for that reward!

"Okay, enlighten me."