Sphinx of Black Quartz, Judge my Vow

A.N.: 

Y'know, I should be writing Gateway but I had a sudden rush of inspiration and it's not like anyone's reading any of these so like... y'know?

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In the deepest corners of the world, there lies a cave of unimaginable riches.  Gold that goes as far as the eye can see,  crowns speckles with sapphires and rubies.  It is called the cave of heroes, as it is said that only the most valiant, noble, and virtous may enter. Many have negative experiences with this cave. Many have lost sons and daughters to the cave. Those who set off do not return, but it is unclear for what reason. Theories pop up among  villages. Some think it might have been the treacherous climb up the Hill of Fire. Some think it may have been the merciless tides of the Sea of Randor, or the guardian of the cave. Either way, those who go are either ill-armed, cowardly, or simply not ready.

Lionel was ready. The pride and joy of his village, he set off for the cave. 

Lionel was not afraid. He had gone through too much, endured too much pain to be afraid.

Lionel was armed. He was perhaps in the possession of the most blades, arrows, and armor in the kingdom. 

He blazed through the trail with steely determination and cunning, like he had done so many times before. His hands were bruised and scalded from the searing hot coals of the Hill of Fire. His armor was punctured from the merciless tides of the Sea of Randor. He was ready for the guardian of the cave. As he approached the mouth of the cave, cold and gigantic, his mind wandered to what the guardian would be. Whatever it was, Lionel was prepared. A dragon? He'd strangled hundreds. An army? He'd outwitted twelve. Fantasies of glory and gold manifested as a grin on his face. At last, he was inside the cave. Lionel drew his blade slowly. It emerged from his sheath graceful and menacing, like a snake.

Before him was a huge wooden door with silver accents. Lionel's mouth was practically watering at the thought of the treasures that lay behind it, but he pushed them away. He looked around with a death-grip on his sword, scalded knuckles turning white from how hard he was holding the handle.

There was no dragon, there was no army. The only thing in sight was a statue of a sphinx blocking the path to the door. It was lean, crafted exquisitely out of black quartz. There were several minuscule cracks in the stone, but it didn't take away from its beautiful appearance. Lionel didn't appreciate the craftsmanship though. Where was the guardian? Was this some kind of cruel joke?

He heaved himself against the statue, trying to push it away. He'd come all this way, and for what? His teeth gritted together in rage, his manic eyes darted around in search of something, anything to clear the path. He had too much riding on this to leave empty handed, too many promises he had made. Lionel inched back before throwing himself at the statue again like a madman.

Suddenly, a huge gust of wind blew inside the cave, vengeful and strong. Lionel was knocked back and to his knees, his golden brown curls dancing in the air as he fell. The cave was illuminated with violet light coming from ancient ruins carved intricately on the walls. The clinks of Lionel's chain-mail were soon overtaken by an ear-piercing roar as the sphinx whirred to life. Its eyes glowed violet with pride as it stood, and the wind was immediately cut off.

"State your vow," rang out from the sphinx's mouth. Its words sounded somewhat off, like a waltz played out of tune.

Lionel rose to his feet, attempting to regain his noble, honorable aura. He approached the black quartz statue with his chin raised high, attempting to hide his confusion. "Vow?" He practically barked out.