Blood welled where the crumpled paper cut into my hand, its words burned irrevocably into my mind. Hopeful words, but ones with a hidden edge. The Guild’s overseers would promote one of us basement-minders to the upper floors, with a simple contest. A favorite tactic of theirs, anything to promote competition and incentivize us to increase our earnings, and their eventual cut. The goal? To earn a thousand gold pieces, the price of a good horse, in thirty-one days.158Please respect copyright.PENANAXZMEPjos0W
That would be problematic. As a recent graduate to Journeyman rank in The Surveyor’s Guild, regulations forbid me to charge more than a pittance for my services. A tactic of the higher-ranked members upstairs, to make certain everyone worked hard to expand their self-promotion skills.158Please respect copyright.PENANAGPMoym9Ze6
The thought of the upper floors made me shiver more than the cold air that invaded The Guild Hall’s dingy basement. Memories of comfortable plush chairs and warm fireplaces continued to torment me.158Please respect copyright.PENANAdvqUsCGaG5
Two weeks prior, The Council forced my master to end my education. Which meant the higher-ups now expected me to start from the bottom rung of The Guild.158Please respect copyright.PENANAX1sbXqCKmy
They permitted no such luxuries on the lower floors. More motivation, at least according to The Guild Leaders. They enjoyed telling us at every opportunity: suffering builds determination, and determination brings success. Not that they did the suffering. My Master was one of the rare few who bothered to adventure regularly anymore.158Please respect copyright.PENANAIY33eqHn9X
One surveyor attempted to start a betting pool. An elderly human, he claimed that none of the newest recruits could draw an accurate map.158Please respect copyright.PENANA1s9Nwjx2jd
None of us lucky enough to get tutelage dared take the bet. 158Please respect copyright.PENANAK57H0UNVKw
As the basement door shrieked open, there was an audible intake of breath. Backs cracked as surveyors straightened, each hungry for potential profit. 158Please respect copyright.PENANAR6qzma0S37
This was my chance. A client! A payday. Four lizardkin stomped into the hall, each draped in bloodied animal-skin loincloths and carrying large axes.158Please respect copyright.PENANANRPAbVLdux
Their outfits showed them for what they were — Barbarians. That breed of adventurer focused on the hunt, the kill, the wilds. They needed to track the biggest and meanest monsters to prove themselves worthy, and didn’t care about the potential consequences.158Please respect copyright.PENANASgvPzVGh9m
As a group, the other surveyors leaned backwards or started whispered conversations, leaving me as the sole occupant of the room, attempting to catch the leader’s eye. His emerald scales glistened in the flickering torchlight as he stomped towards me, his snarling gang in tow. 158Please respect copyright.PENANAY5EXbCBaEM
The surveyor sitting to my left darted off, cowardly, but not surprising given this type of adventurer preferred job type. Oh well, more for me. With a roar that showed off broken and yellow fangs, the leader smashed a clawed fist into my table.158Please respect copyright.PENANAiU5Z3ipJgt
My warmest smile sprang into place in response, as wood chips burrowed into my flesh. Stellar customer service was key to repeat business.158Please respect copyright.PENANAZyzTskMrjh
The line my Master drilled into me throughout my training came out in my calmest voice.158Please respect copyright.PENANAEWJkdTANIf
“Welcome to the Surveyors’ guild. What can I find for you today?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAjXrHct2iT3
The sheer volume of the leader’s threats almost knocked me from my seat. Only the bodies of his cronies that surrounded me kept me upright. On instinct, my shoulders hunched, and my body trembled. They would expect signs of weakness, and not displaying the required reactions would cause trouble. 158Please respect copyright.PENANALq4HXl7EfP
As they continued to scream, my mind wandered. What would it be like to eventually have decent clients? Visions of female lizardkin, dressed in less blood-soaked garb, came to mind. Each carrying bulging sacks overflowing with coins.158Please respect copyright.PENANAzWKxLfhJ6V
No needless screaming, beautiful women, good pay. It allowed me to keep my act together, despite the bombardment of vitriol.158Please respect copyright.PENANATwwGZL8W1v
Once the threats and general insults to my weak stature concluded, we sat around the broken table and discussed the details. My task was to travel north to the Minnius Maze, named after its guardian minotaur, located deep within The Wilds.158Please respect copyright.PENANAaJZHL07UF3
Upon arrival, discovering everything possible about Minnius was the top priority. How she fought, her weaknesses, her strengths. They also demanded access to any maps created during the journey.158Please respect copyright.PENANAjgSLQ6DYfq
It was tempting to explain the Mazes’ ever-shifting nature, but it wouldn’t matter. Divine Magics changed the layout once a month, thus if they were quick, the maps should be usable.158Please respect copyright.PENANAMj12hefZ0E
The payment came to fifteen gold coins, and a parting threat. Barely enough to pay my rent, meaning another week of eating scraps. Still, my eagerness to go outweighed my caution.158Please respect copyright.PENANAnjCn6N2TZy
My Master’s eye always twinkled whenever she ruminated on her run-ins with Minnius. Her descriptions made me keen to meet the monster. A minotaur was a rare sight. The gods banished them long ago, and they were only recently returning to Phayun, and none before were born Soul Bound.158Please respect copyright.PENANAIwGMlI2ATF
The other surveyors filled the basement with whispers and complaints, but none raised a hand to stop me from shouldering my way outside. Sunlight glinting off my rusted sword, drew in smirking glances from the richer passersby, but it barely registered.158Please respect copyright.PENANAdtpP3ORbNI
My mind laser focused on the task ahead.158Please respect copyright.PENANABg24fzLTow
***158Please respect copyright.PENANAe28PekyjgP
Neither guard spoke as the palisade clanged shut behind me.158Please respect copyright.PENANA8rKID1rSWl
Isolation filled me as the silent path stretched out into the distance. It wasn’t a serene walk, however. Danger still lurked in every ditch and bend.158Please respect copyright.PENANAPlZdQNZqFR
Though the Kingdom attempted to force civilization on the surrounding areas, it didn’t always work. Violent raids and the shipping off of undesirables kept the numbers down, although weaker monsters still tried their luck sneaking into dens nearby. A common tale spoke of the King’s tax collectors.158Please respect copyright.PENANABSp1x0Fr1K
When a traveler discovered one of his favorites ripped and bloody by the side of the road, his fury was legendary. The palace summoned the Adventurer’s Guild top strategist and trapped them with the King’s own council for several days. She left with a new decree that caught everyone’s attention.158Please respect copyright.PENANAWnqxqMCWkt
A promise from The Crown. They would pay anyone able to hold a sword, who was willing to go and clear the lands outside the walls. In their excitement, thousands took up arms. From shop boys to town guards, people left to line their pockets. 158Please respect copyright.PENANALcGQN4jLJr
Everyone in the kingdom ate well that month. Both due to the extra meat, and the plummeting number of mouths to feed. 158Please respect copyright.PENANAtti3UVkjwa
Though, no matter the amount of raids or crusades, some monsters survived. Thus, it never hurt to be prepared. My days spent scouring the city for an apprentice blacksmith, willing to sharpen a sword for a steep discount, paid off.158Please respect copyright.PENANAdEvFVfs7Rw
Over the next two days, multiple beasts after a quick snack ambushed me. As enemies went, the blood-draining Batfox was the easiest. Their furry bodies offered little defense, and if you dodged their acidic bite, they couldn’t do much with their claws.158Please respect copyright.PENANAIwHMK0QZY7
The carnivorous squirrels, Yuliops, were a different matter. They roamed in packs, deadly, and determined. Escape was the best strategy to outwit them, combined with hiding in stinking ditches, covering myself in dead leaves and animal carcasses. They weren’t scavengers and enjoyed their meat fresh.158Please respect copyright.PENANASLdoLQF8aY
On the last hill, the discomfort from my bruises, scratches and bloodied nose dulled to near nothing as the breathtaking view filled my vision. Gargantuan white and gold stones formed walls that sprawled out towards the horizon. A veritable maze of the gods, and one fitting to hold the newest Minotaur.158Please respect copyright.PENANAutfd9CYkDR
Two golden pillars thicker than the greatest oak tree flanked the entrance, each topped with a flag bearing the red and gold porcupine — the standard of the current King. Without thinking, my hand rose, and my index finger outstretched in the peasants’ customary gesture to start the Kings’ prayer.158Please respect copyright.PENANADI5kYvsmCH
“May you not die, eat well, and sleep soundly.”158Please respect copyright.PENANASSidQyWOfC
Letting my gaze wander to check the coast was clear. My hand fell to my side.158Please respect copyright.PENANAAMKEXf5mnP
“And let us poor workers follow suit.”158Please respect copyright.PENANAoId1ifDyUT
As the words evaporated into the air, the shining pillars caught my attention. Melted down, the ornate poles would be worth millions. While tempting, it was an impossible dream. Without a caravan of wagons, transporting them back to the city would be impossible. Even if the means were available, they looked solidly rooted into the ground.158Please respect copyright.PENANAmdt6pTbB0A
Numerous adventurers before me would have passed between them, and if famous for anything, it was looting. Thus, if they remained, someone had sealed them in place. Plus, they bore the King’s banner, so taking them would annoy The Crown.158Please respect copyright.PENANAnL5Fb4dPlI
Everything in the kingdom was his by right, so it was they were technically his possessions. If not for the protection Adventurers offered, and treasures they returned from the mountains with, speculators whispered, the King would execute the highest-ranked as a message.158Please respect copyright.PENANAzlusanc0xE
My eyes traced along the branching paths formed by the walls, marveling at how they created full shapes: from varying phases of the moon to leaping fish and blooming flowers.158Please respect copyright.PENANA4x7IrqGe5P
When my wandering gaze found the center, confusion raced through me. It should have been impossible to miss. An obsidian obelisk thrust up from the maze, its tip pushing into the few clouds that drifted overhead. So black, it drew in the light, casting everything ten feet around it into shadow. By studying the layout, it became rapidly clear that the obelisk would be the single marker anyone could use inside the maze, though it offered no hints at what mysteries lay at its base.158Please respect copyright.PENANAJfPtX8xyUa
Though it wouldn’t be a surprise if Minnius rested there. That was often the way. For unknown reasons, spots of power and splendor drew in the more intelligent Monsters.158Please respect copyright.PENANAI2v5L7pskq
My inks and papers were undamaged from my trip across the wilderness. Not a single quill broken, which my Master claimed as a good sign. With a flick of my wrist, a simple star marked the dungeon’s entrance on the map.158Please respect copyright.PENANAesrs2oviKM
Time to earn my keep.158Please respect copyright.PENANAFz9Oa4gLbl
***158Please respect copyright.PENANAdsambLu3aT
The height of the walls blocked out the sun, enveloping the corridors in darkness. As the light vanished, my guess was that the temperature would drop as quickly. Instead, it increased to an uncomfortable degree. Sweat dripped down my face, and my skin burned whenever it brushed against the stone.158Please respect copyright.PENANAGYOvVZmtGq
Whatever these stones were, they perfectly trapped the warmth from the sun, distributing the heat throughout the tunnel. Though, whether this was a trap for Minnius, or Adventurers wearing full plate, was a mystery. lizardkin were cold-blooded, so this alone might draw them, with no information about the maze’s guardian.158Please respect copyright.PENANATsRLpcG7Hc
With no means to overcome the oppressive heat, my new goal switched to dealing with the darkness. My master’s instructions for the trick were simple to follow: close your eyes, circulate your mana, calm your breathing.158Please respect copyright.PENANAwBfcMOLwVX
A tender burning sensation started behind my eyes, proving it worked. While my magic was pitiful, enough mana imbued my soul for this simple, dark vision spell.158Please respect copyright.PENANA0u0m8IFdDR
When growing up, my dream was wielding powerful magic. To cast spells and summon forces like the mages that worked the teleportation gate. However, after seeing multiple spell based accidental suicides. That dream died. Hard. Magic was a nasty way to go.158Please respect copyright.PENANA6h3zGnuSt8
My eyes watered with pain as the darkness brightened to dim light. Not perfect, but preferable over a lantern, giving away my position to nearby monsters. None of the reports depicted Minnius keeping pets, but it couldn’t hurt to be careful.158Please respect copyright.PENANAFQ6n0Zu06v
None of the stones that made up the floor appeared different from the walls, but still my steps remained light. Elder Surveyors whispered stories of spike pits and pressure plates that would launch darts or blades. No reason for an avoidable express trip back home. Nothing triggered, but that didn’t guarantee safety, as something stomped and huffed at the edge of my perception.158Please respect copyright.PENANAyAV6lzFtRs
The first split in the path offered two options. The left path sloped downwards, while the right veered from view not ten feet further down. A friend of my Master claimed he always followed the rule of lefts in Mazes. After a right turn found him standing before a starving, semi-translucent bear.158Please respect copyright.PENANAARmbzaLT60
A majority of his stories were rubbish, but his descriptions of being lost and confused when he tried to escape made me wary. Besides, it wasn’t wise to disregard advice from my seniors no matter how questionable, a lesson my Master beat into me daily. After several more lefts, the corridor stopped, and a mural materialized from the gloom. Small and painted with clear haste, yet beautiful in these stark surroundings.158Please respect copyright.PENANAYQ0KEg0TEa
My heart skipped a beat. A sign of treasure? Paintings and other wall markers often depicted hidden alcoves containing spoils. My slow pace crept to a crawl, coming to a stop once the image came into view.158Please respect copyright.PENANAlVMJHLhxEd
It depicted a brilliant blood-red rose growing from a strip of dirt. And upon seeing the soft colors, my breath caught as realization hit; no signs of life appeared anywhere in the maze. Not a patch of moss, nor a blade of grass. Everything was stone, rough, and dark. An intense urge for the sun's warmth overtook me, and my hand traced the curve of the flower’s petals.158Please respect copyright.PENANAdZ17Plcviy
It was warm to the touch, but didn’t burn my fingers. The rough stone was at odds with the soft look of the plant. A contrast that caused me to pause, eyes fixated on the surrounding walls. 158Please respect copyright.PENANAcM2aeHNBLA
What would living surrounded by stone do to a person? Never seeing the outside? Never knowing the touch of grass?158Please respect copyright.PENANA4atxg7zsY4
Shivers ran along my spine at the terrible thought. While my job was deadly, the travel was nice.158Please respect copyright.PENANAad71fjIwXE
“Do you like it?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAWcoV5u9qkK
My legs locked up as the voice called out. Feminine, powerful. Subtle undertones invaded the voice as well — curiosity?158Please respect copyright.PENANA6ybS3fCvNo
The sounds of hooves on stone stomped closer, stopping closer than was comfortable.158Please respect copyright.PENANA3EW5uAY1xr
“Is it that bad? I know the color might be off. It’s hard to find paints in here.”158Please respect copyright.PENANA2UZw86F0vr
“No.” The word crawled up my throat, but when it left my lips, a gut instinct told me to continue.158Please respect copyright.PENANALI6ZtX0Gfe
“It’s beautiful.”158Please respect copyright.PENANAIgId46pjMD
Adrenaline flooded my body, even though my brain stayed oddly calm. Not that running would help. She was too close and too powerful. A chase would lead to nothing but being tired before death claimed me.158Please respect copyright.PENANAA89IlSwYwK
She giggled, and something smashed into the stone walls, echoing around the corridor. A weapon? My bones cracked with the force it took to face the monster. Breath caught in my throat, as a choked gasp died before it could make it into the open air. The stories spoke of her size and build, but none captured the truth.158Please respect copyright.PENANA7tM3dZllEc
Minnius was titanic, her presence filling the surrounding space. Her powerful furred legs rocketed her into the sky, and with each landing, her cloven hooves created tremors and launched dust into the air. Her curved horns scraped the walls as her long, tangled mess of hair whipped about in a frenzy.158Please respect copyright.PENANA2PQmLA1Jnt
It reminded me of an excited child receiving her first compliment.158Please respect copyright.PENANAUh7JPh5FCF
Not that anything else about Minnius was childlike, as the rather revealing two-piece hide outfit showed. My focus lingered on her form, finding it hard to tear my gaze away. She was a lot to take in.158Please respect copyright.PENANAVCKQptAZPr
Three words entered my head: Indomitable. Powerful. Voluptuous.158Please respect copyright.PENANAhgHbMgWrIJ
To my disappointment, she stopped her joyful jumping and turned to me. Her expression became coy as she saw me watching her, and she winked.158Please respect copyright.PENANARGWawLNvZA
“Enjoying more than the art?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAVJTzg5KUlY
No verbal response was forthcoming, but she appeared happy enough with my jerking nod. Minnius sauntered forward, ample hips swinging before she shoved me back into the wall. Her muscular hand shot out, slamming next to my head as she smirked at my obvious discomfort.158Please respect copyright.PENANAM9KXT7WMB2
“Do you wish to flee? Everyone else tried. Not that it helped them.”158Please respect copyright.PENANAwzjFdUwt0J
An interesting question, one whose answer changed the longer her piercing brown eyes stared into mine. The stupid option would be to agree and attempt to flee. Maybe the maze contained a narrower passageway she couldn’t enter, allowing me to escape? The guild sanctioned option would be to follow through with my job, attack her, and then note down her fighting style once respawned.158Please respect copyright.PENANAHpgR8MfkvO
A feeling told me there might be a third option, open solely to me.158Please respect copyright.PENANA73LmOZcItA
“No, I don’t. What did you mean about the paints?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAWJXlTAsfu3
Her head cocked to the side, her hair falling over one eye. A sudden urge to brush it aside came over me, but my muscles seized at the thought. She might view any sudden move as threatening. If she did, she’d break me like a twig.158Please respect copyright.PENANARhCxKEX6zj
Her answer was slow to come. “Few carry any, which limits my supply.” Her posture straightened, and she took a step back. “This was my latest piece, a tucked-away rose. A symbol of hidden beauty, I read that in a book carried by an elf in a dumb feathered hat.” 158Please respect copyright.PENANAOesQIfVR1l
She was talking. Good. Maybe this might work.158Please respect copyright.PENANAjHJEEbpb97
“Have you done more?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAemcI1Evufy
Excitement shone in her grin before she nodded. “All around the obelisk. One woman, a cat person, carried a full tin with her. But that’s run out recently.” Her smile faltered as she leaned in once more and whispered. “Would you like to see?”158Please respect copyright.PENANAUaVMyTkwUT
In times like these, learning that customer service smile was a godsend.158Please respect copyright.PENANAqCb8zGf5Q7
“Lead on.”158Please respect copyright.PENANATy0IwgMAWJ
***158Please respect copyright.PENANAZz1xmtHkL2
Art covered the walls around her bed of furs and stolen bedrolls. Various walls depicted a rapid improvement in skill. Stick figures covered the parts nearest where she slept, turning into landscapes and depictions of her few books as we moved further out.158Please respect copyright.PENANA1P94RXrBfv
Minnius explained the story behind each and delighted in me copying them down. They weren’t for the report. No one else knew these stories, and now, if something happened to her, they wouldn’t vanish.158Please respect copyright.PENANAUE90v59u3B
When we reached the last one, the stories paused. The pictured depicted a fearsome minotaur, wearing what appeared to be a silver crown. Her shoulders slumped as she looked at him, her expression sorrowful. She knew him.158Please respect copyright.PENANAUV4hxTqoai
Her tone was soft, sad, and respectful. My quill stopped. This wasn’t a story meant to be recorded by someone like me.158Please respect copyright.PENANA9EkBHR3kBd
“The Labyrinth King. Banished to the mazes of the underworld. An outstanding leader, impressive enough to allow me to escape. I miss him.”158Please respect copyright.PENANACcur2pixDf
No appropriate words came to me, so silence reigned as we stared at the King of the Minotaurs. Minnius broke the silence after what felt like hours.158Please respect copyright.PENANALbB2fNs94A
“Can you get me more paint?”158Please respect copyright.PENANA17oswuFT8e
“Yes, but for a favor.”158Please respect copyright.PENANA7iwk3vkcmv
While sparse, a few trinkets and treasures littered the cavern. Leftovers from dead Adventurers. The foremost reason My Master taught me to attach everything possible to my belt. You only revived with what you carried.158Please respect copyright.PENANAPnKIguPR7N
She noticed where my gaze was going.158Please respect copyright.PENANA34oFRUNPak
“It’s yours. I don’t need it, not really. They’re pretty, but compared to paints...” Minnius trailed off wistfully.158Please respect copyright.PENANAJFZLvJLo4O
“You may have to fight for them. A few lizardkin will bring them. Strong adventurers, with big axes and bigger egos.”158Please respect copyright.PENANApVm4bdKdL1
Laughter filled the air, so pretty from such an intimidating woman.158Please respect copyright.PENANAaxuJlHCZGd
“That won’t be a problem.”158Please respect copyright.PENANA6CMoTRe5ec
There was no doubt in my mind that she spoke the truth. With the treasures placed neatly into my satchel, my hand raised to shake on our deal. Minnius laughed again. In a heartbeat, she scooped me up into a hug. Smothered into soft brown skin, my nose filled with her scent — all the odors of the wilds.158Please respect copyright.PENANAPYi5C2sbNO
More pleasant than expected.158Please respect copyright.PENANASiNWJcfxla
Her hug tightened, and my bones creaked. She ignored my struggling, her powerful arms wrapping me tighter with each passing second. A rib popped, and instead of letting me go, she sang a lullaby.158Please respect copyright.PENANAVSFKxe2AM9
Though sung in a foreign language, the words were calming even as my bones splintered. The last image my brain conjured before the final rupture was of her excited smile.158Please respect copyright.PENANA4le5DMBcNa
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158Please respect copyright.PENANAy1rAm2KgF4