Chapter 14
The twining hall loops had been getting tighter and tighter, a strong indication they neared the center. Thus far, while scary, their quest appeared to be on track, or more specifically, they remained alive and unharmed, all because of the man who boldly strode in front of her.
Watching Taurus put his warrior skills to work had been more thrilling than expected—once she got over her initial urge to barf at all the gore.
The man moved so fluidly, his motions not only rapid and precise, but elegant, too.
He didn’t do any showboating maneuvers; every motion had a purpose.
If he kicked out a leg, it connected with a threat.
If he whirled, it was only to halt an attack at his back.
He showed no fear and seemed to perversely enjoy the challenge.
She’d never known anyone like him, and he wasn’t the only one who couldn’t wait to complete their mission so they could find a bed—and a shower, because ew.
Between the cobwebs, the soot, the spatter of blood from the rats, and the slugs that fell from the ceiling and required stomping, she’d never been filthier.
However, Taurus didn’t seem to mind, judging by the way he dropped teasing promises and how, when they paused, he dragged her close for a kiss.
He seemed utterly serious when he’d stated he hoped she’d stick around.
Rather than scoff or dismiss it out of hand, she actually pondered it.
While she did enjoy her work at the observatory, what if she could be a part of something bigger, protecting people in a way few could imagine?
Discovering and learning about their world on a new level, one where the impossible existed.
What of the possibility she might meet an alien and get the opportunity to find out what lay beyond their solar system?
Add in Taurus—the hunk who was more than just growing on her—and the temptation might prove to be too much. Her biggest worry? Not being able to see or talk to her family on a regular basis.
“Be alert. I think we’re close,” Taurus whispered, his voice not at normal volume for the first time since they’d entered.
“How can you tell?” she softly replied.
He switched off his headlamp. Scary, until she realized she could see in the dark. Ahead, around the bend in the wall, illumination.
She barely dared breathe as they treaded quietly toward the source. Quiet as mice and yet still noticed. A low growl raised the hairs on her body, but what froze her blood?
“Let them in, kitty,” a deep gravelly voice said.
Hold on. Was someone else in the Labyrinth?
Taurus kept his sword in hand as he strode boldly to confront the speaker. She crept more cautiously and chose to remain tucked close to the wall, watching.
Taurus entered the heart of the maze, a large circular room filled with an eclectic array of junk repurposed to create…
a home. How else to describe the strangeness of the room?
It had a table constructed of pieces of armor and bone.
A bed comprised of clothing stitched together like a quilt.
Fur on the floor acted as carpets. Helmets, with their eyes and nose holes filled in, sat upright and appeared filled with fluid.
Hanging from the rafters, drying strips of meat.
Most astonishing of all, though, was not the fat striped Cretan wildcat—which for the unfamiliar was only slightly larger than a regular housecat, brown striped with a bushy tail—but the minotaur.
Just like the stories claimed, he had the body of a man—tall and very wide—but the head of a beast.
And he could speak.
“Greetings, strangers. It’s been a long time since any have visited my home,” the minotaur said in accented Greek.
Taurus didn’t let down his guard but sounded casual as he replied. “You weren’t easy to find. The stairs to your maze disappeared long gone, and a rockfall blocked the cave entrance. I cleared it, by the way. You should start seeing more guests.”
“That would be most excellent, as my supplies have grown sparse and shabby.”
“Ever occur to you to leave?” Taurus kept up the casual conversation.
“This prison was built to prevent that.”
Circe couldn’t contain her curiosity. “How are you not dead? Aren’t you thousands of years old?”
“I haven’t the slightest clue. Time passes differently in here.” The beast perused her with amber-colored eyes. “A lady. What a delight. I haven’t seen one of you since my mother stopped visiting. As to your query, the same spell that keeps me locked away also ensures I cannot die.”
“Rumor on the outside is you were slayed by decapitation.”
The minotaur snorted. “I’m sure that would work, but none have ever managed more than a flesh wound.”
“Then they weren’t very good fighters.”
“I take it you’re here to slay me for the glory of the feat?” Minotaur sighed. “So tedious.”
“Don’t attack me and I won’t kill you.”
“So confident,” Minotaur snorted. “I should mention those who came here exhibiting the same arrogance never left.”
“Do you have a name?” Circe felt her fear melting in the face of the articulate creature.
“Asterion, which means—”
“The starry one,” Taurus murmured.
“And whom do I have the pleasure of meeting?” Asterion asked as he scooped the cat twining around his legs.
“I’m Circe, from Athens, and my companion is Taurus.”
Asterion snorted. “What a silly name.”
An offended Taurus arched a brow. “Why?”
“Because, while you are as large as me, you’re no bull.”
“No, I’m not, but I’m starrier than you. I’m a Zodiac Warrior, the avatar for the Astraeus Taurus constellation to be exact.”
“Really?” Asterion didn’t hide his surprise.
“You’ve heard of us?”
“Only vague rumors brought to me by my mother. She once harbored hope your kind could free me from my prison. Alas, she never managed to locate one of you.”
Taurus glanced around with a frown. “We have been known to break spells, but given how the world has changed, that might not be doing you a kindness.”
“Says the man who hasn’t read the same books thousands of times,” Asterion retorted.
“Fair point. Think of it more as a warning. Humanity has exploded since you were locked away, and I doubt they’d react kindly to your appearance. You would likely be hunted, captured for dissection, or put on display.”
“Some things never change.” The minotaur sighed, and Circe couldn’t help but feel bad for him. “But where are my manners? Won’t you join me for some fresh spring water?” Minotaur waved to a basin filled to the brim with glistening liquid.
“While that’s very kind, we’re actually pressed for time,” Taurus stated. “We’re here looking for something.”
“Greedy treasure hunters,” the minotaur hissed. “What are you after? A crown? Rings? Necklaces? All of it?”
“We have no interest in trinkets but rather seek a specific book or parchment explaining the Antikythera mechanism,” Circe explained.
Asterion’s brow furrowed. “I’m afraid I’ve never come across that term in any of the writs in my possession.”
“That can’t be right. Our seer said it would be here.” Taurus cast his glance around as if he would simply spot it.
Circe, though, slapped her forehead. “I’m so dumb.
It most definitely went by a different name at the time of its creation, only we don’t know it.
We called it Antikythera because it was discovered in a wreck off that isle’s shore.
Since we don’t have all the pieces needed to rebuild the original, we came searching for the schematic.
Have you seen anything in your books about a device comprised of gears and—”
Asterion interrupted. “You speak of the astrolábos. An invention to track the movement of planets.”
“Yes!” she and Taurus shouted. “So you have it.”
“I do,” Asterion confirmed. “But I can’t simply give it to you, as that would be a poor bargain on my part.”
“What do you want for it?” Taurus began pulling stuff from his belt. “I’ve got a headlamp, some rations, a dagger…”
At each mention, the minotaur shook his horned head. “There is only one thing you have that I want.” He paused, before saying, “Companionship.”
“Er, what?” Taurus stuttered.
“It’s lonely here. While kitty does help somewhat with that, its inability to speak makes it a less-than-ideal companion. It’s been quite some time since anyone stayed with me.”
“Hold on. Are you saying you’ve kept some of your previous visitors?” Circe squeaked.
“I only kill if attacked. Alas, most chose to fight, but two did choose to remain as my friend.”
“What happened to them?” Taurus eyed the helms as he asked.
“One was killed by a spider in the tunnel. The other died of old age. The longevity spell doesn’t extend to anyone but me. I’d given up hope on having companionship, so your arrival is most fortuitous.”
“We’re not staying here,” Taurus growled.
“Not you. I doubt we’d get along. I’ll trade you the astrolábos for the woman.”
Before Circe could say anything, Taurus barked, “Like fuck.”
“Then I guess you won’t get what you came for.” Asterion crossed his beefy arms, and his expression turned stubborn.
“But we need those plans” Circe exclaimed. “Without them, the world will end.”
“Then at least I won’t be stuck here anymore,” grumbled the minotaur.
“I really hate you’re going to make me kill you.” Taurus sighed, pulling his sword.
“Wait!” Circe jumped between them. “What if we could get you out of here? Would you consider that in trade instead?”
“I told you, the spell won’t allow it.”
Circe whirled to Taurus. “His mother seemed to think a Zodiac Warrior could free him. Can you?”
A query that had Taurus looking contemplative. “Maybe.”
“Mother brought several wizards and witches; however, their esoteric power proved to be no match for my curse.”
“There is no power mightier than that of the stars,” Taurus stated.
Asterion paced with a hand tugging the beard on his chin. “Freedom would be amazing, but didn’t you say the humans would likely kill or reimprison me?”