Chapter 14 #2
“They would, but I happen to know a place you can go where you’d be protected.
It wouldn’t have a ton of people, but you’d be safe from harm.
As well, you’d have access to food, your own room with anything you need, and books.
Lots of them.” Taurus had his sword point resting on the ground as he negotiated.
“Would this room have a window?” A winsome query.
“Yup.”
“And could I bring my cat?”
“Of course. I doubt Tower would mind.”
Circe’s eyes widened. “Tower would be perfect for Asterion. It’s huge and really nice, and Tower is really good at giving people what they need.”
“When you say tower….”
“Ever heard of the Tower of Babel?” Taurus asked.
“Was it not destroyed?”
Taurus shook his head. “Just hidden from the world, which makes it a great spot for a guy who shouldn’t be seen. Before you think you’d be trading one prison for another, I should mention, it’s huge with every amenity you could think of. Plus, you can go outside.”
“It sounds too good to be true. How do I know you’re not lying?” Asterion had the right to be suspicious.
“Because I’m a warrior of his word.” Taurus put his hand on his chest.
“Or a very good liar.”
“How can we convince you?” Circe interjected.
“First explain how you plan to extract me with your star magic.” Asterion stopped pacing and stared at Taurus.
“As part of my avatar gifts, I can beam from just about anywhere into Tower’s portal room.”
“And it works in the Labyrinth?” Skepticism hued Asterion’s query.
Taurus nodded. “I tested to see if I could touch my ability, and while fainter than when outside, it appears intact.”
“Oh, how I’m tempted, but what if you lie?” Asterion lamented, which led Circe to asking, “What can we do to reassure you?”
“I require some form of surety. I’ll give you the astrolábos plans in return for my freedom, but to ensure you keep your word, you will remove me first and then return for the woman.”
A suggestion that had Taurus shaking his head. “I’m not leaving Circe here alone.”
“I assure you she will be quite safe in this chamber. One of the few niceties accorded to me. A safe place to rest my head. The monsters that return, no matter how many times I cull, cannot seem to enter. Pity it didn’t also keep out humans.
So what say you? Will you leave your woman here as surety? ”
“It’s not up to me. Circe should be the one to decide.” Which led to both males looking at her.
What she wanted to say? No. The thought of being there alone terrified. However, they needed those plans, and a part of her felt bad for the minotaur. How awful to be imprisoned his entire life, hundreds of lifetimes at this point. It was a miracle he remained cogent and sane.
Surely she could swallow her misgivings and give him a chance at freedom.
“I’ll do it. Take Asterion to Tower and then come back for me.”
“It won’t be quick, as I won’t be able to beam directly back inside,” he reminded.
“I understand you’ll be a few hours.” Which was how long it had taken them to cross the gorge and find the center of the maze. “At least I won’t be holding you back, and you won’t have to clear out the spiders and rats again.”
“They will take a few days before they start reappearing,” Asterion confirmed.
“You’re sure?” Taurus eyed her intently.
“We have no choice.”
“There’s always a choice,” he growled, his hand tightening on the pommel of his sword.
She could practically read his mind. Kill the minotaur, locate the schematic, leave. She put her hands on Taurus’ chest. “I’ll be fine. I’ll nap while you’re gone so I can be rested for later.” She offered a smile and a pathetic attempt at a sexy wink.
He sighed. “I don’t like it. We should all just leave together.”
“Then you have no incentive to keep me alive,” Asterion growled. “My way, if you break your promise and I die, then so does she.”
Taurus stiffened. “Explain yourself. I thought you said the center of the Labyrinth was safe.”
“It is. However, this entire structure is linked to me. Upon my death, the spell will evaporate, and my prison will collapse.” No need for him to add the part where anyone inside would be killed.
“Then it’s a good thing I’m not planning to betray you. Grab your stuff so we can go.”
“There is nothing here I ever want to see again other than kitty.”
“What about the plans we came for?” Taurus glanced around at the clutter.
“I assumed the lady would want me to leave the instructions to build the astrolábos as insurance you’ll return for her.”
Circe glanced at Taurus. “I know he’ll come back for me, so I’d rather the schematic go with you. We need to start fabricating and assembling the parts as soon as possible.”
Asterion bent over to grab a fat book, the binding of it falling apart. He flipped it open and removed several loose and yellowed sheets, which he tucked inside his ragged vest. He then scooped his kitty before giving a nod. “I’m ready.
“Soon as I dump his ass at Tower and hand the instructions over, I’m heading right back,” Taurus promised, dragging her close.
“I’ll be waiting,” she whispered against his lips as they shared a kiss.
“Don’t leave this room,” Taurus advised before addressing Asterion. “Time to go.”
Circe hugged herself as Taurus placed his hand on Asterion’s arm, and Asterion eyed it suspiciously. In the blink of an eye—the bright flash forcing the lids shut—they were gone.
And she was alone.
Napping proved impossible, and so she amused herself going through Asterion’s gathered treasures.
Ancient tomes with writing so faded it would be of no use to a historian.
Dented pieces of armor piled in a corner.
Under a heap of rags, she found the treasure he’d spoken of, a medley of rings, necklaces, loose jewels, and coins.
Before boredom had a chance to set in, the scuffing of footsteps indicated someone approaching. Taurus made it back much faster than expected.
Too fast.
Just as it occurred to her that it might not be Taurus, Demetrius entered the maze’s inner chamber with a smirk.