The Labyrinth

Areteon and Dolosa entered the towering labyrinth, sunlight glistening off their breastplates.

They followed the curve of the labyrinth until they reached a crossroad.

‘Left,’ ordered Areteon.

‘I’ll follow your lead,’ said Dolosa. She drew a line in the dirt with her foot to mark the path they came from.

Every time they came to a split, Areteon led.

The sun dipped behind the hedges as a putrid stench hit them. Two corpses lay against the hedge. Dolosa covered her nose and examined the bodies.

‘Beaten in combat and left for the animals.’

‘They were weak.’ Areteon picked up a spear and large shield. ‘Grab what you need and let’s keep going.’

Dolosa strapped on bronze vambraces and tested a sword.

Moonlight guided them, occasional howls breaking the calm. As they continued, two pairs of glowing eyes emerged from the shadows.

Areteon banged his shield. The wolves attacked. Areteon impaled the first one and knocked the second one towards Dolosa with his shield. Dolosa dove onto the wolf, blocked its teeth with her vambrace and slit its throat.

They kept making their way through the labyrinth, fighting off the occasional wild animal until the shadows of the night were burnt away by the rising sun.

They turned another corner and found themselves on a long straight path. An armoured giant wielding a spiked club blocked their path.

‘Behind him,’ said Dolosa. ‘That’s the end of the labyrinth.’

‘Alright. One last fight and the glory of conquering this labyrinth is mine.’

Areteon charged with Dolosa right behind. The giant held his ground. With one swing of his club, he battered Areteon’s shield and knocked him back into Dolosa. Sending them both flying onto their backs.

They took a more cautious approach. Their attacks connected, but didn’t slow him down. Leaping in and out, doing their best to avoid getting hit.

Dolosa took a step back to catch her breath. She took in her surroundings. They had ended up with their backs to the end of the labyrinth. They were too far away to make a run for the exit. Unless… there was something to distract him.

A swift slice. Blood splattered. Areteon cried out and clutched his leg.

‘What did you do?!’ he said with embers burning in his eyes.

‘It’s the only way.’

Dolosa sprinted for the exit while Areteon screamed. She looked back and saw the giant rip away Areteon’s shield and deal a fatal blow.

Dolosa burst into an open field. Freedom at last.