Bishop_Betrayal

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Bishop_Betrayal Page 8

by Michael D. Young


  He was halfway through when something hit them hard from below, sending the plane into a spin. He activated the stone power, praying it wasn’t too late. Over the blaring of an alarm and the screaming of the passengers, Rich yelled the last words he needed, hoping it would be enough.

  In an instant, the plane went from spinning wildly through the air to completely motionless...upside down. It seemed the Corridor had taken them in during a spin, leaving them as they were at the moment of entry. It took Aaron a moment to realize they had stopped, letting his yell die away. He looked over at Rich sheepishly and ran a hand through his messy hair. “Well, look at that. A perfect landing.”

  Rich reached out and punched him gently on the arm. “Hey, give some credit to your copilot. Wanna guess how many people threw up?”

  Aaron sniffed loudly and wrinkled his nose. “Can’t blame them if they did,” he said, working at his straps. “That was what I think you call...turbulent.”

  Thinking he should give Aaron the award for understatement of the year, Rich worked on his own straps, managing to let himself down before all the blood rushed to his head. He used one of his conjuring spheres to create a ladder so he could reach the door leading from the cockpit and opened it slowly. “How’s everyone in there?”

  A chorus of groans and retching sounds met him, accompanied by the expected stink of vomit. “Fine, no thanks to you!” Angela cried, who was still hanging from her seat belt suspended from the ceiling, coughing and struggling against her bonds. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and Rich dashed over to help her out, being sure to watch his step.

  The second she was out, she clung to him, shaking slightly. “Sorry I said that. I’m sure you’re the reason we’re not dead. We aren’t dead, right?”

  Rich patted her gently on the back. “No, I think we’re okay for now. Why don’t you sit down and rest for a sec while I see if anyone else needs help?”

  Nodding, Angela sat and leaned back against the wall. “You know, I don’t usually get sick on airplanes. But that was...” She gestured, using her hand to weave a crazy pattern through the air.

  “Yeah, I know,” Rich said. “Crazy.”

  It turned out that no one else really needed help, though Angela wasn’t the only one who had lost her lunch. Aaron motioned for everyone to gather at the doors, which people did as soon as they felt up to it.

  “Everyone, be ready,” Phillip warned. “We helped them get in, but we don’t know what they have in mind. Dark knights are notoriously ungrateful.”

  “Agreed,” St. George said, removing his blade. “Why don’t you follow my lead? My shield has braved the hottest of dragon fire. It should be able to deflect anything they might throw at us.”

  They all gathered behind St. George, who picked up his shield from what was now the floor and held it in front of him. One the count of three, Aaron hit the button to open the door, which folded upward.

  All those behind St. George flinched for a moment, but relaxed when no attack came. Looking out through the door, Rich could see that they didn’t have far to go to reach the ground. St. George jumped out first and the others followed, being sure to keep behind the protection of his shield.

  Instead of the entrance hall Rich had grown used to, they now appeared in what looked like an airplane hangar with gray walls and floors made of plates of metal riveted together. Enormous steel lamps hung from the ceiling, casting pools of light over the entire space.

  On the other side of the hangar, Rich could see the nemesis aircraft standing right-side up as though it had set down there on purpose. Just their luck.

  As one, they approached the craft, everyone brandishing their weapons. A gangplank lowered from the nemesis plane, and three dark knights stepped out. Mallory led the way, followed by two dark knights Rich didn’t recognize. The second was a tall woman with red hair, and the third was a giant of a man with pale skin and short-cropped black hair.

  “Jezreel,” Phillip whispered behind Rich. “That’s her, son. My nemesis. The one who left me in the cage for the Gigantaurs.”

  Rich shuddered. “And that third one? Do you know him?”

  “I do,” his mother said. “That’s Bruno. My nemesis. I’m guessing they didn’t do this by accident.”

  Phillip snorted. “Not at all. They want to put us off balance. Can’t say I’m too surprised.”

  The three dark knights approached with raised hands, showing they were unarmed. “Now, Richie, you don’t have to try so hard to make an entrance,” Mallory said.

  “Well said, dearie,” Jezreel chimed in. “Always showing off, these paladins.”

  Bruno didn’t seem to have anything to say on the matter.

  “Enough,” St. George said. “Tell us how this works. Can you still navigate this maze, even though everything has changed?”

  Jezreel stepped to the front, keeping her arms raised. Rich squinted as he looked at her. Something about her seemed so much like Mallory, not only in the way she looked, but the way she moved. Could there be some relation? Mallory hadn’t ever given a hint about her family.

  “We can, no matter what the labyrinth looks like. We hold a piece of the door at the center of the maze, which glows brighter as we approach it. With it, we are able to tell if we’re on the right track. The question is, did you bring the key?”

  St. George handed his shield to Phillip and nodded. He then reached into a pouch about his waist and withdrew a pair of transparent glass rods in which rainbow patterns danced continuously. He handed one to Nadia and the other to Angela. “We have these two sections with us, and for the remainder, we have Sir Heinrich. I believe you already know of his remarkable abilities. Now can we simply agree that we need each other and move on?”

  “Yes, I think that will do,” Bruno said, his voice much higher than Rich had anticipated, with a slight Cockney accent. “I’m anxious to test our skills against whatever creatures infest this wretched place. They don’t stand a chance, I’d say.”

  St. George nodded, and everyone lowered their weapons. “Very well,” he said. “If you don’t mind, follow me.”

  The dark knights fell in with the paladins, and all of them turned their sights to a metal door that made up most of the far wall. As they approached, the door started rising with a loud squeak of metal.

  “Who would enter the maze?” called a booming otherworldly voice.

  "We are group of knights, and so have the right to enter," Mallory answered.

  "You have no right unless I say you do," the voice cried. “For too long, I’ve studied the knightly law. Do not presume to lecture me."

  As Rich listened, he realized it sounded like the Gray Knight who had watched over the entrance the last time he was here, only much louder and meaner.

  The darkness rolled back like an opening door, and out stepped a figure that nearly reached the ceiling. It looked vaguely like a Gigantaur made completely of interlocking metal plates that rubbed against each other as it lumbered toward them. All the knights raised their weapons, and the creature stopped about a stone’s throw away.

  The head flipped backward in a movement that reminded Rich of the Transformer toys he played with when he was younger. A tall, broad- shouldered man with dark hair and skin stood in the head compartment, dark chains connected to manacles around his ankles and wrists.

  "Takka!" Phillip cried. "He's turned you into one of those things? I'm so sorry!"

  Takka stared straight ahead, his voice carrying far as he spoke. It wasn't the same voice that had spoken before.

  "This is my master’s maze now," he said. “He has done away with all keys but one. There are no shortcuts, nor is there any other way out than right here. Do you st
ill wish to enter?"

  "Of course," Jezreel shouted. “Step aside and let us through—or would you rather we take you apart first? I can make fine armor from what's left over."

  No keys but one. That meant they would have to find a new way to deal with these Gigantaurs, if that’s still what they were called. They wouldn’t be able to unlock them.

  "Maybe we don't want to insult them," Angela said.

  Bruno scoffed and pointed his weapon, a black crossbow, directly at Takka. "What do you know? I bet the silver puppet’s not so tough. Let’s see what happens when we take out the puppet master.”

  Phillip stepped in front of Bruno, his arms held out to the sides. "No, he’s a paladin. He's been pressed into service. Can’t you see he’s under a spell or something? I can’t strike down one of our own."

  "You mean one of your own," Mallory said. "I won’t have any trouble if he gets in the way."

  An argument rose for a few seconds, cut off by the loud clang of the headpiece slamming back into place. "My master thinks it would be an interesting test to allow you to brave the maze. He is confident this will show his superiority once and for all. Do not seek me out. If we should meet again, it shall be on the field of battle."

  Rich looked over and saw an interesting expression on Jezreel’s face. She looked pained—sad, even. Perhaps this was someone she knew.

  The Gigantaur stepped aside, gesturing with one enormous arm for them to proceed. Phillip led out, the dark knights following close behind him. Rich’s mother ran to catch up and Rich brought up the rear, falling in beside Nadia. They didn’t say anything for a long time, and he could see that her hand seemed to have developed an involuntary twitch.

  “So, what do you think about this?” Rich asked. “Pretty crazy, huh?"

  Nadia walked in silence for a few seconds, her jaw clenching and clenching. “Yeah, I guess. Didn't know you were a pilot. You could use a few more landing lessons."

  Rich couldn't argue with that, but it also hurt him how strained Nadia’s speech sounded, like it was hard to get the words out. “So, anything I can do?" he asked.

  Nadia gave a slightly delayed shrug. "I guess they have flight schools and stuff."

  "No, I mean for you. I don’t think I have a career in flying. Most of what I know comes from video games."

  Nadia stared straight ahead. "I'm all right," she said.

  Rich tilted his head to one side, trying to find any evidence that she was actually okay. "You don't look like you're all right. If you're feeling sick, I have healing powers. I could help."

  He reached out to touch Nadia’s arm, but she pulled back. "I said I'm all right!" she snapped. "I just want to be alone right now, that's all."

  Rich nodded, increasing his pace so he now walked by Jan. Something was definitely wrong with Nadia, and he was gonna figure out what it was. Just probably not right now.

  Together they passed through the darkened entrance to the maze. They came to a balcony overlooking an enormous labyrinth with twisting green-walled corridors that stretched out in all directions. Rich studied the serpentine patterns and found that he couldn’t make any sense of them. A grand staircase led downward toward what Rich assumed was the beginning of their journey. "Can anyone see where we’re supposed to go?” he asked. “Because I can't."

  Jezreel stood at the top of the steps, looking down. "No, but there appears to be more of those creatures, and so I vote for wherever they are not. I have the navigation device, so I will be leading the way. Do try to keep up."

  They formed a single file behind Jezreel and descended. As they went, the voice from the hangar spoke to them again. “Things are different now. The old maze was much too complicated. Anyone with the proper skills should be able to solve it. As you proceed, you will face three obstacles, each followed by a long section of the maze that you will need to navigate successfully. As the obstacles don't have bright signs warning you about them, you must remain vigilant. If you move too fast, I'll send some of my Neotaurs after you. If you prove yourself worthy, you may just find the door to secure a seat to witness the greatest conflict of all time."

  The ominous voice faded and Rich shook his head, scarcely able to believe that it belonged to the same Gray Knight who seemed about as scary as an elderly Walmart greeter. But those were the most dangerous kinds of enemies—the ones you never expected.

  It was the longest staircase Rich had ever walked down, and he found himself hoping they wouldn't have to walk up a similar one when they were done. Unfortunately, his abilities did not include flying. As they went, they broke their line and split into groups, talking to each other to pass the time and constantly looking around for any signs of danger. Rich found himself next to Jan. "What do you think of all this?" Rich asked.

  The large knight shrugged, glancing over one shoulder and then the other. "I don't know if I'm going to be able to sleep. Don't like working with dark knights, but at least I know I'm in good company with you and your friends."

  He remained silent for a minute. "There are a few more things I need to tell you about your ability, especially about making a magical servant. When you get strong enough, you'll be able to make one that is a lot more solid. That’s actually how they allow knights from the past to return for a time, like Aaron over there. Deep in the sanctuary, there is a knight who has been put into a dreamlike state and is constantly giving Aaron the ability to have a physical form. If his physical form is destroyed, it is very unpleasant for the knight doing the dreaming. Someday, you may be asked to do this, but I can help you if you'd like. I think it would be good if we practiced when we stop to rest. How does that sound?"

  Rich nodded, still trying to imagine what it would be like to perform that kind of spell. "Does that mean that the sleeping knight sees everything Aaron’s doing?"

  "Yes, he does. It's like a very detailed motion picture. Fortunately for them, the life of a knight is often exciting.”

  Finally, they reached the bottom of the stairs and saw high stone walls with massive gates cut into them. All the walls and the gates were covered with tropical vines and plants so it looked like they were headed into a jungle. The sounds of insects, birds, and running water came from within, and the foliage was so thick above them that they would walk in near darkness.

  Jezreel kept walking right toward the entrance, but St. George called for her to stop. "Let’s be wise about this. I know the proverbial dragon’s lair when I see one. None of us should ever travel alone. I suggest that we all partner up and insist that each person be accountable for the whereabouts of his or her partner at all times. We should keep a slow and steady pace so we can be as close to each other as we can. Where there's dragon smoke, there’s a dragon, as I always say."

  He turned to Nadia and Angela. "Civilians, the two of you travel near the middle of the pack so we can afford you the most protection."

  Nadia rolled her eyes, but Angela nodded enthusiastically.

  Jezreel let out an exasperated sigh, her hand on her hip. "All right. If the Scoutmaster’s done talking, let's go. You heard what the Gray Knight said. He's not going to wait forever."

  St. George muttered something under his breath, but was gracious enough not to say it so everyone could hear. Angela and Nadia went together, Jezreel and Mallory, Rich’s parents, and then Rich and Aaron. Rich wondered who was going to be with Bruno, but he walked alone without complaint. He would probably count for two in a battle.

  They passed the gate, and as soon as the last person was through, it slid shut behind them with the sound of grinding stone. Light came from above, like sunlight, but not much of it made it through the thick canopy above them. The air felt sticky and smelled wonderful, with hints of tropical flowers, fruits, and fresh water.


  “Ever been through a jungle, Aaron?” Rich asked. “I kinda feel like I’m going to step on a giant snake or something.”

  Aaron glanced around, and Rich could see that his hair was already getting puffy again in all the humidity. “Never, but I don’t like it. I feel as though I’ve just stepped out of the shower and can’t get dry.”

  Rich chuckled, but he couldn’t help feeling tense. Strange rumbles and growls came from the darkness, snapping twigs and unearthly moans. He expected the first challenge to leap from the darkness and take out half of them before they had time to respond.

  “I’m worried about those Neotaurs,” Rich said, keeping his voice soft. “I could imagine more of those key tips for our swords, but I don’t think those would do any good. The Gigantaurs probably learned their lesson. It’s like the second Death Star. Different weakness.”

  Aaron chewed on his lip for a second before recognition dawned. “Ah, yes, I’ve been catching up on those movies. War of the Stars, right?”

  “Something like that,” Rich said with a chuckle.

  They crept through the maze, following Jezreel every time the road forked, which it did often. She would sometimes hold up a hand for them all to stop while she figured it out, clutching an amulet around her neck.

  What seemed like hours later, they came to a clearing in the maze where over a dozen roads branched out in all directions. Jezreel called a halt, keeping her hand raised as she rotated slowly in a complete circle. “This is going to take a while,” she grumbled. “Let’s make camp for now, but keep your guard up. This would be the perfect place for an ambush.”

  The formation broke up, and Rich nodded to Aaron. “I think I’m going to check on Nadia and Angela.”

  A curious expression crossed Aaron’s face. “You know, why don’t you let me do that? This Angela...what can you tell me about her? She is a...lovely woman.”

  Rich nearly snorted, but caught himself. It wouldn’t be nice to make fun. He then felt a bit sad as he thought about his cousins Erica and Marie and how devastated they would be if they knew that Aaron was paying attention to other girls.

 

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