Into The Maze by Euan McAllen

Author:Euan McAllen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, world, surreal, romance, dark, murder, mystery, war, maze, revolution
ISBN: 9781785387456
Publisher: Andrews UK
Published: 2017-08-16T04:00:00+00:00

Part Five: Checkmate

Gregory approached the Maze, preparing to enter, to leave the kingdom. The previous time he did this he did not return for eighteen years and that thought gave him the weirdest feeling. The Maze was ahead of him, with all its complications and deceits. He did not want to go inside - nor did his men - but he had to get the prince out, back home, safe and sound like his brother. It was his duty. Suddenly there was a commotion ahead and his thoughts were brought back into sharp focus: there was the sound of people and horse’s hooves. It grew louder. He could hear voices. They were shouting, cheering. They were on their way out of the Maze.

Gregory instructed his soldiers to hold steady and lower their swords. He waited with bated breath as bodies came into view. Was it Iedazimus? No. It was Mozak tumbling out into the sunlight, squinting and shouting for others to keep up. So Mozak was back. Thank the lord. And there was young Mutz, and that castaway monk Fargo, and on the horse perched Esmeralda! And there was his brother looking fed-up as usual. And who was the scruffy man with the beard? They all looked exhausted, wasted. With the exception of Esmeralda no one was pleased to see him, especially not his brother. Mozak looked driven, like he was spoiling for a fight. His brother entered a sulk on seeing him and refused to make eye contact. The rest of them tried to take in the view. They looked lost. And as the scruffy bearded man drew nearer, the truth hit Gregory and his heart sank. Please no, was his desperate thought. Things had suddenly got even more complicated.

Mozak walked right up to him. He had an urgent question.

‘Is he here?’

‘Of course. He’s safe.’

‘I don’t care if he’s safe I just want to know if he’s here.’

Gregory and ex-king Helmotti exchanged glances: they had a lot to talk about, later, in a place where they could not be overheard.

Mozak began to shake and Esmeralda slipped down from the horse and rushed forwards to grab his hand. He took it and held it tight.

‘I must get back.’

‘I know,’ she said.

They looked inseparable.

Gregory tried to take charge. ‘When you’re ready Mozak-’

‘Prince Mozak to you.’

‘Apologies. Prince Mozak, when you are ready let me take you to my cottage.’

‘Our cottage,’ said Foccinni.

‘My cottage brother.’ Gregory did not like being corrected by his brother.

Mozak looked at Foccinni, suspicious, then back at Gregory, and sneered.

‘So this is your brother.’

‘Yes.’

‘And he knows Tascho.’

‘Yes.’

Gregory cut in, to avoid the exchanges becoming complicated. ‘I can see you all need a rest. Let me take you to my cottage.’

‘I’m going home,’ said Mozak emphatically. ‘Now.’

‘Let me speak to the king first.’

‘No. Foccinni, show them the way. I’m going on to the castle. It’s my home. It’s where I belong.’ Mozak was not going to be stopped.

Gregory tried to persuade him otherwise. ‘That’s not a good idea.’

‘Guards, you know who I am yes?’

They did and stirred in their saddles, uneasy.

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