Sophia, Princess Among Beasts by James Patterson

Author:James Patterson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Published: 2019-07-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 40

Or perhaps I should say something. In a narrow patch of dim, silvery sunlight, just before the castle stables, crouched a Sphinx.

Its great eyes were closed, but it knew I was there. I could hear its breathing, calm and heavy. Patient. Inquisitive.

It’s not as big as I’d imagined it would be, I thought—and then that thought struck me with its absurdity. Had I ever, thumbing through my old beloved book, really imagined what size a Sphinx would be? No—because a Sphinx didn’t exist.

Except, of course, that it did.

The Sphinx had shared a page with the Bennu, and I looked up, halfway expecting to see a huge, blue, heron-like creature gazing down at me from the castle wall. But it was just the two of us here: serene Sphinx and panting beast.

The magnificent thing opened one eye. “Good afternoon, Princess.” Its voice was a low rumble, the sound of some ancient, primordial thunder.

And I didn’t know why I did it, but I curtsied! Did I think that politeness would earn me passage? I had no idea how a Sphinx preferred to kill a girl, and I did not intend to find out. I began to inch away.

The creature laughed. “Surely you know the rules,” it said.

I swallowed. “No.”

But this was a lie—of course I knew. I’d read them in my book.

“You cannot deceive me, and you cannot pass me unless I allow it,” the Sphinx said. “Come, answer me a riddle. If you answer correctly, you are free. If you do not, well… it’s best not to discuss it.”

“You will eat me,” I said.

The Sphinx nodded. “That I will, and I’ll enjoy it thoroughly. Are you ready?”

What choice did I have? “I am ready,” I said. It was another lie.

“I cannot speak, yet all understand me. I swallow, gold-bright, the breath from a king’s bosom. When I am alone, I am silent. When I am kissed, I sing. Who am I?” It settled back and looked at me expectantly, neutrally.

I exhaled quickly and with relief. “That’s easy,” I said. “You are a battle horn.” My father had taught me that riddle when I was small. I felt a pang of grief, thinking of him. What world was he in now? Wherever he was, I hoped he was free.

The creature looked only mildly surprised. “You did smell clever,” it allowed. “Let us try another riddle, then. I am feather-light, yet it takes four to move me. My path twists and loops, yet it always runs straight. Though I tell you great secrets, I have no mouth.”

I had to think about this for a moment.

“You also smell delicious, in case you wondered,” the Sphinx added, licking its lips. “Tender. Delectable.”

My mind raced—a path that turned and yet was straight? And then, like a gift, the answer came to me. “You are a quill! Four fingers to hold you. The letters curve, but the written lines are straight. The words are your secrets.”

The Sphinx sighed. “A pity you guessed it, as I am hungry.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.