Power of the Lost (Celestine Chronicles Book 3) by Cebelius -

Author:Cebelius - [-, Cebelius]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-01-13T07:00:00+00:00

18

Riddle Me This

Terry stepped slowly backward until he found the edge of the pool with his heel, then stepped out onto dry ground. His eyes never left Sphinx, who looked at him now with the sort of inscrutable expression he would expect from someone he'd never met, someone who meant him harm. There was no trace of friendliness left in her, no evidence of the time they'd just spent together. Her clothing had reappeared on her in the same way the two of them had reappeared in the reflecting pool. She was immaculate, and radiated a sort of deadly anticipation that Terry had only ever seen a few times up close. Yuri had looked something like that when the two of them had faced off in the pit. He'd seen similar expressions on orcs and goblins, and on Euryale when they'd first met.

All of them had been people intent on his death. Despite what had just happened, he now had no doubts that if they failed to answer the sphinx's riddles, they would die. He knew he would fight. He knew they all would, but something instinctive, something buried deep down in his psyche, told him that fighting would be futile. If they accepted the sphinx's challenge, they would be stepping into her power and would either be sent into the Labyrinth, or killed.

It wasn't a decision he could make on his own, and time was not on their side.

"Yes or no when I call your name," he said simply.

"Laina."

The minotress spoke firmly and without hesitation. "Yes."

"Shy."

Her voice was soft, but her answer was immediate. "Yes."

"Prada."

Eager anticipation and an almost sensual delight flavored her tone as she said, "Yes."

"Yuri."

"Yes." The man's answer was resolute. He had the air of someone accepting known risks.

"Marcus."

"Yes."

There was something about Marcus' answer that made Terry hesitate. He turned to look at the big man and Marcus met his gaze steadily. Marcus, despite his imposing stature, his great shield and heavy mace, looked like a kid on the first day of space camp. His expression was filled with wonder and determination. Something clicked, and Terry said, "This is what you're out here for, isn't it, big man? Dungeon delving, the whole thing. You hoped this place would show up someday."

"I hoped," he rumbled, nodding. "I am here for my loved ones ... but I always hoped."

Terry nodded back. He had dreamed of stepping into the ring to fight for the title. Some part of him still did, despite all that happened. His dream from childhood might never be completely forgotten, no matter how impossible it was now. He had never worn the expression he saw on Marcus' face, but he understood it, and was touched. Whatever it was Marcus would be looking for in there, Terry hoped he found it.

"Mila."

"... Yes." Mila sounded unsure, but Terry had known she would never abandon her brother.

"Asturial."

The dragon didn't answer. He turned to look at her and raised his eyebrows as he said, "You're in this, you get a say.

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