Page 22 of Taurus's Quest
“While they might seem godlike in comparison to us, they are not infallible. Whatever wicked thing comes this way, it is invisible to them, which leads me to believe it is likely an alien species.”
“That can inhabit people?”
“Maybe. We don’t know anything for sure yet. However, it seems likely they had some way of peddling influence on Earth, given this Andreas’ actions. Olivia mentioned that the stone we need to acquire came in contact with him, indicating a possible infection or parasitic transfer.”
“And knowing that, you still want us to find it?” He arched a brow. “Not worried it will try and control us?” Again that itch came between his shoulder blades.
“A Zodiac warrior is immune to most conditions.”
“Because of the blessing of the Astraeus, but you said it yourself, they can’t see this threat, so who’s to say our bodies will reject it?”
Sage’s lips pursed. “You raise a valid concern.”
“Seen anything else that might help?”
Her head shook. “I’ve been too tired. I get occasional flashes. Like earlier, when I told Circe she’d have to enter the maze and that a threat thought dead might still be alive. Alas, that was the only clue I received.”
“Are you saying the minotaur is still guarding the Labyrinth?” He wouldn’t have minded pitting himself against it. Taurus versus the bullman. Could have been epic. The maze, featured in Greek mythology, had supposedly been created by an ancient king to contain a minotaur—the result of the king’s wife getting frisky with a bull, the details of which made any sane person want to barf. However, those same stories also claimed it had been slain.
“Again, I didn’t see the threat, just sensed great danger.”
“Where even is the Labyrinth?”
“Somewhere in Greece.”
“So helpful,” he drawled.
Her lips quirked. “Its location has been lost for centuries, but Library most likely has a book with a clue.”
“I can’t wait.” Taurus cracked his knuckles.
“Check your eagerness. This won’t be an easy quest. The Labyrinth is a place of magic, and given it’s apparently a repository for things that need to be hidden, expect traps and other perils, some the likes of which we might not have ever seen.”
“You don’t need to sell me on it,” he teased. “So, find the maze, get the blueprints, and then fetch the rock. Any clues where that is?"
“The stone is apparently in the hands of…” Sage’s lips twisted as she said, “Bad People.”
“Sounds like something Olivia would say.”
“Because those were her exact words. As to who and where to find them, our only clue is Andreas.”
“Who’s dead,” he murmured. “Meaning we need to look into who he hung out with, called, texted.” Aquarius would likely be able to compile a file by hacking into the exploding dude’s accounts. Then, once Taurus had some names, he could simply bash a few heads—while wearing gloves to avoid a possible infection—make the bad people squeal about everything they knew, retrieve the stone, and then set them on fire to make sure whatever infected them didn’t spread. Cruel? Not when it came to preserving humanity.
“Capricorn and Zora have already gone to Athens to begin gathering everything they can on Andreas. Leave that to them. You must focus on finding the Labyrinth,” Sage warned. “The entire planet’s fate rests in the balance.”
“Then good thing you’ve chosen me for the job,” he exclaimed. “I’ll hit the library tonight to find the maze’s location and leave first thing in the morning.”
“With Circe.”
Say what? “Must I bring her along? She’s not combat trained, and you said it yourself; it’s gonna be crazy dangerous.”
“The only thing I can say with certainty is you must go on this quest together.”
“I’m cool with it, but has Circe agreed?”
“Circe is still mentally coming to grips with all the changes. Speaking of which, you will have her help you with the research.”
“I know how to read,” he huffed.
