Page 49 of Taurus's Quest
Asterion’s brow furrowed. “I’m afraid I’ve never come across that term in any of the writs in my possession.”
“That can’t be right. Our seer said it would be here.” Taurus cast his glance around as if he would simply spot it.
Circe, though, slapped her forehead. “I’m so dumb. It most definitely went by a different name at the time of its creation, only we don’t know it. We called it Antikythera because it was discovered in a wreck off that isle’s shore. Since we don’t have all the pieces needed to rebuild the original, we came searching for the schematic. Have you seen anything in your books about a device comprised of gears and?—”
Asterion interrupted. “You speak of the astrolábos. An invention to track the movement of planets.”
“Yes!” she and Taurus shouted. “So you have it.”
“I do,” Asterion confirmed. “But I can’t simply give it to you, as that would be a poor bargain on my part.”
“What do you want for it?” Taurus began pulling stuff from his belt. “I’ve got a headlamp, some rations, a dagger…”
At each mention, the minotaur shook his horned head. “There is only one thing you have that I want.” He paused, before saying, “Companionship.”
“Er, what?” Taurus stuttered.
“It’s lonely here. While kitty does help somewhat with that, its inability to speak makes it a less-than-ideal companion. It’s been quite some time since anyone stayed with me.”
“Hold on. Are you saying you’ve kept some of your previous visitors?” Circe squeaked.
“I only kill if attacked. Alas, most chose to fight, but two did choose to remain as my friend.”
“What happened to them?” Taurus eyed the helms as he asked.
“One was killed by a spider in the tunnel. The other died of old age. The longevity spell doesn’t extend to anyone but me. I’d given up hope on having companionship, so your arrival is most fortuitous.”
“We’re not staying here,” Taurus growled.
“Not you. I doubt we’d get along. I’ll trade you the astrolábos for the woman.”
Before Circe could say anything, Taurus barked, “Like fuck.”
“Then I guess you won’t get what you came for.” Asterion crossed his beefy arms, and his expression turned stubborn.
“But we need those plans” Circe exclaimed. “Without them, the world will end.”
“Then at least I won’t be stuck here anymore,” grumbled the minotaur.
“I really hate you’re going to make me kill you.” Taurus sighed, pulling his sword.
“Wait!” Circe jumped between them. “What if we could get you out of here? Would you consider that in trade instead?”
“I told you, the spell won’t allow it.”
Circe whirled to Taurus. “His mother seemed to think a Zodiac Warrior could free him. Can you?”
A query that had Taurus looking contemplative. “Maybe.”
“Mother brought several wizards and witches; however, their esoteric power proved to be no match for my curse.”
“There is no power mightier than that of the stars,” Taurus stated.
Asterion paced with a hand tugging the beard on his chin. “Freedom would be amazing, but didn’t you say the humans would likely kill or reimprison me?”
“They would, but I happen to know a place you can go where you’d be protected. It wouldn’t have a ton of people, but you’d be safe from harm. As well, you’d have access to food, your own room with anything you need, and books. Lots of them.” Taurus had his sword point resting on the ground as he negotiated.
“Would this room have a window?” A winsome query.
