Page 50 of Taurus's Quest
“Yup.”
“And could I bring my cat?”
“Of course. I doubt Tower would mind.”
Circe’s eyes widened. “Tower would be perfect for Asterion. It’s huge and really nice, and Tower is really good at giving people what they need.”
“When you say tower….”
“Ever heard of the Tower of Babel?” Taurus asked.
“Was it not destroyed?”
Taurus shook his head. “Just hidden from the world, which makes it a great spot for a guy who shouldn’t be seen. Before you think you’d be trading one prison for another, I should mention, it’s huge with every amenity you could think of. Plus, you can go outside.”
“It sounds too good to be true. How do I know you’re not lying?” Asterion had the right to be suspicious.
“Because I’m a warrior of his word.” Taurus put his hand on his chest.
“Or a very good liar.”
“How can we convince you?” Circe interjected.
“First explain how you plan to extract me with your star magic.” Asterion stopped pacing and stared at Taurus.
“As part of my avatar gifts, I can beam from just about anywhere into Tower’s portal room.”
“And it works in the Labyrinth?” Skepticism hued Asterion’s query.
Taurus nodded. “I tested to see if I could touch my ability, and while fainter than when outside, it appears intact.”
“Oh, how I’m tempted, but what if you lie?” Asterion lamented, which led Circe to asking, “What can we do to reassure you?”
“I require some form of surety. I’ll give you the astrolábos plans in return for my freedom, but to ensure you keep your word, you will remove me first and then return for the woman.”
A suggestion that had Taurus shaking his head. “I’m not leaving Circe here alone.”
“I assure you she will be quite safe in this chamber. One of the few niceties accorded to me. A safe place to rest my head. The monsters that return, no matter how many times I cull, cannot seem to enter. Pity it didn’t also keep out humans. So what say you? Will you leave your woman here as surety?”
“It’s not up to me. Circe should be the one to decide.” Which led to both males looking at her.
What she wanted to say? No. The thought of being there alone terrified. However, they needed those plans, and a part of her felt bad for the minotaur. How awful to be imprisoned his entire life, hundreds of lifetimes at this point. It was a miracle he remained cogent and sane.
Surely she could swallow her misgivings and give him a chance at freedom.
“I’ll do it. Take Asterion to Tower and then come back for me.”
“It won’t be quick, as I won’t be able to beam directly back inside,” he reminded.
“I understand you’ll be a few hours.” Which was how long it had taken them to cross the gorge and find the center of the maze. “At least I won’t be holding you back, and you won’t have to clear out the spiders and rats again.”
“They will take a few days before they start reappearing,” Asterion confirmed.
“You’re sure?” Taurus eyed her intently.
“We have no choice.”
“There’s always a choice,” he growled, his hand tightening on the pommel of his sword.
