The Trials (Part 6)

It wasn't too difficult to exit with the help of the map, they needed to find where they were and traverse the labyrinth, it took nearly 3 days but was smooth sailing despite that. What they didn't expect was to be immediately knocked out and to seemingly wake up somewhere completely different.

"What the hell was that?" Iskandor quietly asks himself. He finds himself in an over grown corridor with nothing but simple clothes in his possession. "Damn, that equipment was kinda expensive... I've got more important matters to attend to however."

He walks forward and is greeted by a manticore, a creature with the body of a lion, wings of a dragon, tail of a scorpion with a human's face.

"Three paths lay ahead. Only once can be chosen. Which shall you choose?" The manticore asks. "The path of the Saint, protector of the people and loved by all?"

"I'm by no means a Saint, I do try to help other's but I know I can't save everyone, even if I tried. It is an unfortunate fact." Oskandor stated, getting an idea of where this is headed.

"Perhaps the path of the ruler, if you can't save everyone why not save everyone under your territory?" The manticore asks, shifting its body slightly.

"I have no territory, and even if I did I am not fit to rule." Iskandor says, catching a glimpse of a sword behind the manticore.

"Then you choose the path of the mighty? Protecting only those you care deeply for and prove unrivaled in strength?" The manticore asks.

"I care not for strength itself, just the ability to protect those I care for and those in harm, this path may be the closest of the three to who I am but I refuse." Iskandor says, walking forward, "I refuse to take any path lain before save my own." At this Iskandor rushes in and grabs the sword, giving a quick swipe and beheading the manticore who dissipates in smoke.

"You pass." A feminine voice says, causing the rest of the surroundings to dissipate in smoke too.

Soon after Iskandor awoke, followed by Fenrir, Hikari, Serena and Lar. When everyone awoke they see that they are at the peak of the plateau. A small gust of wind is felt as a harpy descends and lands not far from them.

"My name is Aerial, I was cursed with immortality and bound to this place to act as a gaurd. My curse is now broken since someone has completed the trials. Meaning that I can leave this place if I chose. However you all have piqued my curiosity, especially you Iskandor." The harpy, now known as Aerial explained.

"Who built this place?" Iskandor asked.

"A man named Daedalus built it, he has built many structures but this is likely the most infamous despite also being little known." Aerial said, "Now, if I may ask. Who exactly are you? You kind of remind me of an aquintance he had thousands of years ago."

"If I tell you all that I know you must swear on the Styx not to share it with anyone." Iskandor says firmly.

"Alright, I swear on the river Styx not to spread anything you tell me not to." Aerial sighs.

"I'm not from this world, I've been here for nearly a month and a half now. This body was one that I found myself in and I have no idea what my heritage would be. But who was this acquaintance you mentioned?" Iskandor answered.

"I swore on the Styx not to say his name to anyone who doesn't already know it and same goes for his description, all I am allowed to share is that he is, well a he and that he knew Daedalus fairly well way back when." Aerial replied.

"Well, are you hungry Aerial? I don't imagine this plateau has any taverns on it." Lar asks.

"I actually haven't had decent food in over 800 years, just look at me! I'm all bone!" Aerial answered, showing that she had very little meat on her bones.

"I'll prepare some food then, I'd like to hear a bit more about yourself and harpies in general, I don't think any of us would be opposed to sharing our pasts either." Iskandor said, pulling out cooking supplies and starting a fire.

Aerial went on to explain that she has known Daedalus as long as she could remember, although she couldn't really put a face to the name until Hikari showed the map/coin. Aerial as it turns out was raised as a foster daughter after he lost his son, Icarus. She didn't recall the full story as it happened thousands of years ago and by her own words she can be a bit of a bird brain at times. She also explained what she knew about harpies. Harpies typically aren't flat like her but resemble attractive women with wings for arms and in many cases bird like legs, Aerial only had the feet of a bird. She explained her lack of development as being malnourished for over 800 years, far beyond the life span of nearly every humanoid creature, and definitely much more than that of a harpy.

Hikari shared what of her story she could remember and what she was told by Roku, Serena told her story and how she was more than likely the Camphilim. Lar explained how she was akin to Iskandor's sister after being raised together by the older residents of Rosemary. Iskandor added on that and even showed the books left behind with them.

Aerials eyes flickered in recognition with the books but she couldn't say anything due to the vow, she wanted to tell them that she was there when the books were written, who wrote them. And most importantly how she thought Iskandor was related to the author, however, she kept quite and only Iskandor noticed the brief glimmer in her eyes.

"Let's get some rest then check out the hotsprings. Aerial, you are free to join us if you wish, but if you do decide to stay don't feel obligated to stay with us forever. If you want to go I'd rather see you leave the nest and do what you want." Iskandor says, joking towards then end. "Ow..." Serena had punched him where he was pierced by a dart nearly 3 days prior.