CHAPTER 15: DEATH'S DOORWAY

After what seemed like days of wandering in circles, Norrin grew weary of the labyrinth. The buzz of Light’s Reach's power had wore off, and the darkness, constant threat of danger, and lack of sleep were taking its toll on his mind. Plus, his provisions of dried foods and water he packed for the journey with the caravan were running low. He expected a chance to replenish his supplies at the next Citadel or one of the townships along the route the caravan was taking. Instead, he had to carefully ration his food and water until they found a way out. He continued to follow Nassima’s glowing figure through the constant twisting and turning corridors of the maze but wondered if there even was an endpoint to be reached.

“Stay with me, we are almost there,” Nassima said sensing his feelings of dread.

“Easy for her to say, she can just drift past all these death traps. I have to actually put in the work,” Norrin thought to himself.

Norrin was fading fast. He had not pushed himself this hard in years, probably ever since his early training days. His role as a Chaser had become routine day-to-day, and he had grown, in all honesty, lazy. He had a training regimen he followed to maintain his stamina and physical fitness. But he lost the discipline needed to stick with it on a consistent basis. Because of this, his mobility began to suffer, and Norrin regretted all the days he skipped.

Then again, he could not give up hope. Not with a warrior on his side, encouraging him and driving him forward. He felt the need to prove to Nassima that he was strong and could persevere, although, there was no way he would have made it this far without her guidance and help. So, he dismissed his self-pity and keep pushing forward.

He let his mind wander from his physical fatigue to Nassima, and how she shared his memories. The strange way of how she watched all the moments of his life.

“I still can't believe I am bonded with an actual goddess. Men dream of things like this” he thought.

Even Norrin wondered what it would be like to actually be with a goddess. He definitely was attracted to Nassima, because truthfully, how could he not be attracted to a literal goddess. However, he was not just attracted to her looks, that was only just a part of his fascination with her. Norrin saw that she was the ultimate warrior, hardened and strong, but he also felt caring and grace emanating from her soul. Even though she repeated that she was not a goddess, in his eyes she was the definition of the divine and was imbued with all the qualities that would call people to follow her. This is what pulled him in and made him want to be closer to her and know her better. But he did not know if it was possible, Nassima was an Azuri after all. He just did not know what she saw in him, or if she saw anything at all.

Don’t be a fool Norrin, he told himself, she only needs me to help fulfill her quest and then she will be gone and I will have my reward. Then anything will be possible. I just have to stay alive. He set aside his daydreams of her, and re-focused on the journey ahead.

While lost in his thoughts Norrin almost didn’t feel the sudden change in the atmosphere around him. It was if an unseen doorway had been opened, and he passed through it without noticing it was even there. Where it was once cold and sterile, the air became heavy, damp and musky. As he continued forward, the smooth walls and floor became rocky and jagged. He was not sure if Nassima noticed the change also, but soon she turned and confirmed with a wide-eyed look of hope what Norrin was thinking. They were now traveling through a cave tunnel, which meant they must be close to the entrance of the labyrinth, and close to freedom.

Norrin’s pace quickened as they followed the tunnel’s path. He could feel a cool draft that signaled an end to this trial. But there was also a heavy and musky funk wafting with the breeze that concerned him. His sense of foreboding danger heightened further when he felt a strange crunch and crackle underfoot. He used his heightened night vision to peer through the darkness, and his skin crawled when he realized the cave floor was littered with the bones of man and beast alike.

“Nassima?” he whispered out her name as he rounded a corner. There was a light at the end of the tunnel which beckoned to him, but he hesitated to rush toward it. The musky smell grew stronger, and his instincts and Chaser training told him the looming threat of death was in the air.

“Nassima?!” He whispered her name again but in a more forceful and louder tone.

Nassima appeared before him and hushed him into silence. With a silent gesture she directed his eyes upwards for him to see the danger that was ahead. Lying in wait, on the ceiling of the cave entrance, was giant black scorpinock. The beast sat guarding the entrance to the cave with its rear turned to Norrin’s position.

The scorpinock was a living nightmare three times the size of a man. Its giant armored form held eight long legs, and four powerful pinching claws. Its head bore sixteen round black eyes and hungry fanged jaws, while at its rear sat two segmented tails that curved over its back. The tails were tipped with large needle-sharp stingers filled with a paralyzing toxin. Norrin froze and on instinct held his breath at the sight of the monstrosity. He felt the tingle of electricity in his hand as Light’s Reach prepared to be called on for battle.

“Maybe you can sneak past it,” Nassima spoke in hushed tones, as to not alert the scorpinock to their presence, even though she could not be seen or heard by the beast. Norrin took it as a sign that even the greatest warrior ever was still intimidated by this monster. Which made him feel a little better about his trepidation.

Norrin crept out of his hiding place and eased his way to the cave entrance. He kept his eyes on the creature above watching for a sign of any movement, hoping it would continue to lay dormant as he slipped by. The air was thick and humid, and the creature and cave dripped with moisture, making the floor slick and slippery. Every step he made was perilous and Norrin was covered in sweat from head to toe. He relished the cool breeze just beyond the entrance where Nassima awaited as she monitored the scorpinock and urged him to quickly make his escape.

As Norrin got closer to entryway, he started to believe he would make it out without arousing the monstrosity... but fate had other plans. A sudden gust of wind loosened the bandero around Norrin’s neck, causing it to flutter around in a crazy dance, and the beast awoke from its resting spot ready to strike.