The King's Labyrinth

The King's Labyrinth is a story written by Samantha Greenbriar, the second chapter of which is found in her room.

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The King's Labyrinth

Chapter 2: Fraying Threads

''Captain Allegra, still in her flowing skirt and sturdy jerkin, descended the single shining thread into the lower cavern of the labyrinth. She and the First Mate, on their own now, grew closer to their goal: the throneroom of the dead immortal Kind of the island. The First Mate slid down the line onto the stone floor. She swept chalky bone dust from the front of her canvas trousers and looked up at Allegra.''

''The silken thread, nigh unbreakable thanks to the enchanted moths that inhabited the island, trailed behind, leading their way back to the entrance. From further into the labyrinth, a moaning began to echo. The moaning grew louder and clearer. it turned into words from some ancient language they could not understand. The King's cursed voice. The hairs on Captain Allegra's arms stood on end. She looked back at the First Mate, whose eyes remained locked on the blackness of the passage for a moment too long before noticing the Captain's gaze. The First Mate nodded silently ahead.''

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''Following the King's ghostly song deeper and deeper into the labyrinth, they came upon a rocky gap spilling forth otherworldly blue light. The great basin of the dead King's throneroom lay below. Skeletal in rotted robes, the King was hunched over the blue orb topping his royal scepter. Shadows of his bony fingers danced on the walls like ghouls. As he sang, wailing souls flowed in one by one through the cracks in the cave walls, pulled into the orb, causing it to glow brighter and brighter. Behind the King, a long staircase hewn from rock led down into the chamber from a passage at the top.''

''Allegra said, "We have the advantage in numbers. I will draw his attention, and then you--" But the First Mate interrupted. "No. I am smaller and quicker, and you know of dealing with mystic energies like these. I will circle to the other side, get the King's attention, and lead him on a merry chase," she held up the silk line, "all traced by this invisible thread, of couse." Allegra said, "It is a good plan, but... perhaps we should go together." The First Mate shook her head. "You know this is our best chance. Don't be afraid for me." They grasped hands and exchanged three tight squeezes, their palms growing warm. The First''

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Mate tied the shining thread to the belt of her trousers, gave a quick salute and a wink, and dashed off.

''Allegra waited, staring vigilantly across at the top of the stairs where the First Mate was to appear. The King continued his-- wait. no. No! The singing stopped. The King turned and began walking up the stairs! Allegra wanted to call out, to do anything to stop the First Mate from running head-first into danger. She tried tugging on the line, to signal her. No use. The Kind was nearly at the top of the stairs when the First Mate burst through the passageway. She skidded to a stop. Even from across the yawning basin, Allegra could see the First Mate's eyes grow wide. She turned and ran. Summoning his undead power, the King left the ground, levitating, gliding behind her with distressing speed.''

''From some dank passage much too far away, Allegra heard the First Mate's scream. She was already running toward the sound. The line in Allegra's hand went taut, then shuddered. It fell slack to the stone floor. As Allegra ran she was gathering line, twisting it around her arm. She came to its end: the unbreakable thread dangled limply, its end shredded and frayed in her hand. She tossed it to the ground and ran, ran, ran.''

Location
The chapter is found in the cabinet in the closet in Sam's room.