Shalace - A World of Fae

The Challenge Begins

Chapter 33

(The Challenge Begins)

It was just before 7a.m. as Callista stood before the gates of the Labyrinth. Her father and guards had all gone ballistic and tried to talk her out of taking the challenge. They’d even called Amara and Lady Marissa in hopes of them talking her out of it. No one had been able to sway her decision. In the end they had accepted her decision and given their support and wished her luck. Her brothers had been supportive in the end. Surprisingly even Vardan was giving her a lot of support. He’d even helped calm their father down.

“She’ll never make it,” She heard several people say periodically as she waited for 7a.m. to arrive and her challenge to begin. She also heard a lot of questions about what she was wearing. Callista internally smiled. Most openly disapproved of her basketball clothes but she didn’t care. Lady Marissa and Amara however thought wearing what she was comfortable in was the perfect idea.

“It’s almost time,” Amara said openly uneasy.

“Relax I won’t end up dead. Possibly in recovery till the wedding but not dead,” She teased.

“Something is wrong with you!” Marissa snapped. The teenager looked at her surprised. “You are about to take on the LABYRINTH and you are making jokes!”

“Marissa I know you don’t understand this but…I love a challenge. This is the ultimate challenge,” Callista said gesturing to the labyrinth. “I want to face the labyrinth.”

“You want to be its queen that badly?” Amara asked.

“I don’t care about being queen. I care about being equal. Besides I’m weird I already wanted to face the labyrinth. If I don’t win I won’t be equal but not because I didn’t try. If I don’t try I won’t be equal and it’ll be my own fault,” The blonde haired young woman explained.

“I get it,” Marissa said realizing. Amara also nodded. “Good luck.”

“Yes luck!” Amara agreed. Both women hugged her and stepped back knowing the gates were about to open.

At exactly 7a.m. The gates to the Labyrinth opened. The challenge had begun. Callista smiled. She looked at her family and friends and then entered the gates. Once inside the gates closed. The dark elf princess was on her own.

Callista walked down the left hand side of the labyrinth and took the first right. Slowly she made her way through the labyrinths turns. Whenever she came to more than one direction she would think for a moment and then choose a path.

While Callista worked her way through the labyrinth those seeking to learn the outcome were transported to a ball room in the castle. There were too many people to allow everyone into the throne room.

“I wonder how she is doing,” King Pazel inquired.

“Quite well so far,” Aidan said entering the room. “If she keeps it up the Labyrinth will soon have to intervene.”

He walked to a wall at the side of the room where a large mirror had been placed. The King had the mirror placed so that everyone would be able to view Callista’s progress. He couldn’t help but wonder now if he should refuse to let anyone see what she faced.

“Sire,” Chale said barely above a whisper. “You don’t have to let them see her.”

“I know. But if she loses they need to understand what she’s been through,” The Goblin King replied. “Even if she wins they should know.” He took a long breath and then to face the others in the room.

“Your attention please.” Everyone stopped speaking and looked at the Goblin King. “I have decided to allow you to see what no one else ever has,” He began. Gesturing to the mirror behind him he said, “In a moment I will allow the mirror to reflect the queen’s challenge.”