Triskaidakaphilion
Author's note: "triskaidekaphilion," "engendered or having in its origins the number thirteen," is not the original title of this document. The document itself was discovered being without title, a paperback "book" without a cover, having on each leaf a folding map with places of interest highlighted, and on the opposite side printer's notes of places of interest described. This document was discovered in the used-book section of a local St. Vincent de Paul's store in Oregon, United States of America.
The contents of the "book," if it can be called so, or perhaps "annotated map" are hereby reproduced by the original finder to nearly exact specifications, although errors in translation or apprehension of indecipherable script must be taken into account. In addition, handwritten notes, where decipherable, have been here transposed faithfully and intercut, without warning, into the body of the original text.
n.b.: Purchasers of this volume are reminded that thirteen is considered either a highly lucky number or highly unlucky, depending upon what one takes for granted.
n.b: Author would like also to note that she is neither the creator nor the owner of such things as described herein.
First presented here are the epigraphs of Precinct One through Precinct Six.
All the Labyrinth is parsed by various precincts, places in and of themselves. Some of these precincts are guarded, some unguarded. Some are places of terror, and other of delight. All are places good for acquiring wisdom, but the amount gained depents greatly upon the person learning the lesson.
Here for your delictation are thirteen precincts, presented one after another, in high anthropological style and not nearly in linear order.
Also described in this fatuously indulgent travelogue are various entrances and egresses between the Underground and various other worlds, but with no guarantees given regarding travel attempted.
Caveat Emptor.
Precinct the First: The Catacomb Way
In which we discover the various roots of the Labyrinth, both entymological, and mythological; a brief revelation of previous guardians of the Labyrinth; an heroic episode featuring one Jareth, Goblin King.
Precinct the Second: The Scrimshaw Wood
In which is described the difference between "forest" and "wood," the first being wild and the second domestic; a history of how the wild forest became a semi-domesticated wood; various denizens of that strange place; an explanation of the appearance of copious glitter.
Precinct the Third: The Royal Road
In which is described the principal "direct route" through the Labyrinth, usually presented to the traveler as an option opposite of "certain death," uniquely fascinating as potentially encompassing both options; history of construction and disuse; brief description of tollhouses, surveyor's errors, triumphal arches, and martial plazas.
Precinct the Fourth: The Disobedient Topiary
In which is thoroughly explained how it is that topiary hedges are far more obstinate than stone walls; copious notes on the guardian of that place, mention of various entrances and egresses to realms decidedly NOT human; discussion of various and sundry inhabitants and interlopers.
Precinct the Fifth: The Junkmidden Orbit
In which is described the origins of the midden-piles which ring the Goblin City; a theory as to how the junk preceded the Goblins and not the reverse; notes on an archaeological dig; interview with one of those Goblins who undertake the collection and sorting of such junk; one author's experience while held in captivity with a flowerpot, a ragdoll, and half a game of Travel Yatzee.
Precinct the Sixth: The Goblin City
In which is described That Very Goblin City, of primary fame for preceding the Castle which lies beyond it; historical origins of that city; how it is that the Goblin City's foundation postdates that of the Castle; Brief and disturbing notes on the domestic life of the Goblin Citizen.
