XX
As Sarah and Kipp rounded the last few paths of the Stone Maze they noticed the moss that once covered nearly every surface had begun to thin and instead the stones were covered with a fine dusting of ice. "We must be coming to the end," Sarah remarked as the temperature began to plummet. "We're at the Ice Maze now," Kipp managed through chattering teeth. She took his hand and kept him close to her side so they could share warmth.
The rough stone path gave way to a powdery snow nearly up to their ankles. Sarah held the shivering boy even closer. "How far do you think this maze goes?" She asked looking out at the expanse of icicles hanging from deadened branches like fine crystals. "Not sure, ma'am. I've never been through this maze before," he shuddered against the cold and she rubbed his arm in an attempt to generate some heat. "Let's hope it's not long then," she attempted to smile and the pair pushed onward. The farther they walked the colder it seemed and the thicker the snow and ice became until the pair could barely see the maze as it unfolded before them. "A cottage!" Kipp shouted pointing to a soft yellow glow in the distance. "Who would live out here?" Sarah kept her arm around the boy and as they neared the cottage, nearly buried under the thick blankets of snow.
When they reached the heavy oaken door, Sarah slammed the knocker against it. The heavy clap a thundering echo against the silent wintry landscape. A few moments later the door swung open and a very imposing figure suddenly appeared before them. He was nearly twice Sarah's height with a busy brown beard and sparkling grey eyes. He was dressed simply but his posture screaming military. "Captain Maurier, at your service." He bowed sharply before inviting the shivering pair inside.
The cottage was simply furnished with handmade furniture cut from local timber with large animal skins adorning the roughhewn walls and floor. A fire raged in the massive fire place and the scent of stew filled the air. "Might I ask what brings you travelers to my neck of the woods?" He smiled as he handed them each a small bowl of stew. "I'm trying to reach the center of the Labyrinth. You wouldn't happen to know the way?" Sarah looked to him with hope in her eyes. "A questor, eh?" He chuckled taking the chair opposite them. "I can't say for certain which is the way but I think my guess may be the most accurate," he looked from Sarah to Kipp then back again. "How did you come to be here, sir?" Sarah looked up from her bowl, setting it on the massive table. "The King has guards posted in all mazes in the Labyrinth. We make sure the realm remains secure and keep watch over the questors." He watched her guarded expression as she took the hand of the child who sat diligently beside her.
"Well it has been nice chatting with you, but we must be on our way." She stood abruptly, knocking her chair to the floor. "Are you sure I cannot offer a place to stay?" He pressed as she backed toward the door. "I know my husband has put you here to delay my journey," her eyes narrowed as the Captain took another step closer. "You're Sarah?" He bowed in disbelief. "Of course I could not allow your majesty to continue unaccompanied. Please allow me to escort you on the remainder of your journey." He hurried away only to return moments later carrying three large furs. "These will keep us warm," he handed two to Sarah who helped wrap one of the heavy garments around Kipp's shoulders. He then extinguished the roaring fire before leading them back out into the icy darkness. "We can follow the river north, which will put us back on the main path," the Captain explained as the trio set off through the heavy snow.