by Xavier Bonet
“So your dad did all this?” Kelly asked. “He made young people from Athens go through this Labyrinth so the Minotaur could get them?”
Ariadne sighed. “Yes. He did it to avenge the death of Androgeus, my brother. Androgeus competed in the Athens games and was killed. Every seven years since, Father has ordered seven boys and seven girls to navigate the Labyrinth as a sacrifice.”
“That seems a bit extreme,” Kelly said.
Ariadne nodded. “That’s why I wanted to help Theseus put an end to this.”
But now he, Javier, and those other warriors have been turned to stone, Kelly thought.
They were suddenly interrupted by voices further down the hallway.
“Who’s down there?”
Kelly instantly recognized the voice.
“Cal?” she cried.
A moment later, Cal and the two other Nightingale Pages, Baru and Jordan, stepped out from the shadows. “Kelly!” Baru cried. He ran down the hall toward her and Ariadne. “I’m so happy to see you!”
“Yeah,” Jordan said, following him. “Where were you?”
With all of the Pages reunited, Kelly explained her delay at the bakery. She told them how she’d been alone when the library changed. Then Kelly introduced everyone to Ariadne.
“And I found Javier,” Kelly said sadly. “He was turned into a statue. Along with Theseus and some other ancient warriors.”
“Oh no,” Cal said. “One of the other guys was Perseus. There were all going to fight the monsters in here and come get us when it was safe.”
Perseus, Kelly thought. That name sounds familiar. But did Cal just say . . . monsters? As in more than one?
“We’ve defeated the Minotaur,” Ariadne said. “Thanks to the quick thinking of Queens Kelly here.”
“You said monsters, Cal,” Kelly said. “What else is in here?”
Jordan nodded. “This place is crawling with bad stuff,” she said. “Like—”
There was a loud hiss. The floor rumbled beneath their feet. Something heavy was coming. Kelly watched the darkness carefully. They all gasped when a monstrous face appeared in the orange torchlight.
“It looks like a dragon,” Baru whispered.
“That is Python,” Ariadne said. “He is an earth dragon from the center of our world. Apollo himself seeks to hunt the beast. He wants revenge for his mother, the goddess Leto.”
Wow, Kelly thought. Ancient Greece is full of revenge, nastiness, and monsters.
Python drew closer, its eyes narrowed, as it caught sight of Kelly and her crew. It opened its mouth to display rows of sharp and deadly teeth.
“Behind me, friends of Kelly!” Ariadne shouted. She raised the sword she’d given to Theseus.
Kelly watched as the creature moved closer. It cocked its head back and belched forth a stream of flame. Ariadne cut through the fire with her sword. She sent flames off to either side to warm the stone walls.
Even so, Kelly felt the heat on her skin. She didn’t think this was a battle Ariadne could win. Apollo, the god of sun and light, hadn’t defeated Python. What chance did the mortal daughter of King Minos have?
The sword was glowing red, as if it had trapped the heat of the monster’s fiery breath.
Ariadne swung it at the creature, but Python swatted the blow away like it was nothing. With a roar, the dragon rose up onto its back legs and pounded the ground. In an instant, the floor gave way. Kelly and the rest of the crew fell into a dank, dark cavern below.
CHAPTER SIX
Trapped!
“Now we’re in trouble,” Cal said as he rose to his feet.
“And wet,” Baru said, standing up. Water dripped from his soaked shirt and pants.
They’d landed in a heap in a small, wet cave beneath the Labyrinth.
Kelly needed a moment to catch her breath. She looked up at the hole in the cavern ceiling. Torches continued to burn above them. A moment later, Python peered down.
“We have to get up,” Jordan said. She stood above Kelly and offered her a hand. “We’re not out of the maze yet.”
Kelly took Jordan’s hand and got to her feet. On the other side of the cave, Ariadne was splashing through the small pool of water. She was looking for a way out.
“We are trapped,” she said. She looked up at the leering earth dragon. “That monster has us right where he wants us.”
Kelly kept her eyes on the dragon. All it had to do was come down and start eating them. But for some reason . . . it didn’t.
“What’s Python waiting for?” Kelly asked. As if in reply, the dragon unleashed another blast of fire. Again Ariadne stepped in front of the blast and split the flame with the sword. The sword was now glowing orange. Ripples of heat blurred the air around the blade.
“It’s trying to cook us first,” Cal said. “Great. Just great!”
Python leaned into the hole, and everyone backed up against the wall. They crowded behind a cluster of stalagmites to hide. The beast’s nose was barely a foot off the ground. It seemed to be sniffing for them.
Maybe it’s getting tired of trying to set us on fire and just wants to eat already, Kelly thought.
Feeling the heat from the glowing sword, Kelly was struck with another idea. She leaned toward Ariadne and whispered to her.
The princess looked at Kelly. For the first time since they’d met, she smiled.
“Let us try this plan, Kelly of Queens.” She turned to the others. “Stay here,” she whispered.
The two of them dashed out toward the pool of water and the dragon’s head.
“What are you two doing?” Baru shouted.
Watch and see, Kelly thought.
She and Ariadne split up. The princess stood near a large puddle of water. Kelly stopped just a few feet from the dragon’s snout. She watched as the beast’s eyes locked with hers. It seemed somewhat confused and unsure of what was happening. But Kelly knew it could snap and eat her at any moment.
“You’ve got a real case of dragon breath,” she said.
Python reared its head back, ready to unleash another flame. As it did, a loud hissing sound filled the cavern. Ariadne was lowering her sword into the pool of water. Almost instantly the small cave filled with steam. It was impossible for Python to see.
“Now, Queens Kelly!” Ariadne yelled.
Kelly dove out of the way, sticking a perfect somersault. Ariadne advanced and drove the sword through the earth dragon’s throat. With a massive groan, Python’s head slumped to the ground.
When the steam cleared, Kelly and Ariadne stood in front of the foul beast, looking like warriors.
“Are you serious?” Cal shouted. “You guys are incredible!”
Kelly caught her breath and smiled at her friends. Ariadne wiped the blood off of her blade on her battle-damaged dress.
“And now we have a way out of here,” Baru said, pointing.
It was true. The body of the monster was still up in the Labyrinth, but its neck and head extended down to the cavern floor.
“Thanks, Python!” Jordan shouted.
The five of them climbed up the dragon’s neck to get out of the cave. As Kelly emerged,she half-expected the library to turn back to its original state. When it didn’t, she realized there was still more for them to do before they could go back home.
At least she hoped they still could get back home.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Not a Good Look
Once they were back in the Labyrinth, Kelly looked at everyone. They were all wet, a bit scuffed up, and looked exhausted.
“Maybe we just need to get out of the Labyrinth now,” Cal said. “Do you know the way, Ariadne?”
The princess shook her head. “The only soul who knows the way out is the Minotaur,” she said quietly.
“Yeah,” Kelly said. “And we’re not asking him.”
The group headed out of the broken corridor, leaving Python’s lifeless body behind. They walked through a series of twisting passages. At long last, they ended u
p in a room with large flaming braziers. Fire burned from the metal containers, lighting the room. Large, decorative pools of water lined a walkway that led to a magnificent set of stone steps. Beautiful white columns rose to the ceiling. All around the room were statues of warriors, their arms and shields raised in battle.
“Is this the exit?” Cal asked.
He ran toward the stairs in excitement, and Jordan followed. Kelly felt hopeful as she looked around the majestic room. It did look different from the rest of the Labyrinth.
Just as she was about to run after her friends, she heard it. A loud rattling sound, followed by the sound of something heavy slithering across the floor.
Something sinister emerged out of the shadows. Kelly, Baru, and Ariadne ran over to hide behind a couple of warrior statues. Kelly almost shouted to warn Cal and Jordan, but she couldn’t find her voice.
A monster with the torso of a woman and the tail of a snake weaved through the columns. She held a bow in one hand and had a quiver of arrows slung over her back. The end of her tail looked like that of a rattlesnake. Through the shadows, Kelly could see large things squirming around the woman’s head.
Ariadne whispered, “I think it’s—”
“Medusa,” Kelly interrupted as it all came back to her. “If you look into her eyes, she’ll turn you to stone.”
“She’s fascinating,” Baru said, moving toward her.
Baru loved monsters, but Medusa was not a creature to be admired. Ariadne waved her hands and gestured for him to get back behind the soldier.
I have to warn Cal and Jordan before it’s too late! Kelly thought, her mind racing.
Kelly watched helplessly as Cal and Jordan reached the steps.
We have to do something, Kelly thought. But what? If any of us catch her gaze, we’re doomed!
If she called out, they would turn around and make eye contact with the monster. The only chance to protect Cal and Jordan was to somehow distract Medusa.
As Cal and Jordan began to climb the steps, they turned as if to urge the others to join them. As they did, both of the Pages caught site of Medusa. Cal’s mouth opened in horror, and Jordan tried to shield her eyes. It didn’t matter.
Instantly both of the Nightingale Library Pages were turned to solid stone.
While Medusa was still facing Jordan and Cal, Baru hurried over to join Kelly and Ariadne. As Kelly was about to cry out, Ariadne pulled her back further into the shadows.
Kelly felt tears starting to form in the corners of her eyes.
Pull yourself together, Kelly, she thought. Crying isn’t going to get you anywhere!
“She made them statues like Javier and those other guys,” Baru whispered. “This is terrible. We are in serious trouble.”
Kelly heard the rattle of Medusa’s tail as the creature slithered around the room.
“What can we do, Kelly from Queens?” Ariadne asked. “Have you another idea this time?”
“I’m thinking,” Kelly whispered. She tried to remember what she knew about Medusa, and realized it was Perseus who had defeated the snake-headed fiend in Greek mythology. He’d used a mirrored shield and some flying boots to sneak up on the wicked monster and cut off her head.
“She’s going to find us,” Baru said. “I don’t want to become a statue like the others!”
That gives me an idea, Kelly thought. She brought the others close and whispered her plan to them. Ariadne and Baru nodded in silent agreement.
It was a long shot, but Kelly thought it might be their only chance.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Apollo, Gee
Medusa’s serpent body slid across the stone floor, closer and closer to them.
Using the sword, Kelly quickly cut two long strips of cloth from the end of Ariadne’s damp and dirty dress. She first tied one strip around Baru’s eyes, making a blindfold.
“No matter what, don’t take this off!” Kelly said.
As planned, Baru crawled away, feeling his way to another part of Medusa’s room. Kelly took the remaining strip of cloth and blindfolded herself. She heard Ariadne whisper in her ear.
“Good luck, my friend.”
Then Kelly heard the warrior princess sneak away in the opposite direction. Unable to see and scared out of her mind, Kelly stayed put.
“Hey, snake head!” Baru shouted from the other side of the room. “Aim those creepy eyes of yours this way!”
Medusa made a horrible hissing sound, and her rattle twitched in anger. The sound of her slithering was louder and more frantic, as if she were rushing over toward Baru.
It was time for Kelly to do her part. She stood up, just as she’d told Baru to do when he was in position. Her heart rattled around in her ribs like the end of Medusa’s tail.
“Over here, you fork-tongued fiend!” Kelly shouted. “You’re not so tough when your eyes can’t do anything, are you?”
She heard Medusa fit an arrow into her bow. There was a creak of the wooden bow as the monster drew the arrow back.
Forgot about the bow and arrow, Kelly thought. I just hope I bought Ariadne enough time!
There was a twang, and Kelly froze in place, almost certain an arrow would hit herat any second. There was a rush of air past her left ear, then a clatter against the wall behind her. A second clatter told her the arrow had fallen to the ground.
Then came another creak. Kelly knew Medusa was about to take another shot. Without warning, there was a battle cry followed by a heavy thump on the ground.
Kelly stood blindfolded, unsure what had happened. Was Ariadne still alive? Had Medusa turned her to stone too?
“Remove your eye coverings, Queens Kelly and Baru boy,” Ariadne said. “It is over.”
Kelly pulled off her blindfold. Ariadne was standing over the headless body of Medusa. She motioned for Kelly to bring her strip of fabric over.
“Don’t look,” the princess warned. “Her eyes can still turn you to stone.”
As Ariadne tied one of the blindfolds across Medusa’s eyes, a bright light exploded from the doorway. A large man emerged. He had hair that shone like the sun. Kelly instantly knew who he was.
“Apollo,” Kelly whispered.
“Greetings, mortals!” the Greek god boomed. “I’ve come to slay Python once and for all!”
“Already took care of that,” Baru said.
“And Medusa, I see,” Apollo said approvingly. “You have been busy.”
“Theseus was to defeat the Minotaur, but Kelly of Queens trapped him in his own maze,” Ariadne said. “Theseus, along with others, were turned to stone. While we are proud of our deeds, they have come at a mighty cost.”
The glowing god nodded. “Let me see what I can do,” Apollo said.
The entire Labyrinth exploded with a burst of pure, glowing sunlight. Kelly closed her eyes and felt herself revived. She smiled as she remembered that Apollo was not only the god of light and the sun. He also had the ability to heal.
But can Apollo heal people who have been turned to stone? Kelly wondered.
As the light warmed her face, she heard the distant single gong of the clock. The library was changing back!
Kelly opened her eyes, but it was still too bright to see.
No! Kelly thought as the world around her disappeared. We can’t go back without the others!
As the sounds and smells of the Labyrinth faded away, Kelly heard Ariadne’s voice one last time.
“Safe travels, Queens Kelly. Thank you for fighting with me. . . .”
Epilogue
A moment later, Kelly opened her eyes. She was standing next to Baru in the T. Middleton Nightingale City Library. All of the library visitors went about their business of reading and looking for books as if nothing had happened.
Kelly looked at a clock on the wall. It was 12:01 p.m. Just like every time before, only a minute had passed.
“Oh no,” Kelly said, looking at Baru. “Only the two of us made it. We have to go back!”
Baru looked confused. “I d
on’t know how that is possible, Kelly.”
“Then the others are trapped there as statues,” Kelly said. “Apollo’s magic didn’t work. We’ve lost Cal, Jordan, and Javier forever!”
“Give the god some credit,” a familiar girl’s voice called from behind.
When Kelly turned, she saw Cal and Jordan standing up from behind a table.
“That was weird,” Cal said. “Pretty sure I never want to get turned to stone again.”
Kelly and Baru rushed over to greet their friends and give them hugs. Though they’drun into trouble during their journeys to other worlds within the Midnight Library, none of the journeys had been as perilous as their adventure with Ariadne.
“Oh no,” Cal said sadly. “Look.”
The four of them looked down at the nearby table. The light blue box from 5th Street Sweets was still there. They hadn’t had the chance to celebrate Javier’s birthday.
Jordan sighed. “Maybe Apollo’s magic didn’t reach far enough into the Labyrinth or—”
“Are those for me?” a voice called from above.
“It’s Javier,” Baru said. “Speaking to us from the afterlife!”
“No!” Javier shouted. “I’m up here!”
The Pages looked up. Leaning over the railing was their smiling mentor.
“Yes!” Kelly shouted in victory. “Happy birthday, Javier! Come down here so we can eat!”
In minutes the group was opening the box of delicious treats. They went over their adventures, detailing their many battles and close calls.
Once they’d had their fill of donuts and stories, the Pages went back to work. Kelly was assigned the 200 shelves in the Dewey Decimal system.
As she headed toward her assignment to begin shelving for the rest of the afternoon, she spotted a thread along the ground. It was almost invisible, but seemed to shine when the light hit it just right. Kelly picked it up and noticed that it ran the length of the aisle.
Ariadne!
She followed the thread and stopped in section 292, Roman and Greek Mythology. The thread went up the shelf. It was tied to a small envelope, sealed with wax. The symbol on the wax looked like a maze.
