Master Of None

Chapter 71: 71. Maze

Gil snuck down the smaller hallways taking note of any differences in the floor in case of traps. These hallways didnʼt have any indents for bodies but did have spots for candles long since burned. He noticed some moth eaten tapestry once hung on the walls.

The hallways were not long and he came to a small room at the end. A stone altar was in the center covered in carved symbols. The walls were carvings of worship. Along with the heavens and flames underneath the ground. Upon the altar were some ancient gold coins and a book that was strangely in good condition. It appeared to be dusty but not rotten or overly damaged.

Gil took note that the symbols in the alter may have had something to do with this.

He inspected the altar and the book finding a small metal thread underneath the book. Using an arrow he fixed the thread so it would not move. Heʼd lose an arrow but gain an unknown book that could hold many secrets.

After securing the thread he took the book and quickly retreated. In case the thread didnʼt hold. He reached the rest of the party in a moment ”so I found you a book to read, it must be important if it had a trap on it right?” Gil was smug knowing he was to thank for something potentially important.

Walker took the book and dusted off the cover, ”where was it?”

”It was on a stone altar covered in symbols and stuff. I figured it looked important right? Righhhhht?” Gil was waiting to know what it said so pushed Walker along.

”The title is; undying faith. If it was on an alter it may be religious. When we take a break Iʼll read in to it. Nice job” this might be some important insight they needed to get through the catacombs but stopping now would not be wise as they had just rested.

They moved forward and soon came to a small hallway this time on the right. Gil already knew what to do and began sneaking down the hallway.

Unlike the first hallways this one curved to the left. Gil found indents for bodies and a small fountain like statue. It was a man carved from stone holding a heart in one hand and a book in another. He could see spouts in his chest where water once flowed. Moving on he continued forward not finding anything and returning to the large hallway. Looking down he saw the party.

”Um itʼs a circle. I came right back out here.” Seeing this they came to meet him. ”Other than a creepy old fountain nothing back there just loops around. Freaking maze down here just to get us lost.” Gil wasnʼt happy since he didnʼt find anything this time.

Much to the partyʼs dismay, this process reappeared four more times as they moved forwards. There were hallways that would circle around leaving them back where they started. This was made almost as if on purpose to confuse someone. Or maybe to keep the undead down here.

”Stop” Gil said in a hushed voice. ”Do you hear that?” The clattering of bones up ahead was faint but loud enough to make out.

”Skeletons” Walker recognized it instantly. ”It doesnʼt sound like too many but we should be prepared”

The party crouched and moved quietly down the hallway. Soon three bony shapes in the shadows came in to sight. Two held larger rusty swords and one had a bow but no arrows. The bow was strange it didnʼt look old and rusty like the other weapons skeletons had. ” thereʼs something weird about that one with the bow, there are no arrows and the bow isnʼt old and worn looking.” Walker whispered to them.

”Iʼll aim to take it out first, once I fire my arrow we rush them ok?” Gil figured if he took out the strange archer skeleton first it would be wise. Gil stood taller and draw his bow. He had a second arrow clenched between his teeth for the second shot.

The arrow freed itself from his bow. It was silent but on target. The skeleton holding the bow stumbled but didnʼt fall. Gil already had the second arrow drawn and following the first hit the skull of the skeleton. It still stood but was obviously dazed.

Su came out of her crouch rushing the skeletons. Remey and midnight were close behind. The two with melee weapons ran forward. The sounds of metal hitting metal were all they could hear as the two skeletons slammed their weapons on to Suʼs shield. However, Remey wasnʼt having any of it. She wound up her right fist and shattered the skull of the nearest skeleton.

The one holding the bow had recovered and had visible damage in its skull. Cracks webbed out from where the arrows were impaled. Gil let fly another arrow but the skeleton stepped back. It reached to draw its own bow leading them to witness something crazy. An arrow formed out of black smoke. This was magic!

”Gil dodge!” Walker shouted as Gil wasnʼt moving yet. The skeleton released its dark arrow narrowly missing Gil but piercing deep in to the wall behind him. Beads of sweat came off Gilʼs brow. Remey and Su had cornered the other skeleton knocking its weapon across the room. Midnight had used the time the skeleton with a bow was focused on Gil to sneak behind it.

She jumped crushing the skull easily between her teeth. Walker made a mental note of how good she was getting at sneaking up on enemies.

A loud crack came as Su slammed her shield in to the last skeleton finishing the job.

ʼTwo skeletons defeated

10 exp gained multiplied to 100exp

One skeletal archer defeated

9exp gained multiplied to 90expʼ

Walker was puzzled, this was still a skeleton but it was specified as a skeletal archer. He knew skeletons could wield many weapons often which they held as they died. However, a skeletal archer meant the skeleton was a very powerful archer when they were alive. Walker decided to inspect the weapon left behind.