Denizens of the Labyrinth

Pooling their money together, Jazmel and his party rented a whole inn. The owner was extremely happy to take their money, but she hid her greed and sent all others away. Quickly putting up signs to say she was closed.

Katie and Sadé had taken the girls to get cleaned up in the bathing halls. So, Jazmel found himself at a table with Mary, Tango, Patton, Bannerman and Baek. Nobody spoke at first and it was Jazmel who decided to speak first.

He shared with everyone the beginning of his story, he told them about Tango and the Seeker trials. He also spoken about the main plot he had, explaining how Tango played a part into that. After this, Tango explained how he had found Jazmel and why the sworn had kidnapped him in the first place. Patton and Bannerman sat quietly but Jazmel could tell they had questions.

“So, you might be a noble?” Mary said and Jazmel looked at her.

“If someone paid the sworn to kill your family, then you must be from some family or clan of some strength.” Mary offered and the others murmured in agreement.

“He is a prince.” Baek said. Jazmel spun to look at him and they all looked up at the man.

“Or so I think he may be.” He said and sat back simply, waiting for the questions.

“Why do you think I am?” Jazmel asked and Baek nodded before sitting forward to respond.

“The riddle was just something to humour me. But you look like your father immensely, I have never seen anyone wield a sword the way you do, besides my Master and I cannot guarantee it without my Master’s well wishes. But you are, maybe.”

“Who is your Master?” Mary and Tango asked at the same time.

“The black dragon.” Baek said and everyone gasped. Jazmel shook his head and not for the first time, was he annoyed that he did not know all the things it seemed everyone else knew.

“But that would make him a prince.” Patton said.

“I said I think he is the prince.” Baek countered and the others murmured amongst themselves.

“Who is the black dragon!” Jazmel shouted and everyone looked at him, confused but then understanding why he was shouting.

“The black dragon is the King of the Kuzuryu kingdom. The kingdom is on the sixty seventh floor and is completely his.” Mary explained.

“The black dragon is one of the greatest swordsmen in the labyrinth. He is ranked quite high amongst all tier III Masters.” Patton said with a smile of excitement.

“He is the newest King amongst the Kings in the labyrinth but that by no means makes him weak. I think the other Masters would never fight him. He is that strong, they all took an oath to not fight amongst themselves as the damage would be disastrous.” Tango explained.

“How can you have a kingdom?” Jazmel asked, confused.

“A kingdom is simply a large guild. It functions the same and does not change too much. The floor is the guild he holds absolute influence.” Baek said and the others all nodded.

“And you all think I am the prince of this kingdom. Me?” Jazmel asked.

“You look like your mother.” Baek said and the others fell silent when Jazmel looked at him.

“Do I, truly?” Jazmel asked and Baek nodded, with a sad smile. “I will show you her, somehow. There is a way. Let me think about it some more.” He offered and Jazmel nodded, willing his face to stay straight.

“She was beloved by the people of the kingdom; we were better for it. The loss of her life altered everything for us. Your father if he is him. Was never the same.” Baek told them but more so Jazmel.

“So can we not just call him and tell him we have found his son?” Patton said.

“First, I do not know where he is. Ever since his wife died, he threw himself into conquering the labyrinth and so he goes missing for months and years at a time. Secondly, in the first five years. People swore to high heavens they had found his child and it got so bad that he swore that he would never look in the face of another child. So, we stopped presenting those who said they were his child.” Baek explained.

“So, what makes you think he will hear me out?” Jazmel asked.

“He does not have to. You need to go to the kingdom for you.” Bannerman said with his normal hoarse tone.

“Keep crossing the floors of the labyrinth and getting stronger and he will have to meet you when you show up to the kingdom and Baek beside you.” Bannerman said and the others agreed.

“Was that your plan?” Jazmel asked and Baek smiled ruefully.

“If you notice, the wager of our bet was if you would lose. You would serve me for three days, but if you won, I would serve you.” He smiled and Jazmel realised there was no length of time.

“Serving you, is serving the black dragon household. So, it is my pleasure young Master.” Baek inclined his head with a smile.

“So, what will you do young Master?” Baek asked and they all looked at him.

“I am not sure.” Jazmel said, suddenly worried.

“I can’t make a decision for everyone when it would only be for my benefit.” Jazmel offered and Patton and Bannerman smiled and shrugged.

“We are going to climb the labyrinth with you regardless of if you were a prince or not. So now we just have somewhere to visit.” Patton said.

“We are a pack.” Bannerman growled and they all smiled.

Jazmel sat with them for a while, and everyone spoke amongst themselves. He did not feel too comfortable and after a while he told them he was going to sleep.

The owner gave him a suite and he climbed the three stairways to his room before entering and locking the door behind him.

He crashed onto the bed, exhausted from all the things he now knew.