It's a Long Story by Cadence Johnson

While lounging in my castle dorm, surrounded by lilac-colored draperies and silk furnishings, I read from my encyclopedia. It was an ordinary evening until I received that letter. It was delivered via carrier dove. The wax seal was a glistening emerald that could only be associated with my closest friend Amelia. Except, instead of her traditional heart-shaped stamp, it was an unfamiliar configuration of lines. I carefully unfolded the parchment, unveiling a message that was much sloppier compared to her typical, elegant handwriting. She must have written it in haste:

Hey, Gracey! I wish I had more time to explain, but I am locked in Grandma Lyn’s tower. My flying carpet is at the cleaners. Morrsley is hurt. There is no way down! And now Leo is coming! Please hurry. With love (and desperation), Amelia.

I found my quill and quickly wrote “on my way” on a small piece of paper. After the dove took my response I filled my satchel with ointments for Morrsley, Amelia’s loyal dragon. Since her flying carpet was being cleaned then He was our only option for transportation. I knew I was pressed for time because Leo was on his way. We sometimes refer to him as the Rat Boy because he is greasy, scrawny, and spoiled. His egotistical and selfish behavior could only be explained by his upbringing. His parents always let him get his way. What he wanted now was Amelia's heart, but with his rat-like appearance and attitude, he had no chance of getting it. He likely believed that if he helped Amelia escape her grandma's tower he could ensure their betrothal. Not if I got there first!

I swung the satchel over my shoulder and, within a day’s journey, arrived at grandma Lyn’s tower.

In the distance, I could see the brilliant sunrise beaming behind it. Healthy vines of vibrant green twisted whimsically around its gray limestone bricks. Its foundation was covered by a misty fog making it seem as though the whole structure was gently floating. The foreground was an endless labyrinth of rose bushes with threatening thorns. The height of these hedges was comparable to that of a sequoia tree. At the tip of the entrance was a black swing gate that guarded the maze with an intricate and grand design.

As I approached the entrance, I heard a flying carriage land close behind me. Slowly, I turned my head and noticed two identical, fully-armed knights. Between them emerged the twelve-year-old overconfident Leo. Annoyed but utterly unfazed, I proceeded to the gate. He had arrived sooner than I expected, but I was still sure I could rescue my friend first.

In order to open the gate, I had to answer a very simple riddle. A weathered, wooden sign at the foot of the gate read “I have grains but no oats, I wave but never say hello, I make bubbles with no soap, who am I?”.

“The beach!” I said aloud. That was easy. Of course, Grandma Lyn would make the password to her tower be her favorite place to stay. The tall gate creaked as it slid open. As soon as I could, I sprinted into the maze. Leo quickly followed. I went left, he went right. As I meandered, I heard monsters grunting from behind the towering hedges. None of them sounded cheerful or inviting. As time passed, I realized that it was impossible to see the tower and I had no sense of direction. Lost in my troublesome thoughts and not paying attention, I abruptly bumped into what felt like a thick wall of rough fur. My eyes raised. I had run into the largest and most grizzly minotaur I had ever witnessed.

Despite its terrible posture, it stood over four feet taller than me. It wore noble armor that seemed unnecessary because its leather-like skin and substantial stature were more than enough protection. The only detail I noticed other than its demon-like eyes was its crimson cape. The clasp on the cape was the same design as the unfamiliar wax stamp on Amelia’s note. I knew I couldn’t fight it. So, instead, I took the flight initiative and ran. My heart felt like it was being torn apart as I dashed away. Red-faced and teary-eyed, I twisted and turned around each corner, dodging laser-sharp thorns. Not far behind me, I could hear the long strides of the massive monster.

Right when I was about to give up all hope, I encountered Leo and his guards. Instinctively, I lifted little Leo and threw him toward the rampaging beast. I knew he would be okay with the protection of his lofty escorts. This also gave me an opportunity to escape and collect my thoughts. By connecting the dots, I realized that the unique and strange design on the minotaur and on the letter was a map of the labyrinth. With this knowledge, I was able to find the exit in no time.

At the end of the maze there was a clearing. I could smell a crackling fire. What I thought was fog turned out to be smog. When some of the smoke cleared, I saw a glimmer of light shine against the jade scales that could only belong to Morrsley. The fumes came from his whimpering fire breath. I took the magic ointment out of my satchel and promptly bandaged his wounds. They must have been a result of him running into some rose bushes. As soon as he was ready, I saddled him up and guided him to the top of the tower where we met Amelia.

“Hey girl! Whatcha doin’ up here?” I said with a smirk.

“Gracey! Thank you so much! I knew I could trust you.” She said with relief and a tone of excitement, “How did you get here?”

“Come, hop on!” I laughed, gesturing towards Morrsley. “I’ll tell you on the flight home... it’s a long story.”