Rafael reached into the box and placed a glass tile on the table.
Epsilon.
Okay, it could be worse,I thought, until Constantine drew Kappa.
Fuck.
"Well," Constantine said, still smiling. "Looks like fate has other plans for you both." He leaned back in his chair. "I'll take the headstart. Caesar and I will need time to get properly positioned, after all. The labyrinth is quite large, and there are so many... interesting places to wait."
"Lorenzo," Rhadamanthys said. "Your choice from the remaining options: Lantern, Map, or Compass."
The lantern would give us light, but it would also tell Constantine exactly where we were. The lantern was a curse dressed as a boon, and the compass… useless in a maze.
"Map," I said.
Rafael frowned. “Are you sure? What about the lantern?” He gestured to the maimed side of his face.
“Lorenzo has chosen, and the choice is binding.” Rhadamanthys collected the tiles. "The final draw determines supplies. Judge Minos draws first. Your options are: rations, water, bandages, or rope."
Twenty tiles left in the box. Twenty chances for something to go our way.
Constantine studied the remaining tiles like he were considering a chess move. "Water," he said finally. "The Labyrinth gets quite warm in places. Dehydration can be... disorienting."
Constantine reached into the box and set his tile down. Delta.
I reached in. My fingers found a tile near the edge. I pulled it out and placed it beside Constantine's.
I let out a sigh of relief. At least one draw had gone our way.
But Constantine's smile never faltered. "I suppose that means we should take the bandages. Of course, I should also warn you…" He gestured to the remaining options. "There are several pits in the labyrinth. Deep ones with spikes and sharp edges. But I'm sure you'll manage."
Rhadamanthys collected the final tiles and closed the box. "The terms are set. Judge Minos and Caesar will enter first with a fifteen-minute head start. Lorenzo and Rafael will follow, chained at the ankles. Both parties will be armed with bludgeons. Lorenzoand Rafael will be given water and a map, while Judge Minos gets bandages." He looked between us. "The trial ends when one party dies, or exits the labyrinth. You will enter the labyrinth in pairs, and exit in pairs. Are the terms understood and accepted?"
"Accepted," Constantine said pleasantly.
Rafael and I exchanged a glance. Rafael nodded.
"Accepted," I said.
"Then it is done." Rhadamanthys stood. "Gentlemen, you must both appear at Aventine, at the keyhole door, by dusk tomorrow.”
Constantine stood and adjusted his jacket. Caesar shifted on the table, wings stretching slightly before settling. "Well, this has been delightful. I do love a proper ceremony." He looked at Rafael. "I'll see you tomorrow evening, priest. Try to get some rest. You'll need your strength for what's coming."
He turned and walked back toward the sedan, Ceasar flying near his head. The driver opened the door, but Constantine paused before getting in.
"Oh, Lorenzo?" He called back. "Do give my regards to Director Hades. I understand I have him to thank for the incident in Alaska. I’ll be sure to pass that information on to Zeus the next time I see him."
The threat hung in the air. Then he was gone, the sedan pulling away down the dirt road.
Rafael's hand trembled on the table.
"He's baiting you," I said quietly.
"I know." Rafael stood. "Doesn't make me want to kill him any less."
Rhadamanthys packed the wooden box under his arm. "I'll arrange transport to Rome. We'll leave tomorrow afternoon. That gives you tonight."
Tonight. Our last night. Possibly our last night alive.
