By Nathan Veyon
Jane poked at the arrangement of boulders that formed an archway in the middle of the room.
“This is the portal?” She lifted her glasses and peered at one of the boulders. “It doesn’t seem like it should stay upright, and yet it appears solid.”
“Don’t try to understand Xaether magic,” Sal said from the corner where he lounged in a chair, checking his phone. “It’ll make your brain hurt.”
“But it’s such a unique design.” Jane circled the portal. “You can’t tell me anything about how it works?”
Sal snorted. “Ask the Sphinx when he comes through. He’s supposed to know all that kind of stuff.” He put his phone down. “That’s a joke, by the way. The Sphinx is a revered wilderkind responsible for the upkeep and security of the portal network. Hence why the FBAO sent us as the welcoming committee. It’s tradition that at each location the bureau provides a formal greeting and honor guard.”
When Jane brushed against a rock, the whole thing rumbled. Lights flickered in the aperture. She jumped back and hurried over to Sal, who now stood as if he had spent the entire time waiting at attention for their esteemed guest.
A regal form emerged from the portal as it flashed once more. The Sphinx prowled into the room. The tawny fur that covered his body melded into similarly hued skin, and dark hair covered his head and neck, framing an impassive face. Piercing eyes examined Sal and Jane.
“Welcome, Sir Sphinx.” Jane stepped forward with her hand outstretched, then realized the problem and hurriedly dropped it.
Sal cleared his throat. “I believe we must answer a riddle.”
The Sphinx exhaled. It wasn’t a sigh, of course. He was too regal for that. “Yes. What cries without eyes and is blue even when happy?”
“The sky,” Jane blurted.
He nodded slightly, and for a moment, no one spoke.
Sal broke the silence and gestured at two tables off to the side. “Refreshments are over there.”
The regal head turned between Sal and Jane. “You may call me Felix.” He prowled to the lower table.
“Sal,” Jane whispered. “I thought he would come in human form. I work with you, and I’ve never seen you as a dryad.”
“The Sphinx is very old and doesn’t quite follow modern conventions. And”—Sal jerked his head—“he’s already shifted to human form.”
Jane spun round. Instead of the four-legged form that had padded over, a tall man in a magnificent white robe had moved on to the higher table and was holding a cluster of grapes.
Felix walked back toward them. “These are quite delicious. I suppose you want another riddle.”
“It is customary,” Sal responded.
“Fine.” He ate another grape. “When silence and sound are the same to me, when no difference lies between the crowd and mountaintop, when all are strangers, what am I?”
Sal shrugged.
Jane stared at him for a second, then said, “Alone. You’re all alone.”
“Very good.” Felix wandered back to the table for more grapes.
“Something’s off with him.” Jane worked at a smudge on her glasses. “You’re an empath. How’s he feeling?”
“Oh no, you don’t,” Sal whispered harshly. “He is a very old and powerful wilderkind. We have followed protocol so far. One more riddle, then he can inspect the portal and visit the local FBAO offices. I’m not about to upset tradition.”
“You can’t read him, can you?” Jane put her glasses back on.
“That isn’t the point.”
Jane ignored him; she walked over to the tables.
“Jane. Get back here,” Sal whispered frantically.
Ignoring her partner, Jane walked up to Felix. “I believe we need one more riddle. Can I ask you one?”
Sal made a strangled noise.
Felix lowered his grape cluster. “I don’t know if anyone’s ever asked me that before. I suppose.”
Jane smiled. “I help carry the load. I’ll be with you on life’s road. I help with weeping and laughter. With me the day is brighter. What am I?”
The Sphinx’s brow furrowed, then he gave a toothy grin. “A friend.”
“Do you need a friend, Felix?” Jane stuck out her hand.
He glanced at Sal, who covered his face and shook his head. The Sphinx looked back at Jane, reached out, and shook her hand. “That is a very perceptive offer.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Jane demurred. “This has to be a very lonely job.”
Sal glared at Jane for a moment, then burst out laughing. “Fine, you’re right. Sir, I apologize for the insufferable amount of decorum.” He stuck out his hand. “My name is Sal.”
Jane patted Sal’s arm but kept her focus on Felix. “It didn’t take an empath to realize you were feeling a little down.”
Felix nearly choked on a grape before giving a toothy grin.
Felix placed a hand on Sal’s shoulder. “Let’s get this inspection over with; you look a little flustered.”
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Such a unique take on the sphinx! Love the banter between Sal and Jane!
(I love these guys!)
Fun take on the sphinx!