FOR A WISH

Prologue: The Gatekeeper

A rabbit exited the maze, her hood shielding her from the rain. She stood in front of her final destination – the Tower. A black obelisk piercing the sky, its peak unseen. Asha gritted her teeth and charged towards the gate, slamming it with full force. The gate did not open. Frantically she looked for a handle or a crack, anything to get it open. She pounded the gate, expecting it to budge, or at the least for someone to open it. She couldn't have come this far, just to be denied her entrance. Asha fell to her knees. This was her end.

“My, my, what an eager little bunny."

Asha jumped, unsheathing the sword hidden under her cloak. She was confronted by a dog, dressed in jester's attire. He slowly circled Asha, positioning himself between the rabbit and the gate.

“Here to conquer the Tower, are we?"

Asha did not respond. The jester paid her no mind and took out a scroll from behind his back. He unrolled it and, with closed eyes, began to mockingly recite it.

“Great adventurer, you have battled your way through the labyrinth of the four lords and you stand before the Tower. If you successfully conquer all of its twenty floors, you will be rewarded with one wish, no matter what it may be.  Good luck and Godspeed."

He rolled up the scroll, a grin stretching across his face. Asha did not respond. The jester frowned.

“Could I ask what your wish might be?"

There was a moment of silence.

“Immortality."

The dog let out a booming laugh. Her grip on the hilt tightened.

“I'm sorry, it's just that… you are risking your life so you won't die. I find it pretty stupid."

She raised her sword, pointing it at the adversary's throat.

“Let me through."

The jester was amused, he waved his hand and the gate opened. Asha sheathed her sword and walked past him.

“Good luck, great adventurer." He mocked her, his back turned.

#

Part 1: Alchemy and Lunacy

Asha stepped into a library. The gate behind her was no more and she pressed forward, her sword raised. The library was well lit, with dozens upon dozens of bookshelves, each brimming with tomes of all times and subjects. With every step she took the library seemed to grow, revealing corridors unnoticed before, each no different than the one she was in.

After passing a few detours, she heard a shriek of pain from one of the hallways. Gripping her sword, she ran forward, navigating through the books and shelves, following the cry. With each step, the books on the shelves became fewer and fewer and, when she finally reached the source, she stumbled upon an area almost like a room unto itself.

There were no shelves, only tables with glass equipment, diagrams and dissected creatures. In the center of the room lay a tall figure – a crow, wearing a yellow robe, adorned with symbols of unknown origin.

The crow thrashed on the ground, gripping his hand, which was covered in simmering boils.

“Curses! Wrong ingredients, wrong circle, wrong diagram! The king will not be happy, no, not at all." He mumbled to himself, rolling on the ground, not noticing Asha.

He stood up, still clutching his hand, took a quick glance towards the rabbit and turned back towards his diagrams.

“Aha!" he yelled out, raising a piece of paper. He read through it, murmuring, and his injured hand healed itself. He flexed his newly formed appendage and continued on with his work.

“You are late!" he yelled out in a harsh tone. “The instructions are on the wall to your right. You better get a move on, or the king will have both of our heads."

Asha looked at the wall. A parchment stood pinned, covered with mad, unreadable scribbles instead of words. She stepped towards the crow.

“How do I gain access to the next floor?" she asked, still gripping her sword.

“What are you yammering on about child? We have work to do! We have to build the tower for the king! Get started on the list or I'll turn you into a living blob!" the crow threatened, unmoving from his work.

“There is nothing written on the list! Tell me how to climb up the tower or I'll have your head!"

The crow let out a deep sigh.

“Such arrogance in today's youth."

He turned around and waved his hand.

The floor beneath Asha started to gelatinize. Slowly sinking, she took steps towards one of the tables, grabbing it for support.

“You see child? You cannot simply defy your superiors. Punishments are needed. They help you grow. I was once punished by the king, and now I am his royal alchemist. I am sure that after today, you will go on to do great things!"

Asha could barely hold on to the table. The strength with which she was dragged down outmatched her own. She scanned the table, spotting a few vials of different colours. She grabbed them all and, with her final strength, threw them at the alchemist. Upon impact they broke, setting his entire body on fire. He stood there silent.

“The king will not be happy."

He toppled over, his body still burning. The floor beneath Asha returned to normal, spewing her back out.

The crow finished burning and a wall parted, revealing a hidden path. The rabbit sheathed her sword and pressed forward.

 #

Part 2: Rhetoric

Asha stepped into a garden, a cobblestone path leading to its center – a circle formed by marble columns. There was no ceiling, only the stars and moon shining down. In the center, on one of the benches, lay a parrot wearing a sheer blue dress, more akin to a veil than actual clothing. Asha followed the path to meet her next challenge.

“Brave warrior, do you wish to climb to the top?" the parrot spoke, without facing Asha.

“I do", replied the rabbit, unflinching.

The parrot giggled and turned.

“I am the daughter of the king, lady of the second floor."

She extended a hand towards Asha and was met with a cold stare. The lady scoffed.

“The greater the ignorance, the greater the arrogance." She turned back, gazing at the sea below.

“I am the wisest in all the land." The lady spoke, as if to herself. “I've been taught by the greatest tutors. I know everything there is to know in all the sciences and arts. That is why I was put here. Why do you climb the tower? What is it you desire?"

“Immortality."

Asha's answer forced a slight chuckle from the lady.

“Such base interests. Do you fear the inevitable to such an extent that you risk forcing it upon yourself?"

“I fear no such thing."

The lady turned her head slightly.

“You contradict yourself, brave warrior. People wish to avert what they fear. There is no other reason."

The cold wind blew Asha's cape open. She did not speak.

“It gets awfully lonely in my garden. If you are willing to stay, I just might teach you all there is to know. I have been craving a companion to talk to."

“I am not."

The lady arose. She turned again, staring down the rabbit.

“You dare turn down the greatest gift from me? I should have your head on a platter!"

Asha did not respond. She unsheathed her sword and pointed at the parrot. The lady's eye, not losing an ounce of anger, twitched for the slightest second.

“Typical brute. You cannot solve your problems with words, so you chose violence. You bore me. Be gone!"

She flicked her hand to the other side of the garden, towards a newly formed door. Asha continued along the cobblestone path and exited the garden.

#

Part 3: Gluttony

Asha entered a brightly lit room. The walls were adorned with crested flags and torches. In the far end of the room there was a feast, but only one ate – a mouse dressed in an enormous dress and a huge headpiece, most likely made with the intent of resembling a crown. Behind her throne there was a wooden door, fitted with gold hinges and rings for knobs. The mouse was surrounded by six guards, barely standing and emaciated.

The moment Asha stepped into the room, the mouse yelled something, rendered unintelligible from the food in her mouth. One of the guards sluggishly crossed the room, his halberd dragging along the floor. Asha readied her sword. When the guard reached striking distance, he collapsed on the ground.

“Idiots! Idiots all of you!", the mouse screamed. “I should have you executed!"

None of the guards reacted. Asha cautiously strode forward, not lowering her sword. She stood on the other side of the table. The mouse did not look impressed.

“What would possibly possess you to enter the chamber of the duchess of these lands? During a noble feast, no less!"

“I'm here to traverse the tower."

“Oh, another one."

The duchess took a gulp from a goblet of wine and wiped her muzzle with one arm.

“None have reached the top. You should turn back now."

Asha took a look at the guards.

“I don't think so."

The duchess was unamused.

“Be it as you wish! I will drink my wine from your skull! Guards! Exe…"

Asha slashed the mouse's throat. Blood spewed across the white table cloth. The duchess fell.

The rabbit turned towards the guards, all of whom took a step back. She jumped over the table and opened the door.

#

Part 4: Patience and Trickery

Asha walked through a long corridor. At some point the sound of her footsteps changed from clacking against stone to creaking wood. When she reached the end, she entered a small room. In the center of it sat a ram behind a desk, surrounded by dozens of parchments, scribbling away by flickering candle light. He glanced over his glasses towards the rabbit, then turned his gaze back to his work.

“Sit." The ram's voice was stern and yet unconcerned.

Asha looked around and noticed three chairs next to the wall. They were wooden, moldy and one was tied up with strings so as not to break apart.

The rabbit stormed towards the desk. She pointed her sword towards the ram. For a second he looked up, let out a small chuckle and continued writing.

“Number…" he quickly went through some papers."...11154. Do you know who I am?"

“Another obstacle that needs to be dealt with."

“Cute." For a moment his permanent frown turned into a light smile “No. I am the executive tasked with overseeing everything that happens in this tower and the maze."

“So you fill out paperwork."

“Yes, I do.  So, if you want to pass, number 11154, you should wait until I am finished."

He lowered his head and continued writing.

“What if I just cut you down?"

“Then you wouldn't have anyone to open the door for you."

He motioned towards a beat up door behind him.

She tightened the grip on the hilt.

“Will this take long?"

“Hmm...hard to say. Ever since I was assigned here, I haven't stopped filling out paperwork."

She took a quick glance towards to door again.

“Is this really necessary?"

“Absolutely. I suggest you sit down and get yourself comfortable. I will call you when it's your turn to fill out the forms after which I can send a request for the key."

Asha took a seat in the chair that looked most intact. Of all the things she was expecting to come across in the tower, this was not one of them. It seemed strange how undeterred the executive was when his life was threatened. Could he have gone mad like the alchemist? Or maybe he wasn't the fighting type and he was bluffing, now thinking of a way to dispose of Asha. She didn't let her guard down and stared at the ram. He didn't deviate from his routine. Comparing papers and writing away. Judging by the amount of papers around him, it would take at least a week until Asha made any progress.

Asha stood up and walked towards the door. The ram didn't turn. She examined it up close. It was covered in a brown fabric, nails piercing it at key spots to keep it in place and looking presentable, but it was ripped in places. The handle was a simple rusted ring, under which was a keyhole. By the look of things, she could easily break the door down. She grasped the handle and gently pulled it. To her surprise the door opened. She turned towards the ram. He didn't notice her. She opened the door a bit more, just enough so she could slide in, after which she closed it shut.

#

Part 5: Solitude

Asha walked into a corridor. On the other side was an open door. She stepped forward and noticed that to her right there was a barred room. Peeking in she saw a wolf chained to the wall. He lifted his head and spoke in an exhausted voice.

“Hey, hey you! Set me free!"

The wolf was practically skin and bone and only a small piece of cloth kept him decent.

Asha ignored him and pressed on.

“Please don't go! At the very least stay a while and speak to me! It's been so long. Why won't you answer?"

 The thought of opening the cell crossed her mind, but it meant that she'd only deviate from her path and prolong her journey. Asha entered the door.

#

Part 6: The purple prince

Asha stepped into a room. Sunlight shone through clear, wide windows. The room itself was big, the walls decorated with shields, banners and weapons. There were a few weapon racks, each one with either blunt, sharp or ranged weapons. A few training dummies were positioned in the corners of the room. In the middle, in an empty circular area decorated with a crest depicting the sun, stood a swan. Dressed in an elegant, aristocratic fashion, he practiced a clunky fighting routine. He was so enthralled in his practice, that he only noticed Asha when she stepped inside the circle.

The swan, initially surprised, greeted Asha with a smile.

“Welcome, welcome!" He spoke in a sophisticated manner and with utmost sincerity, “I take it you are here to climb up the tower?"

“I am."

“Wonderful! I am the prince of these lands. You see, to get to the next floor, you have to defeat me in a duel. No bloodshed required. Just a standard sparring match."

Asha didn't need to hear any more. She took out her sword and assumed a fighting stance. The prince raised one finger.

“Before we begin, I have just one condition."

Asha did not answer and waited for him to continue.

“You see, the weapons here…they are inadequate. I have developed a very specific fighting technique. Any sword here would just impede me. I need a real weapon. One used in battle numerous times. A sword that can taste blood. My condition is for me to use your sword. You can pick any weapon you want."

Asha did not answer. She handed the sword to the prince and stepped outside the circle. She examined the weapons and settled on a scimitar. She waved it around, getting a feel for its balance. It was obvious it was never used in a real fight. No scratches on the blade, the handle was in top condition. It was almost as if it was an ornament rather than a weapon. Asha turned to the sight of the prince once again practicing his routine, this time with her blade.

When she stepped inside the circle, the prince stopped and smiled. He was ready to duel.

He raised his hand to strike and in that moment Asha dashed and jabbed him with her hilt, knocking his air out. He stumbled back and the rabbit waited for him to regain his composure. He assumed the same stance. This time he attacked from the side. Asha parried his strike, grabbed him by the wrist and threw him to the ground.

The prince quickly got up.
“Right. That was a good warm-up. Shall we continue with the real duel?"

Asha tightened her grip and awaited his next attack. He did a few quick hits, which Asha seamlessly blocked and when he showed an opening, she slashed, cutting his ascot in half. He was visibly worried and with haste tried to plunge her sword at her. She ducked, dashed forward and pressed the blade of the scimitar against his neck. For a few seconds he didn't move, after which he dropped the sword.

Asha picked up and sheathed her weapon, leaving the scimitar on the ground. She passed the prince and entered through the door.

“Your sword wasn't good enough."

The words faded as she walked forward.

#

Part 7: Seeing red

Asha entered a coliseum. The walls were breaking down and the field was covered in sand and bone. In the center of it sat a bull, hugging a claymore. When he noticed Asha, he stabbed the weapon into the ground and got up, using the hilt as support. He pulled it out and pointed it towards Asha.

“I am the berserker! Defeat me in battle and you may pass forward! If you value your life, turn back now!"

Asha pulled out her sword and waited for her opponent.

“So be it…" the bull murmured and charged forward. He ran the distance in seconds and slashed at the rabbit. His height and the length of his weapon allowed him to attack from a bit further than what Asha was used to. She rolled underneath the weapon and plunged forward to strike her opponent but instead was met with a kick, powerful enough to pin her to the wall. Her sword flew from her hand. The berserker was already mid-strike when Asha regained her senses. At the very last moment, she jumped out of the attack and fled towards the center of the battleground. The bull was quickly catching up to her.

As she ran, a shot of burning pain slashed across her back. The sensation and force made her lose balance and she fell face first. Asha scrambled forward and turned over to face her opponent, ready for his final attack. At a moment's notice, the rabbit grabbed a handful of sand and threw it into the bull's face. Blinded, he reached at his face, diverging his attack. Asha used the momentary distraction to grab a broken bone and strike back. The bone pierced the berserker's stomach. He let out a roar of pain. She didn't spare a second, grabbed another bone and struck again. Her opponent started violently slashing back and forth.

The rabbit used this opportunity to run back to her sword. She picked up her weapon and faced her opponent. His eyes, although bloodshot and watering, were now open and filled with relentless fury. He grabbed his hilt with both hands, as if the bones sticking out of his stomach weren't affecting him at all. Asha gritted her teeth and charged towards him.

The moment the berserker got in range, he slashed forward. Asha ducked underneath the claymore, passing between his legs. Her sword slid through his Achilles heel.

The berserker screamed in pain and collapsed on the ground, his weight plunging the bones deeper into his body. Asha shuffled over her opponent and buried her blade into his back, finishing him off.

Asha took a deep breath and sat on the ground. She looked towards the sky. It was midday. She closed her eyes for a quick rest. The wind blew the sands, ever so slightly reforming the battlefield. At regular intervals the ambience was broken by Asha's breathing.

A few minutes later she got up and took a few steps forward, before a sharp sting reminded her that she was wounded. She took off her cape, cut a piece from the lower half and tied it over her shoulder, covering the cut on her back. She put her cowl back on and walked over to the door of the next floor.

#

Part 8: The choice of strength

Asha took a step into a forest, her legs crushing dried up leaves. Trees towered above her, for what seemed like miles. A light fog, combined with the lack of sunlight, impaired her long-distance vision. She took a few steps, cautiously exploring her surroundings.

There was a crack. In just a few seconds the entire forest was on fire. Asha started running, looking for the way out. Suddenly manic laughter came from nearby. She stopped in her steps and changed her course, following the sound, knowing that the source was her way out. She grabbed her hood and pulled it around her neck to cover her mouth.

Asha stopped at the foot of at the largest tree. Through the smoke and leaves, she could barely make out a silhouette with antlers. It almost seemed like it was looking at her as well.

“I am the forest god! What are you doing in my domain?" the figure yelled out from atop of the tree.

“I am traversing the tower!"

“We should hurry then! The fire is spreading quickly!"

The figure jumped from the tree and landed in front of Asha. A tall, nude deer, wielding a spear.

“Battle me in my flames."

 He raised his weapon.

“Why did you set your kingdom on fire?"

The deer laughed.

“I was forced to guard this tower. It's not something I chose. But I can choose what to do with what is mine. This is my final act of defiance."

Asha took out her sword. Her eyes were watering from the smoke. Even at such close range, her opponent looked blurry. She was at a disadvantage, but she knew one sure way to defeat him.

“Denying yourself is not a real choice."

The deer let out another laugh, this one more powerful than the last. He opened his mouth to speak, when Asha sliced his throat. He collapsed on the ground.

Asha looked around. The fire had already surrounded her. She sheathed her sword and jumped over the deer's body to get to the tree. She had the intention of climbing it, but she felt a cold wind blowing from the ground. She looked down and saw a hole between the roots. Without any hesitation, she leapt into the hole, which lead her through a small tunnel. At its end was a round, wooden door. She opened it and crawled through.

#

Part 9: Hillside view

Asha kept on crawling through the tunnel for what seemed like hours. She had lost almost all her strength, when she saw a feint light. With her last breath she clawed her way out. The rabbit found herself at the base of a dead tree, perched near a cliff.

“Going somewhere?"

Asha turned around, her weapon at the ready. In front of her, on a rock, sat a raccoon, dressed in a blue cloak.

“You can relax. I'm not much of a fighter."

The raccoon's voice was calm and sounded elderly. Asha didn't let go of her sword.

The raccoon got up from his place and walked towards the cliff.

“You are climbing the tower, aren't you?"

“I am."

“Not really any other reason why you'd be here."

He chuckled underneath his nose. He bent over and picked a pebble off the ground

“The way to the next floor is through that chasm."

He threw the pebble over the cliff. There was no sound. Asha inched towards the edge. It was too foggy to see the bottom.

“You are lying, aren't you?"

Asha's voice was stern in contrast to the raccoon's calm, almost cheerful, speech.

“If you want, look around. If you find a way out, be my guest and use it."

The rabbit frowned. She took another look over the cliff.

“Why would you show me the way so easily?"

The raccoon smiled.

“I've found that most can be a hindrance to themselves. I don't need a sword to swing, or to weave lies, when I can just point you in the right direction and you can torment yourself to death."

Asha let go of her sword. She took a pebble and threw it, mirroring the raccoon, almost as if she expected different results. Again there was no sound.

“If I jump, will I die?"

“I doubt it."

“You doubt it?"

The raccoon shrugged.

“No one has ever jumped before. Not to my recollection."

Asha paced nervously back and forth between the tree and the rock, the raccoon following her every step.

“Why do you climb the tower?"

Asha halted in her steps, the question coming as a bit of a surprise, despite it not being her first time hearing it.

“I seek immortality."

“Is there a reason?"

“Yes."

Asha continued her pacing. Half a minute later, the raccoon spoke again.

“Would you care to share that reason?"

Asha froze up. She looked at the sky. It was filled with stars.

“I'm not afraid of death, if that's what you are asking."

The raccoon scratched his chin.

“Are you, by any chance, afraid of life?"

Asha's eye twitched. She didn't answer. She turned around, took a deep breath, closed her eyes and ran. She opened them just when she reached the edge of the hill and jumped into the chasm, arms spread and her cape billowing behind her.

The raccoon smiled and sat on his rock.

#

Part 10: Pastsight

Asha's landing felt more like jumping over a few stairs than jumping off a cliff. She found herself in a rather small space, compared to the earlier floors. Looking around, she saw all manner of knick-knacks hanging from the ceiling, shelves filled to the brim with what might be charms and talismans.

“Ah, Asha, you've finally arrived."

The voice came from behind her. Asha turned around, where behind a circular table sat a black cat. With a coy smile, the cat waved a hand in front of herself, motioning for the rabbit to sit in the opposing chair. Asha stepped forward, but did not sit.

“You know my name."

“You've been in the tower for quite some time now. Sooner or later, someone had to learn it."

The cat continued their conversation with a dramatic, yet self-ironizing tone of voice, all the while shuffling a deck of cards.

“I am the keeper of the tenth floor – the fortuneteller. The way to the next floor is just behind me. All you have to do to reach your goal is humor me."

She fanned out with the cards, covering the bottom part of her face.

“Let me read your fortune."

Asha scoffed.

“I don't believe in fortunetelling."

“Oh, I knew that. I am a fortuneteller after all. That's why I asked you to humor me."

Asha crossed her arms and furrowed her brow.

“I knew a stargazer once…" the cat continued, still shuffling her deck, “…who assured me that there are more ways to stack a standard deck of cards than stars he has counted. A deck of tarot cards is seventy two cards."

She laid the cards on the table.

“I like to believe that each reading I do directly corresponds to only one person, on the virtue of so many combinations. We'll use a stripped down deck, just to make it easier."

The cat arranged ten cards, Asha all the while deciding to let the fortuneteller play out her shtick.

“You may not believe it, but I can tell a lot about you with these cards." She turned over the first card. “The fool shows me that your highest ideals are somewhat simple in nature, while the next card, the chariot, shows that you have a creative, but rather physical, way of dealing with some of your problems."

She took a quick glance towards Asha, an innocent smile adorning her face. The rabbit did not react to it. The fortuneteller continued.

“The high priestess shows that you do have to work on your wisdom a bit and you aren't exactly virtuous, as seen by the hierophant, although you are very goal driven. The magician showed me that you are ready to deal with anything that stands in your way. While the empress says you might be altruistic exteriorly, however, on the inside you really just care for yourself."

The cat slid her finger on top of the next card before flipping it over.

“Your soulmate could as well be your sword, signified by the lovers. And the emperor says you do manage to learn from experience. My favorite card here, the wheel of fortune, tells me that you have already adjusted quite well to the cycle of defeating, or stalling out, the keepers of each floor and progressing to the next one. Strength shows that you exert a lot of control and thought in a fight and finally - the hermit. You believe you have achieved all the spiritual depth you need to embark on your journey and wish for immortality, thinking that it's the only way to achieve peace of mind."

The cat flipped the card between her fingers, losing herself.

“Are we done?"

Asha's voice leveled, but had a slight tone of annoyance. The fortuneteller jumped a bit.

“Oh, absolutely. You may go."

Asha walked towards the door behind the cat. Before she pressed any further, she spoke up.

“I'm pretty sure those weren't the meanings of the cards."

The fortuneteller took out another card from the deck and smiled to herself.

“And I am sure you knew I wasn't talking about the cards."

Asha hesitated for a moment, but did not bother to answer. She opened the door and walked through.

#

Part 11: Whisperer

Asha walked through a dark corridor. The barely present ambient light made it seem like it stretched for miles. On both sides of the pathway pillars stood tall, as if holding up the sky. From time to time skittering sounds could be heard. She took slow and measured steps, not letting down her guard.

With time the skittering became more and more frequent. Asha had taken out her sword, but continued with the same pace. She knew she was being watched. It was only a matter of time before the stalker revealed themselves.

“What are you looking for, little rabbit?"

She did not answer. The voice echoed through the hallway and Asha could not pinpoint its origin.

“Playing tough, are we?"

There came a cackle. Asha paid it no mind. She was done repeating herself for ten floors and pressed on through the dark.

“You really are a rascal, aren't you? Not wishing to play along? Fine. I can tell you why you are here. You are here to kill me."

Although echoing from all directions, it seemed like the voice was nearer this time.

“Kill me, get to the next floor. Kill the next guardian, get to the next floor, ad infinitum. Sometimes you'll talk to the floor keeper, with no need for bloodshed, and then get back to killing."

Her enemy was getting closer.
“You are here because you conquered the previous floors. You'll be there because you will conquer the next floors. That's the gist of it anyway. I personally think you won't get your wish. Eight more of us, excluding myself. You are bound to fail at some point. Some point soon…"

The voice came from a few feet away. She held her sword tight.

“There's no need to go on. So many have failed. You would have heard by now if someone got their wish.  There should have been at least one global emperor, right?"

It was right behind her.

“Turn back now, if you value your life."

She turned around, swinging her sword, cutting off the head of a fox. She looked at the carcass. He wore a green cloak and held a dagger in his hand. She bent down and wiped her blade in his clothes.

Asha continued through the hallway until she reached the next door.

#

Part 12: Forked path

Asha entered an abandoned clock tower. Gears turned, crackling and clanking, pushing leavers back and forth. Although every single piece of equipment moved, the hands on the clock itself did not budge and were perpetually stuck at six o'clock. The entire room was illuminated by the moon peering in through the dial. Asha stepped forward onto a walkway, positioned over an endless, dark abyss. The path itself lead to a door, right underneath the dial. 

She stepped lightly over the cold, stone floor. It was wide enough for two to pass each other, but she didn't want to risk it. Although it hadn't bothered her before, she had a feeling her back injury might prove troublesome in a duel here.

When she reached the middle of the walkway, she noticed a shadowy figure stepping onto it from the other side. She wasted no time and unsheathed her sword. The figure did not change its pace and continued on with a calm and steady step. Although cloaked, Asha could determine her opponent was just slightly taller than her. It wasn't visible if they were armed, but even if they were, it wouldn't be a long-reaching weapon, so the battle would be intimate.

When her opponent was about three meters away from her, he took down his cowl, revealing himself to be a rabbit. Asha readied her weapon, but he did not attack.

“Tell me, traveler, for how long have you been climbing the tower?"

Asha did not answer him. He turned towards the dial.

“I've been here for so long and I've yet to fix that thing. I'm just curious how much time it takes for an adventurer to get here."

He turned back towards Asha with an innocent smile on his face. She was not amused. He sighed.

“I am the clock-keeper. I came here because I enjoy the solitude the tower provides for those who wish it."

He walked slowly towards Asha, continuing his monologue.

“I enjoy examining things – how they work and function. I have the mechanisms of the clock mapped out and I know every single part of it. But most importantly…"

His hand started moving from beneath the robes. Asha stood ready for an attack, but he pulled out a simple deck of cards.

“…I enjoy games."

Again he smiled and, again, Asha did not answer.

“Even though it's nice to stare at the cog wheels, overthink the existential condition and play solitaire, it can get a little dull. So would you mind if you played a few games with me?"

He sat down and spread four cards face down.

“If you do, you can go on to the next floor."

Asha sheathed her sword and crossed her arms. The clock-keeper smiled.

“You have to pick two cards and they have to be the same colour."

Asha bent down and picked two cards. The clock-keeper flipped them over.

“Spades and hearts. You lose."

Asha got up and walked towards the door. She pulled the handle, but it was locked. She turned back towards the other rabbit. He was dangling a key on his finger.

“I played a game. Open the door."

“One isn't enough. I insist you stay a bit more."

Asha took out her sword and went towards the clock-keeper. He extended his arm over the abyss, the key still dangling.

“Don't make any mistakes you might regret."

Asha stopped in her tracks. Her opponent spun the key, coiling it around his finger. He closed the distance between them while shuffling the deck of cards.

“Did you know there are more ways to stack a deck of cards than there are stars in the sky?"

“Yes. I heard that recently."

There was mild look of disappointment on the keeper's face.

“Oh…the cat told you, didn't she?"

Asha breathed slowly. When the keeper got close enough, she was going to pounce on him and take the key. She wasn't planning on wasting any more time than she had to. But to her surprise, when he was close enough, the rabbit just threw the key towards her.

“You can go if you want. I don't plan on interrupting your journey."

She turned around and headed straight to the door.

“But I can provide for you."

She slowed down.

“If you want you can stay here for as much time as you like. I doubt climbing ten floors was easy. You can rest here. No tricks, no battles. Just a moment of peace."

As he said that, Asha felt her wound sting. She had completely forgotten about it since she got it. Only now did it act up.

She turned back. The keeper was in front of her. Asha sighed, sat and then laid sideways on the stone floor.

“What do you want to play?"

The keeper smiled. He sat down and pulled out a bag from underneath his cloak and rummaged in it.

“I personally believe that games show a person in their truest light. And no game does that better than go."

From the bag he pulled out a small board, divided in squares, and a box. Asha examined the equipment as he laid it down. The box was filled with small black and white pebbles, all of them polished.

“I don't know that one."

“Don't worry. It's easy to get."

He took out a white pebble and placed it in one of the squares.

“You see, backgammon is game where you play against luck and have to rely on forces beyond your control. Chess on the other hand is a more naturalistic game, where you play strictly against your opponent – mind versus mind, while in go, you play against yourself."

Asha scratched her ear.

“So you won't be playing with me?"

The keeper giggled.

“No, no, it's a metaphor. The game is more about self control and betterment. A game can end whenever we want it to end, and so you can determine when you've bettered yourself and begin anew. The cat uses her cards more as a form of meditation rather than real fortune telling. I consider games in the same matter. It's more what you perceive and think, rather than what you do."

Asha frowned a bit. She scratched her nose and sat up straight. The clock-keeper took that as a sign that she was ready to take the game seriously. He smiled and explained the rules to her.

#

Part 13: Converse

Asha walked through stone hallways, sarcophagi filling the walls. The air was cold and dusty, making her cough each time she inhaled too deeply. Every time she thought she reached an end of the path, the hallways would fork, leading her deeper into the catacombs. Her steps echoed through the labyrinth, at times accompanied by a current of wind. There was no danger to be feared here, yet she still felt uneasy.

Asha paced through the corridors for what seemed like hours when she finally found herself in the center of the maze – a field covered in ash, sand and dust, bones littered or formed mounds both great and small.

 The ceiling, a dome with a withered mural, was at least ten stories tall. Asha cautiously stepped onto the field. She took out her sword when she got close to the center, expecting the guardian of the floor to leap out at her from somewhere nearby. Every step she took towards the center was slower. She completely stopped when small pieces of plaster fell on her head from the ceiling. She rubbed it off and looked up. More specs of plaster started cracking from the ceiling. Then she felt it.

Asha fell back when the ground beneath her gave way and from the sand something emerged. Asha crawled backwards trying to gain ground and to better see what was coming up. It was as if the creature had been sleeping underneath the mounds and the footsteps woke it up. It was colossal in size. Asha barely reached its ankle. The giant was covered in rusted, black armor, it wore a helmet, completely covering its face, and had a halberd in one hand that was almost ready to fall on one side. Its pose was unnatural – the joints were bent in weird angles, the spine made unusual turns and the neck looked as though it might be broken.

For the first time in the tower, Asha felt fear. Fear of the size and misshapen stature of the creature before her. Fear that there was a chance her quest might end here.

The giant planted the halberd firmly in ground and used it like a cane, turning from one side to the other. When it noticed Asha, it bent down to examine her closer. Asha raised her sword, but she could not hold it still. She was trembling.

“Are you climbing the tower, little rabbit?"

It's voice was loud, but calm and collected at the same time.

“I-I am..."

The giant made a low, droning sound in response, indicating that it understood her. Still gripping the pole, it slid down to the ground, resting on the sandy field.

“I don't wish to fight you. Turn back and let me spare your life."

“N-no."

Asha took meek steps forward. Although she was scared, she was not willing to give up on her quest so easily.

The giant let out a low laugh.

“You are a fool. I can easily crush you. I'm giving you the greatest gift there could be – life. No wish can compare to it. Just run along."

“I won't back down."

The giant observed the rabbit - her meager steps were barely visible, and yet the giant found them commendable.

“In my youth I wanted to be a soldier. I trained everyday and before I knew it, I was in the king's army. After each battle, I would lament on the time I've lost preparing for this. I never had a wife or close friends. I never had a real chance to enjoy life. I've killed hundreds but there was no pleasure in it. There was no pleasure in my life. And now, in death, I sleep with the bones of my foes. Turn back and do not make the mistake of denying yourself of life."

Asha listened to the story. There was a note of pain with each word the giant said. But the warnings weren't enough to make her forfeit.

“You said that you lost out on life because of a mistake. I aim to rid myself of all mistakes."

The giant turned its head. It was intrigued.

“Mistakes affect us because life is short. With each choice we make, we deny ourselves another. Mistakes are choices that do not fulfill us. I want to wish for immortality. If bad choices deny us of life experiences because of how short life is, then immortality would mean that there are no bad choices, only experiences."

The giant laughed. At first it was a chuckle but it soon became a powerful, thunderous laugh that shook the catacombs.

“Oh, rabbit, I haven't had such a laugh in a very long time. You are quite the wordsmith. I enjoy your enthusiasm and vigor, but I doubt you'll be able to make your wish."

The last part caught Asha off guard.

“Why is that?"

The giant stood up and started fixing his joints, aligning them in their correct positions.

“Many have tried climbing the tower. Few have succeeded. And yet, there are no kings of the world, nor unkillable warriors, or miracle workers. Think about this when you climb up."

   The giant struck the dome with the halberd, breaking it down. Sunlight illuminated the catacombs. From two slits on the back of the giant's armor, two dark, almost paperlike wings emerged. It jumped and the wings started to flutter, levitating it off the ground and through the hole on the ceiling.

 Asha coughed out all the dust she had swallowed during the display. She rubbed her eyes until she could see better and walked forward, through the field and towards a giant stone gate that had opened with the illumination of the catacombs.

#

Part 14: Suspension

Asha stepped onto a wooden platform encircling a tree. In front of her stretched a rope around ten meters long, tied to another tree with a hole burrowed into it. In front of the hole stood a macaque twirling a scimitar. He turned towards Asha with a cocky smile.

“I am the treewalker. Get through me and you can get to the next floor. Simple enough."

Asha took out her sword. The treewalker stretched.

“You've got to come to me. No reason to overexert myself."

The rabbit looked at the rope. It was suspended for what seemed like miles above the ground and it was barely thick enough to walk on.

She put one foot on it and immediately retreated when it started shaking. The macaque laughed.

“You can always just turn around you know."

Asha ignored the remark. She took off her cape and fastened one end of it to her foot. The other, she tied in a noose to the rope. She took her first steps, barely managing to balance herself. When she reached the halfway point, she raised her sword, ready to fight. The macaque proudly walked on the rope, grabbing it with his feet. The shaking almost caused Asha to lose her balance. When he reached her, the treewalker stood still and let the rabbit regain her composure. As she lifted her sword again, signaling that she was ready to fight, the macaque just hit it. The force was enough for Asha to fall off to the side. Even though it lasted for a second, it felt like she fell for an eternity. The feeling of all her insides hitting the body cavity made her clench every muscle in her body. The sudden stop almost tore her leg out from its socket. For a split second she blacked out. The treewalker laughed and walked back, leaving her behind, dangling.

 It took Asha a few moments to completely realize what had happened. When she came to her senses she noticed an intense pain in her hand. She was clutching her sword hard enough to hurt. She couldn't sheathe it and didn't want to risk losing it. The rabbit ignored the pain and lifted herself up to grab her makeshift harness with her free hand. She climbed up her cloak and crawled back to her platform.

When she finally managed to sit, her feet dangling off the ledge, she pried open her hand and placed the sword beside her. She spent the next few minutes stretching her fingers until she had complete control of them again.

Asha took a look at the macaque. He was lying on his back, looking at the sky and singing a song to himself. None of this was of any surprise to him.

Asha untied the knots and this time decided to sling the cape underneath the rope and attach two ends to both her feet. She took a few steps on the rope, this time even less sure of her skills and immediately bent down to grab it with her free hand.

The treewalker noticed his opponent trying to crawl back to the battlefield. He sighed, picked up his weapon and again met Asha in the middle. He prepared to swing his sword down at her, but in the nick of time Asha slashed towards his legs. He was quick enough to step back, but all the movement caused Asha to turn upside down. She was still holding the rope with one hand and the treewalker decided this time around to kneel down.

“You know, it would be quicker if you just turn back. No shame in losing to a superior opponent."

Asha didn't answer. In a split second she let go of the rope and grabbed it again, this time behind her foe's feet, after which she slashed it with one swift blow.

In his panicked state, the treewalker dropped his scimitar and grabbed the rope in front of him. Both enemies swung forward and hit their opposing trees. Asha managed to climb up the tree, much slower than the treewalker, but there was no rush. She had already won.

When she reached the top and started undoing her harness, she heard the macaque laughing.

“You're a tricky one you are. Go on! Get to the next floor! I'm sure that scaly creep in there has been waiting for someone like you for a long time."

Asha didn't answer him. She put on her cloak and walked through the burrow.

#

Part 15: Of flesh and lust

Asha walked down a flight of circular stairs. The only indication that she was making any progress was the sound of music getting louder and louder. There was no door at the end of the stairs, just a thin, purple veil, shadows and figures dancing behind it.

Asha grabbed the veil and pulled it. At that instant, it was as if all the sounds in the chamber had burst forth – loud, almost atonal music, yelling, cries of pain and pleasure. Inside she witnessed all manner of animals, some dressed in the most bizarre and outlandish clothing, while others completely in the nude. None of the residents had formed groups dedicated to one activity. Around every table sat at least five, either drinking heavily or gorging themselves, yelling and laughing, all the while watching other revelers dancing, whipping or fornicating.

Asha stepped through the threshold. She passed through jugglers, minstrels, drunkards, sadists, masochists, sodomites, looking for entrance to the next floor. It didn't take long for her to be noticed, being the only one wearing actual clothes. Some of the dancers moved with her, urging her to join them. She ignored them for the most part, but their insistence slowly wore on her patience. They started grabbing her and pulling her by the arms and cape and pleading her to dance and she pulled away with force.

“Enough!"

Although she yelled, her voice was drowned out in the cacophony. She was ready to take out her sword when the music stopped and with it - all other noises. Everyone turned towards the end of the room and Asha followed their gaze. A lizard, sitting on a black throne, one hand supporting his head and the other raised towards the direction of a band of musicians.

“Step forward, rabbit."

Asha walked towards the lizard, everyone straying from her but still keeping a moderate distance. The lizard didn't move. He examined her from head to toe and he waved his hand.

“You do not need these in here."

In an instant Asha was stripped naked, all her clothing on the ground and the perpetrators lost in the crowd. She tried covering herself as much as she could but the lizard raised his hand, motioning for her to stop.

“Relax, little rabbit, you are amongst friends here. We all value the beauty of the naked form. Set your hands down and you may state what you are seeking."

Asha reluctantly dropped her hands, revealing her body in full. She was covered in scars, the largest and freshest one on her back.

“I wish to climb the tower."

The lizard scratched his chin.

“Climb the tower…climb the tower…you know, many here also wanted to climb the tower, but they preferred to stay. I'll offer you the same things I offered them."

Again, the lizard waved his hand. A line of people went by Asha, all of them holding platters with food and drinks.

“You can have the tastiest of meals, the most numbing wine or the most intoxicating substances."

Even though the line went fast, she could smell every individual thing on those platters. The combinations of aromas made her visibly salivate.

The lizard waved his hand once more. Another line of figures passed her, each of them caressing her body. The smell of sweat and perfume filled her nostrils. Her breaths became heavy.

“You can have any man or woman, or those which can be both. You can be as sensual, as brutal or as submissive as you want to with each and every one of them."

The lizard rested his hand on his throne.

“You can stay. You don't need to go."

Asha closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She wiped the saliva from her mouth, took her clothes from the ground and put them back on.

“I wish to climb the tower."

The lizard sighed and waved his hand. On his left, the wall split open and he gestured Asha to walk through it. She stepped through the crack and walked into the darkness. She heard the wall behind her close and with it the music started playing anew.

#

Part 16: The tower

Asha walked through complete darkness. There was no other sound except her footsteps. She held her sword firmly, ready to defend herself, but there was no one to defend from. She changed the course of her path a few times, intending to come to a wall or an obstacle so she could get a better image of the place, but there were no walls. It was as if she was walking in a desert.

The lack of sights and sounds made her uneasy. Surely there had to be a guardian here and not just an endless void. From time to time she could swear she heard whispers, but when she adjusted her hearing, there was nothing.

When it felt like she had been walking for hours, she stopped and sat on the ground. The ground didn't feel like anything. It was solid, but it didn't posses any other characteristics. Her sword, now sheathed, rested next to her. There was nothing here. Nothing to fight. Nothing to fear. Nothing to help her.

“Sixteen floors. I beat fifteen floors and the one to beat me was the one with nothing in it."

She laid down, gazing up at the darkness. She could no longer tell if her eyes were open or closed. The solitude was crushing.

“Maybe the guardian is the darkness itself."

She tapped the ground a few times. She tried to scratch through it but to no avail. She was ready to turn back, but there was nowhere to turn back to.

“Nothing to fight and nowhere to go. I did enter knowing the possibility of failure. But not like this."

She was calmer than she would have expected. There was no need to put on a front. She was bested and she was going to die here.

Asha took a deep breath.

“I accept my fate."

With those words she let go of everything and drifted off to sleep.

She woke, again surrounded by darkness. She sat up and stretched her hands. She was refreshed. For the first time since she began her quest, she wasn't tired.

While feeling the ground around for her sword, she felt a slight burning in her eye. The more she turned, the worse it was. When she grabbed the hilt, she realized what it was. Right next to her, there was a weak ray of light, as if coming from beneath a door frame. She extended her hand forward and it collided with a wooden surface. Feeling it up, she found a door handle. The rabbit smiled to herself. She opened the door, the light behind it momentarily blinding her. Asha rubbed her eyes and went through.

#

Part 17: Starbound

The first thing Asha experienced on the other side was the smell of the ocean. The second one was a wave hitting her entire body. She fell down on a wooden deck, her eyes and nasal cavity burning from the salt. It took a few seconds to fully realize where she was.

“You the climber?"

The voice came from behind her. She turned around and saw a white swallow hoisting the sails. Before she could answer another wave hit her, filling her throat with water. She started coughing violently, puking the water she'd swallowed.

“I take it you are. Don't stand around, take the helm."

Asha quickly got up on her feet and ran towards the boat's wheel, which was spinning out of control. She grabbed it, stabilizing it and tuned towards the swallow.

“Will you lead me to the next floor?"

“Forget about the floors for a second, we gotta get through this first."

Another violent wave hit the boat, knocking it back and forth. Asha held as tightly as she could, but she still slipped on the wet deck.

“Hold tight. The storm won't last long! Just a few more minutes!"

Asha tried to get up, but another wave rocked the boat, throwing her back down. Her head hit the boards and the darkness engulfed her again.

“Hey, you alright?"

Asha slowly opened her eyes. She was in the cabin. Above her stood the sailor with only a slight degree of concern on his face. The rabbit tried to stand up, but a sudden pain in her head forced her to fall back.

“You hit yourself pretty hard. The ocean ain't no place for the inexperienced, you know."

Asha tried standing up again, this time ready for the pain. The swallow helped her get up and let her out on the deck.

“We'll be stuck here for some time, until the skies clear up."

Asha looked up. Although the storm had passed, clouds still hid the stars.

“How can I get to the next floor from here?"

The sailor led out a low sigh.

“I don't know. High chance of it being to where I'm headed, I guess. But we can't get anywhere with no stars."

Asha rubbed her head. The pain was still present and it started to get worse. She grabbed the gunwale and slid down to the ground.

“If it makes you feel any better, I'm pretty sure we are close."

The sailor looked around.

“Mhm. Definitely close."

Asha slowly stood up, her headache under control and she gazed out into the ocean. There was only darkness.

“Is there any chance we could sail out on instinct?"

The swallow laughed.

“Good luck with that. Just hope the skies clear up soon."

Asha turned back towards the waters. It was a tad awe-inspiring. Such a bleak vastness. No way to know where you are. Always at the mercy of the elements. The hairs on her neck stood up. She decided it would be best not to dwell on it and turned around. She was met with the same sight. Only this time, something was off.

“Hey, is that a light over there."

She pointed the sailor towards the horizon. He squinted his eyes.

“Indeed it is."

He stormed off, untying the ropes of the sail.

“Grab the helm! We are setting course towards that light!"

Asha was soon steering them towards the source of the light. The sailor set the sails and they were off.

“What is that thing?"

“It's a lighthouse. It shows the path for lost ships."

The closer they got, the stronger the light became. Asha was sure that in it she could find her way out.

When they got close enough, Asha turned towards the swallow.

“It was a pleasure sailing with you, captain."

“I ain't no cap…"

He didn't finish. Asha had jumped out of the boat and was swimming towards the dock. This act alone was more tiring than any of her other challenges, but she kept on going.

She climbed out of the water, breathing heavily, and ran to the lighthouse. She hurried up the circular stairs and broke through the door at the top.

#

Part 18: Broken light

Bursting out through the door, Asha found herself inside the lighthouse. She was so used to the drastically changing scenery, that the sight of an ordinary lighthouse interior caught her off guard. She paced slowly around the room, careful not to look directly at the blinding light emitted by some strange contraption. She examined her surroundings as closely as she could, but the simple plainness distracted her by itself. Although big, the room did not have any obvious exits besides the one Asha entered through. There was a light smell of fish, but that was to be expected.

Strutting along the circular path, she stepped on something squishy and slimy. She tripped, but quickly regained her balance. There was a yell. Asha turned around, but she couldn't see anyone. She looked at her feet. At first glance there was nothing unusual, but upon further inspection, Asha noticed a thin trail of mucus. It was barely visible, but the central contraption shone enough for one to see a nuance on the floor. There was something in here with her.

Asha pulled out her sword and spoke with a loud, firm tone.

“Show yourself now, or it will get worse for you later."

The ambience of the room slowly changed. A squishy, dragging sound slowly filled the lighthouse. Patches on the walls changed colours, revealing themselves as tentacles, slithering down to the floor. They lead to a strange amorphous, white blob on one side of the room. Asha closed in on the grotesque thing. And then she heard it speak.

“I'm here! I'm here! No need for any of that."

The tentacles lethargically waved towards the sword. Asha was now within striking distance. She didn't lower her weapon.

Two big eyes appeared on the blob. It was a squid.

“Please lower your weapon! I'm just a humble light keeper. I've got nothing worth stealing."

The squid could barely move and its shaky voice was evidence enough that it wasn't a fighter.

“Show me the door for the next floor and I'll leave you be."

The squid blinked. One eye after the other.

“I'm sorry, I don't quite understand."

Asha raised her sword towards the light keeper and it visibly sunk back.

“Do not play with me. I am climbing the tower. Tell me where the next door is and I won't slice you up."

The squid was now visibly shaking.

“I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't understand. This is the top of the towe…Oh! You mean THE tower. I'm terribly sorry, but this isn't it."

“What?"

“Yes. Did you come with the swallow? Adventurers keeping sailing with him and bursting into my lighthouse, claiming it's the next part of their journey. You won't find any adventures here. I think the real path is somewhere outside."

Asha furrowed her brow and the squid noticed it.

“It's true! I don't go out much, so I can't tell you where it is, but everybody who comes in here claims to have passed through impossible hallways and gardens, forests and arenas. They are always surprised to find a lighthouse on top of the lighthouse."

Asha lowered her sword. It did make some sense.

“You are saying this isn't part of the tower?"

“I'm afraid not, no."

“And it's most likely outside?"

“Most definitely."

Asha turned around and walked towards the door.

“I hope you find your way."

She was a few steps from the door when she noticed one of the tentacles on the wall changing its colour. She stopped. The light keeper could disguise himself. Could the floor itself also be disguised as an ordinary lighthouse?

Asha turned around and walked back to the squid.

“Is something the matter?"

Its voice was sincere.

“Nothing really. Would you mind moving yourself?"

“Oh, I don't think that would be necessary."

Asha pulled out her sword. The squid gulped and slithered to one side, revealing that it was standing on top of a door. Asha opened the door. There was a spiral staircase leading towards a black abyss.

The squid chuckled.

“I almost had you, didn't I?"

“Yes, almost."

Asha kicked the light keeper and climbed down.  

#

Part 19: Peace of mind

After less than a minute, Asha reached the bottom of the stairs. They lead to a chamber at the base of the lighthouse, strangely well illuminated by the moon shining through cracks in the walls. The staircase itself ended a few meters away from a tunnel. Asha walked towards the tunnel, stepping onto cold mud.

Right before the entrance she looked down and saw, laid out neatly on a piece of cloth, a torch, tinder, a pair of boots and a note. She picked up the note, which read:

“A present for the adventurer to help them on their journey."

Asha crumpled up the note and threw it away. With suspicion she picked up the boots for inspection. They were made of rubber, exactly her size. She checked inside to see if this might be a trap, but her fear was unfounded. She put the boots on, lit up the torch and pressed onward.

The tunnel was supported by wooden beams, visibly old and quite decrepid. The mud was getting thicker and thicker and the air more and more damp. After some walking, Asha reached a fork in the path – two tunnels with a sign in between them pointing to the left. Asha followed the sign and reached another fork. This time the sign pointed right. Asha followed it again and was met with a third fork. She continued to follow the signs left behind, until she finally saw a light in the distance. She quickened her pace, throwing the torch aside. She reached the source of the light.

Asha entered a room. Unlike the previous one, there was a marble floor, with a carpet rolled out at the entrance. The walls were covered in green wallpaper decorated with paintings. A small fireplace burned, around which chairs were placed, giving the room a homey vibe. Asha took a step into the room and an arm emerged from behind one of the chairs.

“Please take off your boots. You'll track mud."

The rabbit proceeded to slowly take off her boots, not taking her eyes off of the chair. Now barefoot, she stepped towards the fireplace, to meet her host.

A dog, dressed in jester attire, was sitting in the chair, reading a book. He bent the edge of the page he was reading, closed the book and left it on a table next to him.

“Glad you could make it. Asha was it?"

Asha furrowed her brow.

“Do I know you?"

The dog grabbed his chin while looking up as if deep in thought.

“Not likely. You've probably met my brother. He lets adventurers in, I let them out."

The dog stood up and extended his arm towards Asha. Unsure what exactly to do, Asha extended hers where he grabbed it and violently started shaking it.

“Congratulations on making it this far. I'm sure it was a long and treacherous journey. I'd offer you something to eat and drink, but experience has taught me that people tend to be too excited to be hungry here."

“Wait. This is the top of the tower?"

The jester shook his head in a negative response.

“Well…no. You still have one more floor to go. It's a meeting with the king."

He walked towards a table and poured himself a cup of tea.

“The king?"

The jester took a sip from his tea. Displeased with the taste, he added a lump of sugar to it and started stirring.

“Mhm. He's the one who will grant you your wish. If you pass his challenge."

Asha sighed. She looked around and saw an ordinary wooden door located near the fireplace. She went to open the door when the jester spoke up again.

“Leave you sword."

The rabbit spun around to glare at him. The jester was looking at her from above his tea cup.

“It's part of the rules. No weapons on holy ground."

Asha begrudgingly undid her sheath. She stared at it, not ready to let it go.

“Is it neceserry?"

“Oh, most definitely."

With a deep relenting sigh, the rabbit lay her sword next to the door. She closed her eyes and opened the door, stepping through the final stairway.

“Good luck, great adventurer."

Part 20: The king

Asha had been climbing the stairs for hours and yet she felt no exhaustion, no pain, only pure determination. She would finally reach her goal, her wish for immoratlity. She could live any life she wanted, changing them whenever she pleased, without having any regrets for missed opportunities. Only one floor stood between her and all she ever wanted.

At the top of the staircase, she reached a mahogany gate, heavily ornamented with with golden insignias. She put both hands on the gate and pushed it open, entering a small, stone chamber. The air was cold, heavy. Flickering candles lit the room from both sides, revealing a mural in the center, depicting each floor of the tower.

On the other side of the room, opposite to Asha, was a throne. A cloaked figure sat on the throne, its face obscured by darkness. Boney fingers gripped the handles of the throne and on its head, there was a thin, white crown. This was the king.

“Step forward, my child."

The voice was ghostly, gravely, a mere whisper. It did not seem to have an origin, but felt like it came from the entire room. Asha took a few steps, placing herself in the middle of the cirle.

“You desire immortality, don't you Asha?"

With a confident, yet respectful voice she answered.

“I do."

“It is not beyond my abilities, but I would need something from you as well."

Asha's ear perked up. Her breath became heavier. This was something she wasn't expecting.

“It's a simple request. You have passed through the maze of the four lords and reached the top of my tower. So tell me, child, what have you learned on your journey to my chamber?"

Asha stood still. She closed her eyes, reminiscing on all her encounters. A few minutes passed and she spoke.

“I've learned of the horrors of madness and ignorance. That no one can forge your path to victory. I have learned to better think on my feet and to not sway away from my goals. I have learned to appreciate peace and help when given and to reject lies. I have learned to survive and I have learned to appreciate."

There was a moment of silence.

“To each, their own. I find your answer acceptable. Although it was nothing more than a request, you answered truthfully. Your final challenge awaits. Beyond my throne is the door which will lead you to the top of the tower. Climb up, fulfill its challenge and your wish will be."

Asha stepped forward, passing the unmoving king and opening her final door.

#

 Epilogue: On top of the world

She could see the entire world. The sun's morning rays burning brightly. The moon disappearing behind the mountains. The stars more numerous than a deck of cards. The oceans roaring, the forests howling, the winds hissing. The people laughing, crying and cheering. On the tower there was no pain, no sorrow, no guilt, no happiness or sadness. There was no victory nor defeat. Only existence and whatever it held. Asha's ego broke.