She bit back a smile. Before she could suggest they pause the tour for something to eat, Grayson jumped in front of Leila, yelling, “Monster!”
CHAPTER 5
The bullheadedbeast recoiled at Grayson’s shout before uttering an indignant, “How rude.”
“It talks?” Grayson’s jaw dropped.
“Yes, and in several languages, if you must know,” the beast replied. “You must be the new Libra Zodiac Warrior.”
“He is.” Leila stepped out from behind Grayson with a frown. “I apologize for his reaction. He’s still adjusting to his new situation.”
“Understandable, and I forgive him. It’s not every day one meets a legend,” the bullman stated with a tilt of his massive head. “You’ve probably heard of me, the mighty minotaur, although my friends call me Asterion.”
“You’re a myth.” A living breathing one, and Grayson struggled with that fact.
“All myths have a kernel of truth at their core, as you’ll learn. You are the hockey player who fought back against the aliens.”
“Yeah.”
“Quick thinking on your part. The videos of your actions have gone viral.”
“Really?” He shouldn’t have been surprised.
“Is there any tragedy that doesn’t have someone recording and posting in the hopes of going viral?” Asterion shook his head. “Modern society is morally lacking. To think, they would cowardly record rather than intervene and render aid.”
“Can’t blame them. Those monsters were tough and ain’t much a person can do with their fists against claws and teeth.” Hell, if Grayson had been on the bench or in the stands, he likely would have fled instead of fighting.
“You lacked a true weapon and still managed to fell a few.”
“Yeah, well, I’ve always been a bit of a bruiser on the ice,” Grayson admitted with a sheepish shrug.
“A fighter is just what the Zodiacs need,” Asterion declared.
“This fighter needs to eat, given the trauma he’s recovered from,” Leila stated.
“Ah, yes, he must maintain his strength. I would join you, but I am off to meet with the librarian. He’s promised to show me some lost texts. However, I look forward to conversing with you soon.” Asterion waved as he strode off.
“Hot damn,” Grayson muttered. “How many more legends am I going to run into?”
“Not many inside Tower. Asterion is slightly unique in the sense that he’s actually intelligent and doesn’t resort to violence like many non-humans do.”
“How did he end up here? I thought the minotaur lived in a maze.”
“He didn’t live there by choice. It was a prison, and in exchange for his freedom, he aided the warriors on a quest. I’m sure Asterion will tell you all about it. He does enjoy talking. Now, if you’ll follow me, let’s get you something to eat.” She then indicated he should stand in front of a niche tucked into a wall.
“How do I place an order?” he asked, not seeing a microphone to speak into.
“You don’t. The cooks in the kitchen will provide what you need.”
He glanced at her. “More magic?”
“The food itself is real, as are those preparing it. However, from what I’ve gathered, the kitchen exists in some kind of time bubble, so that the preparation, no matter how long, ends up being only seconds for the person waiting. Take a look.”
A glance at the niche showed a plate had appeared, holding a steak, garden salad, and a smothered baked potato. His favorite.
“Damn, that’s kind of crazy.”
“Just Tower being efficient. Warriors don’t always have time to wait for a meal, so Tower created a solution. You’ll also find the repasts high-quality and delicious. Those working the kitchen are very talented chefs.”
