Thipa's Test

‘Shyren’ found herself in one of the many entrances into the Khuul Archive. Proud Sphinx guardians lined the hall. A shimmering swirl of blue cascaded and rippled color throughout. One Sphinx stood taller than the rest. Thipa was a pristine aqua colored sphinx. She adorned herself with a high golden crest. Along her neck, and her crest, were large sapphire gemstones.

Thipa’s eyes cast their stare down at the half breed woman. “Seek knowledge and arrive.”

“Seek truth and enter.” ‘Shyren’ answered.

“Sisters they must be. Opposite each sister looks. One to the east, the other west. There are no reflections. Without movement they must see each other. How can this be?” Thipa spoke. Each guardian drew their blades and took one step forward.

“I…” ‘Shyren paused.

“Careful child, you know the rules of this place.” Thipa spoke, her tone stern.

‘Shyren’ gave a quaint nod. Rose red flushed along her cheeks. She couldn’t hide her embarrassment. She abhorred confrontation, and answering riddles incorrectly would lead to a terrible punishment. The punishment would be death for most. ‘Shyren’ was still in training, a week without books, and a silence helm would be a start. However, this would be her third failure… Expulsion. Her father insisted she live like a full Sphinx, and she would be treated as such.

She turned her feet inward, to fight the weakened feeling in her legs. Her face grew more flush as she floundered in her mind for an answer.

‘Away? No, opposite, each sister looks, east.. west… They see each other… No reflection? No moving? How?’ She thought to herself. She opened her mouth.

“A warning my child. The next words you speak must be the correct answer, or you will fail.” Thipa spoke, this time her tone motherly. She certainly felt this way. ‘Shyren’ was a student she was fond of. She came to learn ‘Shyren’ thought of her as a second mother, as her biological mother resided somewhere else, an infinity away.

Another nod, and ‘Shyren’ found the courage to speak up. Her voice was near silent. Soft words escaped her lips. “The sisters face each other. They do not need to move. They already look opposite.”

The guards kept a firm grip on their weapons. Thipa’s brows lifted, relaxed. She shifted her weight and wings. “Correct my child.” Thipa gave a low nod. “Very well, come with me.” A hint of a smile formed on Thipa’s face as she stood and turned her large body toward the massive doors that were behind her. They opened slowly, and revealed what looked to be an endless library.

‘Shyren’ bit back a smile and bowed. She took her first step towards recognition that day.