Despite my expectations, my transit is unimpeded.

Still, I feel the eyes. My Annunaki watchers are less stealthy than I would expect.

The seventh temple has been odd from the moment I entered it.

My first step puts me in a corridor. The paths diverge, and I run into more dead ends.

I grow increasingly angry with the maze. I can't even find my way back out.

My supplies could be better. Particularly water.

As I rationalize my actions, I cross an intersection. Down one path, I see a Stone stairway that would take me deeper.

I hope this is the right choice.

Sadly, my hopes were merely fantasy.

Eventually, I grow tired and rest.

This level is darker than the first, requiring greater scrutiny to find my way.

The water is gone, and as I rise, I feel parched.

I sigh inwardly; there's nowhere to go but on.

I eventually find the stairs down and move on with some relief.

My eyes find relief on this lowest level. What I see is an open sky caught in twilight.

Rows of hedges guide my path.

The maze no longer elicits anger from me—just progressive depression.

The time I spend in the maze is impossible to measure. But I realize this maze isn't meant to be a tomb—just a test.

I sigh. Couldn't just give it up easily, could it?

As if answering my call, I hear a tinkering of ceramic.

Following the sound as best I can find my way.

What faces me when I breach the foliage is a peculiar sight.

Men with noses like mice—women with cat ears. Every one of the people I see has some animal features.

"He made it," I hear.

"Sure took him long enough."

"What was the time for the last one?"

"Ah, who can keep track."

These animal people clink fine china as they sip at what I assume to be tea.

My absentminded expression inspires someone to ask, "Did we get a dull one this time?"

"Whatever," someone says. "Come, challenger. It's tea time. Your seat is over there."

One woman with the nose and ears of a bunny waves invitingly.

My legs move automatically, and I find a seat open just for me.

As if having solved the enigma of the new entrant, the guests all return to their conversations. They were drinking the drink they drank from their cups and ate scones and biscuits on the table.

I see my cup and what looks to be a tea kettle on the table.

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My thirst is driving me; I hastily pour a drink.

While warm enough to comfort, the tea is not so hot that I can't guzzle it.

It takes a few cups. But, I feel more in control of my actions.

The bunny woman who waved me over smiled, "It must've been tough."

I look at the woman. If not for the bunny nose, I'd call her pretty.

"The god..." I begin.

She nods with an enthusiastic smile. "Our host. I'm sure she'll want to meet you."

She points to the end of the table where an aged woman without the features of an animal sits smiling in conversation with a group of guests closest to her at the table.

"So," the bunny woman looks at me in excitement. "You've passed all the trials to get here."

I nod.

"What were the gods like?" she asks with stars in her eyes.

I feel myself smile at the woman's energy.

"They were beyond my imagining."

She chatters on, asking for details on my journey. But, my interest is elsewhere.

"When does tea time end?" I find myself asking.

"End?" she asks quizzically. "I don't know what you mean."

My brow furrows.

"Thanks, miss. I need to see the goddess."

She smiles, understanding.

I navigate my way to the end of the table.

I know enough etiquette not to interrupt a goddess during a conversation.

At least, I think I know not to. But, time drags on with the grandma type, still enraptured by her conversation.

I want to be done with this. To move on to the final temple.

She seems to see my agitation finally and looks at me kindly.

"Hello, dear. I know what you're here for."

I feel some relief at her words.

"But," she says. "I can't just send you off without celebrating your triumph. Please, for my peace of mind, enjoy yourself. The tea will always be ready for you here."

Inwardly, I feel myself screaming. But, outwardly, I manage a thin smile before turning back to my seat.

"Isn't she wonderful?" the rabbit woman asks as I sit down.

My thin smile flattens.

The animal people carry on with conversations as I chew on a biscuit.

"Have you heard? Something is going on in the other circles."

"I have. The beings of absolute good are coordinating their armies abnormally. They're retreating from battle lines that have lasted for ages."

There is silence among the guests for a moment.

"Have the evil gods overrun the battlefields? Has the balance that has existed for eons been broken?"

"That's the weird thing. Except for a few battlefields, the evil gods have barely reacted."

Someone laughs nervously, "Then there's nothing to worry about, right?"

I look into my cup of tea. I know the answer and haven't the courage to speak of it.

Across the long table, the aged goddess momentarily meets my eye.

I wonder what she hopes to achieve by keeping me here.

My rabbit-eared companion listens in on the conversations around the table and engages me in chit chat.

"Do you know what they're talking about?"

I feel myself somewhat sullen as I nod my head.

"Oh," she claps excitedly. "Please, tell me."

I feel a weight on me as I measure my words.

"The gate will be broken soon. The circle will be open to invasion."

Her excitement grows dull, and I hear another voice.

"What are you talking about? The gate broken?"

The man's voice projects across the table, and all eyes turn toward me.

Voices across the table cry out, "Tell us."

I look at the granny and can see an unfamiliar emotion flit across her face.

"I will break the gate."

My words are met with disbelief and even some anger.

"Ludicrous. Who do you think you are? You could do whatever you want just because you pass the trial."

"The gate existed eons before you were even dust."

The voices grow in venom until someone clears their throat.

All eyes turn to the matronly old woman.

"My darlings," she says. "There is something I've been meaning to tell you."

The table carries with people swallowing the lump in their throats.

"It is as the young man says. He will break the gate."

Astonishment leaves most of the attendees stunned in silence. But, one person has the presence of mind to ask, "Then the movements by the beings of absolute good are..."

The goddess nods.

"That is correct."

I watch as faces turn to me.

"If he doesn't reach the final temple, then..."

The words still need to be completed. But, the sentiment is shared by every face looking at me.

"Ah, my sweet children. It is too late for any such thoughts. The trap has sprung, and now all we can do is watch it play out."

Tears sting the eyes of many, "What about us?"

The goddess looks over her gathering and smiles sadly.

"The gate will open, and this circle will be opened to the war. Run as you are able. Fight when you must. But, my dear children, you must survive."

The tea party that seemed like it would never end comes to a silent end.

These beast men set down their cups and quietly come to their feet. They each give a longing look to their goddess before leaving.

The bunny woman looks at me with a complicated expression. But, she, too, stands and departs.

The two remaining stand and approach one another.

"I am grateful I did not have to make that announcement alone. I'm sorry to put you through that."

I nod my head, "I understand."

I look at her expectantly.

"Yes, the blessing. Carry it well."

A warmth wells up from within me, and I'm close to finishing this odd marathon.

She watches as I turn and leave. Her thoughts are a mystery.

The mazes that took so long to pass aren't there anymore. The door to the world beyond beckons me unto a dubious fate.