บท 215: A Manticore

"What I know doesn't matter," The Warden said in his stoic tone. "What you know, however, can change things." 

"You've shown me someone who I know." 

"If that's the case, then you two must be fated to cross paths here." 

"There's no such thing as fate!" Arthur shouted, making silence descend on the hall. "Things aren't predetermined." He said as he stood up. 

"They are not indeed," The Warden answered. "Yet, a few things gravitate toward each other. For example, why have you sought this place?" Space began to disappear as a narrow platform connected Arthur with another door. 

"To seek answers," Arthur said, reminded of his quest. "I wasn't here to see someone else's past." 

"You didn't want to; it doesn't mean you don't need to." The Warden said as his voice drifted away. "You have passed the test. Now, you can meet me." 

With that, he disappeared. Arthur stood on the floating platform connecting him to the door as his mind raced.