The Sphinx’s Sigh

The circular room had no doors, only a large stone archway blocked by a creature that looked like a lion, but with the head of a woman who looked like she worked at the DMV and hated it.

A Sphinx.

She lay across the path, filing her stone claws with a rough rock. She looked up as they approached, sighing deeply.

"Oh, great," she muttered. "More adventurers. Do you have a pass?"

Chadric stepped forward, his chest puffed out so far it threatened to pop the rivets of his breastplate. "I need no pass, beast! I am Sir Chadric the Golden, and I demand passage! Move aside, or face the wrath of *Sun-Kissed Justice*!"

The Sphinx blinked slowly. "It’s a riddle door, honey. You answer, you pass. You fail, I eat you. It’s in the union contract."

Chadric drew his sword. "I do not play word games! I speak the language of steel!"

He lunged at the Sphinx, attempting to lift her massive stone paw to move her forcibly. He strained, his face turning a vibrant shade of plum. Veins bulged in his neck. He grunted, he heaved, he sweated.

The Sphinx didn't move an inch. She just watched him with mild embarrassment. "Are you done?"

"She is... rooted... by dark magic!" Chadric wheezed, collapsing against her flank. "Barnaby! Analysis!"

Barnaby stepped forward, adjusting his glasses. "Um, excuse me, Ma'am? We’d like the riddle, please."

The Sphinx looked at Barnaby. She seemed to appreciate his politeness. "Finally. Alright, listen closely. *I have keys but no locks. I have a space but no room. You can enter, but never leave. What am I?*"

Chadric stood up, wiping sweat from his brow. "Keys... locks... It is a jail! No, a fortress! Wait, a chastity belt!"

Barnaby stared at the floor. It was painfully obvious. But if he answered, Chadric would be offended. If he didn't answer, the Sphinx would eat them.

He sidled up to Chadric.

"Sir," Barnaby whispered. "It’s a keyboard."

"What?" Chadric looked down, confused. "What is a keyboard?"

"It’s... ancient magic, Sir. Just say it."

Chadric turned back to the Sphinx, puffing out his chest again. A smug grin spread across his face.

"Foolish beast! Your riddle is child’s play to a mind as sharp as mine! The answer is... A KEYBOARD!"

The Sphinx rolled her eyes so hard she almost fell off her pedestal. "Correct. Ugh. Just go."

She shifted her weight, and the stone door behind her ground open.

Chadric sheathed his sword, turning to Barnaby. "You see, Barnaby? Warrior intuition. You must learn to deduce these things if you ever wish to be more than a mule. I practically fed you the answer with my aura."

Barnaby sighed, hoisting the ninety-pound bag. "Yes, Sir. Your aura is very loud, Sir."