With a wave of its paw, it procured a key from thin air and held it in Ben’s face. “Do you want it?” it asked.
“What? After all that all I get is a key?” Ben asked.
Surprised by his reaction and lack of amazement, the Sphinx stepped back. “A key can be very useful for someone in your position. Don’t turn your nose up at a gift.”
“That isn’t a gift. I worked for it, so give it to me,” Ben said, stepping forward.
With a snide look, the Sphinx handed it to Ben, making sure to reach out toward his injured hand. Ben looked at the golden metal object for a moment with a quizzical gaze etched upon his face before reaching out and taking it. He winced as it touched his hand, but the pain subsided as he examined it. The prize didn’t lived up to his expectations, and it was obvious by the look on his face.
“You look disappointed,” the Sphinx said.
“I didn’t know what to expect, I guess. I’m gonna leave now. Our business is done,” Ben said, taking a backwards step toward the hole he had come through.
“Very well, off with you,” the Sphinx said, waving his paw in an irritated manner. Ben put the key in the pocket of his jeans and took off for the exit, not missing a stride. The catlike face betrayed its own curiosity as it wandered over to the egg and with a swipe, cracked open the fragile shell. Ben could hear the sloppy slurping sounds as it tongued at the liquid contents. In a way, he felt bad for what he had done. He couldn’t imagine that a Phoenix was the same as a chicken. A heavy feeling came over him, adding to the stress that was already building up.