Maybe the sheer number of people made it impractical, or perhaps the danger hadn’t made it this far yet. I’d never been surrounded by so many people before. My mind was flooded by the sights and sounds of so many of them in close quarters. The roads were a wide grey cobblestone, but the buildings were a mixture of wood, stone, and brick.
I hadn't expected the city to have a smell, but as we wove our way through the busy thoroughfare onto smaller side streets, we passed vendors selling food and other items. The aroma was almost overpowering. It was exotic, a mixture of familiar herbal preparations with their astringent undertones, meat cooking on a spit near a nutman selling roasted chestnuts.
My mouth watered as the meat and nuts reminded me it had been some time since our last meal, but a waft of something reminiscent of fertilizer quickly doused that. A soft squish under my shoe announced I’d found the culprit. I scraped off the dung I’d stepped in, glancing to see if anyone had noticed.
The brilliant golden glass buildings I’d dreamt of when I thought of Sunglen shone in the sunlight, taking my attention away from the mess on my shoe. We were surrounded by smaller buildings similar to the ones in the Low Forest village, but it was those buildings of legend we wanted to reach.
The streets narrowed the further we penetrated into the city, and soon we found ourselves in a rabbit warren of alleys and streets. I was certain we were hopelessly lost but even as I began to worry, Gwen crouched down to say something to Swift. They stared at each other for a moment, then Swift took off, turning left down an alley and disappearing.
I turned to her, curious about what was happening, but she merely held up a finger and gave me a cryptic smile. When Swift returned a few minutes later, she crouched down again. They repeated the process a few times before Gwen stood and gave both Sel and me a confident smile.
"Swift says we’re only an hour away from Abrecem Secer. If we follow him, he can take us there."
I flicked a glance to Sel, but he just shrugged, so I looked at Gwen again. I bit my lip, finally asking the question on my mind. "Are you sure this is the right way?" I couldn’t disguise the tremor in my voice. I wasn’t comfortable in the alley we’d ended up in, and my uneasiness with our surroundings made it hard to sound calm. The hair on my neck felt like it was standing up and I had to wipe my suddenly clammy hands on my pants.
"It's not what you expected, is it?" She gave me a smile. "I know. I was only here once, a few years ago, but a city is made up of all kinds."
Gwen was doing her best to look unconcerned, but her shoulders were tighter than they’d been when we first arrived and her gaze was fixed at a point just beyond my shoulder. My uneasiness multiplied in the form of sweat trickling down my back when I turned around to find a shifty-looking human dressed in rags, watching us with glinting eyes.
I quickly turned back to Gwen, my eyes wide. “I trust you. Let’s keep moving."
"That's always the best idea in places like this," she agreed. "Keep your friends close, and your money belt closer." Her voice dropped. There was a tone of amusement, but her words were meant to be taken seriously.
I drew my belongings closer.
Trusting Swift was correct, we practically bolted from the dark, narrow alleyway we’d found ourselves in. My heart rate slowed when the road widened again and the beautiful decorations we'd seen from a distance became more prominent. I cast a final look at the dingy back road. My illusions about the glory of life in the big city had been thoroughly shattered by the reality. Disappointed, but hopefully wiser, I took a deep breath and turned the corner.
Shock halted my feet. I stared, mouth falling open as my eyes traveled all the way up the massive edifice before me. The building I’d dreamt of seeing since the first moment I’d heard of it. The Library. The most valuable building in the known world, at least in my estimation.
It was fashioned from the same golden material I’d seen from the distance, with large, arched windows topped by fierce gargoyle statues. It was enormous up close, expanding to fill the entire block and I couldn’t decide where to look first, as every nook and crevice seemed to have another statue, carving, or decoration to draw my eye.
Blinking back tears, I smiled. Within this gilded building, I hoped to discover the answers to stop the darkness from spreading and destroying my entire world.
Chapter 9
The longer I stared at the Library, the more I felt like an imposter. What if I wasn’t allowed in? After all, what training did I have? The Library was important, and I was no one. Gwen seemed completely unconcerned, but I was mollified to observe a similarly stunned expression on Sel’s face. At least someone else was overwhelmed.
"Rhin? Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I … well, it's beautiful. I was expecting it to be beautiful, but I wasn't expecting it to be … this." I gestured helplessly with my hand as her eyes twinkled.
"You may not have expected your reaction, but I did. When you're done staring, we should go inside, where the actual books are."
She paused, nudging Sel.
He jumped, smiling back sheepishly. “Sorry. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
"Good, because you may need to catch her when she faints. If the outside of the building can bring her to the brink of tears, I’m worried about the strength of her heart once she sees the actual books."
He snorted, looking down quickly when I glared first at him, then Gwen.
"I’ll be just fine." I enunciated my words carefully, crossing my arms for emphasis.
She held her hands up in front of her as if to ward off my anger. “Sure. In that case, let’s go.” She turned without a backward glance, walking toward the massive front entrance.
The stairs went straight up at least two floors. I didn't attempt to count them as we climbed. They were wide and made of white marble laced with veins of gold which caught the setting sun as it shone down. My blood thrummed in my ears when I stepped on the first one. It was like I was walking into a magical kingdom, a place I desperately wanted to belong, but wasn’t sure I would be allowed. I thought of the dung I’d stepped in and my heart sank at the thought of dirtying the beautiful staircase.
I tried to focus on reality, not on what I was creating in my head, but it was hard. I reminded myself the items inside were what gave this building its power, not the outward appearance, but each step closer made me giddy despite my attempts.
A wide archway with elves and humans coming and going rested at the top of the platform, some with their noses in books, others with their noses firmly in the air while servants carried their books and followed behind. For the first time in my life, I felt at home. Sure, the building wasn’t homey in the traditional sense, but I was amongst my people: the tribe of scholars.
I stepped over the threshold, unable to stop my eyes from opening wide as I tried to drink in the details of the ceiling in front of me. It was intricately painted, a masterpiece itself. It depicted ancient stories I’d read before, but never seen. I recognized the cliffs, the Low Forest, and what I thought were the mountains near the Dragon Dominion. Before I could get past the first few pictures though, an imperious voice interrupted, jerking me to what was happening in front of me.
"I'm sorry, but animals are not allowed."
I turned, seeing an elderly elf dressed in dark blue robes. He was standing beside Gwen with his arms crossed, his problem evident. Wolf-walkers weren’t respected among elves, most elves considering wolves as nothing more than wild animals. I opened my mouth to argue with the old man, but Gwen stopped me, placing a gentle hand on my arm.
"I understand."
She bowed, taking a step back as she looked at Swift. Without a word, the wolves stood and trotted back to the steps, waiting just outside the entryway. She turned to me, biting her lip, then gestured for me to come closer.
I looked at the elf. He was standing silently with his arms crossed like he was guarding the entrance. I moved Gwen a few feet away.
"Why won't you let me say a
nything?"
"We both know it won’t make any difference. The Librarian is unlikely to change the no animal policy, so the only thing you’ll do is ruin your own chance for entry. I'll find a place to stay nearby that will allow my wolves. I want you to be extremely cautious. This place is more than it appears. I’ve heard stories of its power, and rumors the cities are somehow connected through Abrecem Secer. Most importantly, I want you to remember not everyone who helps you can be trusted."
"I’ll be careful, but I'm more worried about you being out there by yourself.”
She pointed at her wolves. "I’m not alone. As long as I have Swift, Kiya, and Daimyo, I’ll never be by myself."
"Fine. I'm not alone either. I have Sel." I pointed to the boy, who was still gawking at the ceiling. “I'll be back soon," I promised.
She glared at the old elf who was still watching her with cold eyes. "If you're not back in a few hours, I’ll come and find you. With the wolves."
She raised her voice loud enough for the Librarian to hear.
"I'll find someone to help me start searching. You get lodgings and I’ll join you as soon as possible. If you can leave a message with someone, we’ll meet you when I’m finished here."
Gwen winked and ruffled Sel’s hair quickly before getting out of range of retribution. He looked surprised and I had to bite back a laugh. They got along well, but Sel wasn’t used to being teased. It was cute and I was reminded of my relationship with my siblings when we were younger.
We watched Gwen and the wolves run down the stairs with an easy grace, and a strange feeling of loss passed through me. Her warning stuck with me though, and I reminded myself to be cautious. Slowly I turned back to the old elf.
“Thank you for allowing us entry, even if we are disappointed about our other friends." I kept my tone respectful but couldn't help commenting on the lack of welcome for Gwen and her wolves. "My name is Rhiniya of the Cliff Elves, daughter of Elsinore and Arwan. I’ve come to find a specific book from Abrecem Secer. Any assistance you can provide me would be most appreciated."
I bowed, keeping my voice formal and polite, and watched as his arms slowly relaxed. He uncrossed them. He stared at me with half-lidded eyes and paused long enough that tension rose in my shoulders, then finally responded.
"My name is Luban, and I am the Head Librarian here. I will assign you a Librarian apprentice while you are here. The Library contains many wonders, but it would be wise if you stick with him and do exactly what he tells you. People have become lost, and sometimes, the lost are never recovered."
I shivered, remembering Gwen's misgivings about the Library, and reminded myself to always remain on my guard. "That would be much appreciated. Thank you, Sir Luban."
Luban cut me off. "Just Luban. The Librarian I am assigning you is one of our newer, younger ones. Please let me know if he fails to live up to the high standards we expect from our bookkeepers."
Hopefully, the Librarian he was assigning me would prove up to the challenge. He seemed like the kind of taskmaster who would punish minor infractions. A young man about my age or slightly younger appeared at Luban's side as if summoned by magic.
"Yes, Luban?"
The young man remained bowed, looking up with a darting gaze before staring at his shoes. Luban narrowed his eyes and examined him from top to bottom. The plain brown robes he wore were neat, as was his short, chestnut-colored hair, but somehow, Luban seemed disappointed in him. Eventually, he grunted an answer.
"Jarid, I think you are the best choice for the patron in front of us. Please ensure you watch yourself and do not overstep. I would like you to assist Ms. Rhiniya to retrieve the books she’s searching for. Any questions?" Luban looked down, one eyebrow arched imperiously.
Jarid bobbed his head. "No, sir. I shall do my utmost to provide exemplary service. Is there anywhere you wish for us to avoid today?"
Luban narrowed his eyes, turning to me, his cold gaze burrowing into me. But just as with Jarid, whatever he saw within me seemed to reassure him, if not impress the stern man. He turned back to Jarid.
"She may be allowed full range of any of our books. But it will be important to keep this guest safe from getting lost."
The way he intoned this guest left a funny sensation in the pit of my stomach. Was it not always important to keep patrons of the Library safe? Did people really go missing? Before I could question him, Luban gave a shooing motion and I realized we were being summarily dismissed.
"Please, follow me. We’ll get started in the information room for me to better assist you with your search."
I followed Jarid through the foyer, hardly noticing the decor now, my mind full of questions. After a few steps I realized Luban was nowhere to be seen. Strange. How he had been there at just the right time to turn Gwen away, but the moment I was set up with a helper he vanished? I hadn’t seen him leave, and there was nowhere I could see where he could have gone. The combination of Gwen’s warnings coupled with the mysterious Librarian filled me with a sudden truth—the Library was far more than met the eye.
Jarid reminded me of Sel. A little older and taller, but he had the same pleasant, easy-going, open face and gangliness which made him appear eager to please. I could instantly tell he was a fellow lover of books. His commentary was informative and interesting as we walked through the empty halls.
"This part of the Library is the oldest. It was built to convey the impressive might of the elven kingdoms and the wisdom of the world at the same time. But the Library itself is more than just a building, with many facets which can be more dangerous than anywhere else one could visit on our planet."
I stopped, looking at Jarid. "What do you mean? Am I supposed to be worried about something in particular?"
"No. As long as you stay close to me and pay attention, you should be fine. The reason they assign a Librarian to every guest is because of the potential of taking a wrong turn and losing your way, as much as is it is to assist with book selection.”
I wasn’t sure I believed him, especially when he gave me such a blandly polite smile and when I raised my eyebrows, he recited what sounded like another carefully scripted sentence.
“Please ensure you do not open any doors I haven't designated as safe or opened first, and ask before you remove any books from the shelves. For your own safety, of course." He bowed his head respectfully. "The first place we are going to stop is the archives."
I was suspicious of Jarid’s tantalizingly polite doublespeak, but not afraid. I knew there were secrets he wasn't sharing, but I was hopeful if I spent more time with him, I’d get the answers I sought. Only now, in addition to my questions about the Dark War and the ritual Onen Suun had used to trap Dag’draath, perhaps I would find out the mysteries of the Library they seemed to be hiding.
At the atrium, Jarid steered me to a set of overstuffed chairs across from each other with a small table between them. He grabbed a book from the shelf directly beside the table, then sat and opened it while gesturing for me to sit in the remaining chair.
I wrinkled my nose at the unimpressive volume but sat, sinking into the velvety surface. It was surprisingly comfortable, but as I tried to peer over the table at the book, I had to stretch further than the chair would allow and ended up half-standing, half-leaning over the table. Even so, I couldn't quite make out what it said from where I was. Reading upside-down handwriting in an archaic text clearly was something I needed to practice.
Finally, his finger stopped in the center of one of the pages and he looked up. "Here. The appendix says we need to go to the west wing for the books you require."
"I didn't tell you what I was looking for. Did I?"
Jarid smiled at me for the first time, the same wicked smile of amusement my brother would get pulling a prank on me. For the first time, I saw a hint of personality behind the bland brown robes and quiet responses.
"You may not have told me," he drawled slowly, pointing at the book. "But the book knows all."
"I’m
assuming this is what Luban meant when he mentioned the Library had magic?"
The smile faded, and his voice became hushed. "It is. However, this is a more … pleasant aspect of the Library's magic. The Library has far more to offer than just books, even if many of the other aspects are less helpful than this."
If even the people who worked at the Library seemed frightened of the magic, I could only guess what was truly hidden within the walls.
"Shall we?"
He stood, tucking the book underneath his arm, and I followed his lead.
"Yes, thank you."
We left the open atrium, which had been filled with natural light, and entered into a winding hallway. The walls were covered in shelves of books which reached as high as I could see. It struck me as odd, because from the outside the building only seemed a few stories high. From here, they stretched beyond what they should have. Another mystery.
My heart sang as I walked through the hall, with the dark wood of the shelves and books smelling of parchment and time filling my senses. I'd never seen anything so wonderful. Every twenty feet or so there was a door in the same dark wood of the shelves which absorbed the light, provided by torches on sconces on the walls every few feet. I followed him silently, doing my best to keep my hands to myself without asking why we never opened any of the doors we passed.
At one point I was distracted by a bookshelf made of a glossy cherry-colored wood. I veered slightly to the right, compelled by its luster to trail one hand along the shelf. I felt tingles from the contact shoot up my hand, but didn’t pull away. When the shelf ended abruptly, a doorway was right in front of my hand. I reached out to grab the handle without thinking, but just before I touched it, Jarid realized I wasn't beside him.
"Rhiniya."
I pulled my hand back at his sharp tone, surprised to find how close I'd been to opening a door I hadn't even intended to. I glared at it, surprised and disappointed it had been about to do something I was certain would have gotten me in trouble. I tucked it into my pants pocket, scurrying to catch up.
Soul Goblet Page 10
