CHAPTER 50 THE LIBRARY
The sun sank slowly behind the jagged line of distant hills, as though reluctant to leave the world it had warmed.
Its fading light spilled across Avalon kingdom in hues of amber and crimson, painting the sky like a king's final decree before night claimed the throne.
The fields beyond the city glowed gold beneath the dying light, their tall grasses swaying gently in the evening breeze.
Smoke began to curl from chimneys, rising in soft spirals toward a sky now touched with violet and fading gold
Merchants, weary from the day's labor, packed up their equipments and bagged their merchandise.
Stalls ready to be closed while some seemed more lively, as if welcoming the night for new sales.
At other districts, farmers and gardeners guided their oxen along narrow dirt paths, their silhouettes stretched long and thin across the earth. The scent of tilled soil and harvested grain lingered in the air, rich and grounding.
From the castle walls, the world seemed to hush.
Guards stood watch along the battlements, their armor catching the last glimmers of sunlight, turning them briefly into figures of fire. Banners hung still, their colors deepened in the dimming glow, as if even the wind had grown quiet to witness the day's end.
The library lay tucked within the oldest wing of the Avalon academy, tall and stretched high like a spire, where the stones whispered of centuries long forgotten.
Its great oaken doors groaned softly as they opened, as though reluctant to disturb the silence that lived within.
Beyond them stretched a vast chamber, vaulted and shadowed, where time itself seemed to slow.
Shelves of dark, polished wood climbed the walls from floor to ceiling, packed tight with ancient tomes. Their spines bore faded gold lettering, some in languages no longer spoken, others worn smooth by countless hands.
A faint scent of parchment and dust lingered in the air, mingling with the subtle trace of candlewax and aged leather.
Tall, arched windows lined one side of the room, their stained glass casting fractured colors across the stone floor. In the early evening, beams of amber light slipped through, illuminating drifting motes of dust that danced like spirits between the shelves.
Iron chandeliers hung from above, each holding a ring of flickering candles that bathed the library in a warm, golden glow once night fell.
At the heart of the chamber stood a long reading table, scarred by years of use. Quills, inkpots, and scattered scrolls rested upon it, as if their owners had only just stepped away.
Nearby, a ladder on brass rails creaked softly as it was moved along the towering shelves, granting access to volumes that seemed to belong more to the heavens than to men.
In the far corner, half-hidden by shadow, a spiral staircase wound upward into darkness—leading, it was said, to a private collection known only to the castle's lord. Few had climbed it, and fewer still had returned unchanged.
Standing at the entrance of the library, three figures, and a tiny one, stood , their leather outfits catching glimpses of the sun set.
Roman, Lunar and Sylver stared at the infinite numbers of books, scrolls and worn out parchments, from the down floor, all the way to the celling.
"I never liked books"
Lunar sighed.
"Guys I count more than a hundred floors"
Sylver added.
"You just had to say that"
Lunar's shoulder slumped.
Roman's eyes scanned the library and he smiled.
"Relax, we're on looking for the floors that has the history of the great clans"
"The only time I ever enjoyed history, is when it's been taught by sir Wilfred"
Lunar said.
"Just look for the specifics. You'll know when you see it"
Roman said.
"How do we know where to look?"
Sylver asked.
"We can ask the librarian"
Roman pointed at a particular floor.
Lunar and Sylver looked above them to see a lone figure, standing on the rails and stacking multiple books on his arms.
When they finally noticed him, they could hear his distance mumbling, as if fascinated about something.
"That guy looks like he lives inside the cover a book"
Lunar chuckled.
"Come on, let's say hi "
Roman led the way and they followed.
TBC