This choice: Seek the counsel of the Elder Scroller. • Go Back...Chapter #5Seek the counsel of the Elder Scroller. by: Antonia Ryder   Although I know what I must do, I don't have a good enough idea of how to do it. I need someone's advice, and I don't know who I should dare trust or if I dare. But as the danger is already gone and only left me this threat, I take it to mean that they are not going to come back yet.
I can't understand why anyone would think I could bribe, but think it they do. I cast a longing glance at my bed and draw a deep breath into my lungs. Sleep would be nice, but now is not a good time. I fold the creased parchment in thirds and pull the unwanted mantle of my new status tighter around my shoulders. I head towards the door. The hinges let out a muted squeal and nearby armour clinks as the guards lean out to check what is going on.
"Sire?"
"I have urgent business to attend," I say as I ease the door closed.
The guards exchange curious glances, then nod. I grasp one of the torches and turn aside. Maybe this will inspire a touch more faith in me, though I am grateful for the darkness. It hides the fact that my knees still feel like water and my jaw clenches against my will. As long as they can't see it, I seem like I'm stronger than I am.
In my brief tour of the castle during daylight hours, I had observed the presence of a fantastic library. The man caring for it is elderly, and somehow doesn't seem like as much of a threat as the younger courtiers nearby. The Elder Scroller. Perhaps he will be willing to lend his counsel to me, or at least offer some insight on the letter.
The fingers that aren't curled around the splintery torch curl into such a tight fist I can feel my blunt fingernails digging into my palm. I would never bribe anyone, and I couldn't have. My very purpose for being at the castle was to ask for financial assistance. I hesitate. Did they think I had something else to bribe a king with, or perhaps the man that brought me the cloak in the first place?
I remind myself it doesn't matter, because they still think the same of me, and hurry onwards. The far side of the castle is still in eerie silence, save the soft clanks of armour and the murmured voices of guards somewhere down the hall. Two of these guards stand erect in front of the library door and bend their knees at the sight of me. I slip past them without pause. I don't have time to be stalled.
Even before I can begin my search of the Scroller, a whisper of sound catches my attention. I look back.
"Sire," the old, creaky voice makes me jump. "What brings you at such a late hour?"
I compose myself and loosen the death grip I have on the torch so the wood no longer set into my flesh. Though I promised myself I would try to be less obtrusive, I can't help but cast a surreptitious glance about the room. Just in case. In the feeble shadows I see nothing that stands out as dangerous, and return my gaze to the withered old man before me. His crouched posture, dull, ink stained jacket, and quizzical green eyes I take in with a quick look.
"Can I help you?" He asks more directly.
"I hope so," I say. "You are sure you don't know why His Majesty chose me to succeed him?"
I fancy his eyes narrow at the question. "Yes, Sire, quite sure."
"Perhaps," I somehow manage to keep my voice steady, "you could tell me more about this assassin's habits... and I'm in some need of suggestions. How can I show that I deserve this power?"
(word count: 647)   indicates the next chapter needs to be written. |
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