Heart Stone Read online

  Jarid had returned to the pedestal, and I wasn't sure when or how, but the book he’d been looking at the first time we came into the room had reappeared. He was pointing at something within its pages.

  "Look, Rhin come here!" He turned to me, his face lit with excitement and pride.

  I approached, noticing Sel inching closer on his other side. I was as curious as he appeared to be, but reserved judgment. Until I saw what he’d found, it was difficult for me to get too hopeful. I was tired after the long night until I looked at the words on the page. A delighted smile spread over my face and like that, my energy was restored by a new eagerness.

  "I think you've done it! This could be exactly what we need to find next."

  He gave me a smug look, blinking as my words sunk in. "Could be? We both know it is. Unless you found anything more likely?"

  I shook my head, not taking my eyes off the page in front of me.

  "No, with the way the Library works, I'm almost certain you're on the right track," I tried to downplay my excitement, still not quite able to believe we'd reached the right conclusion. But as I read the descriptions, hope rose despite my doubts.

  "The Heart Stone?" I turned, tilting my head. I’d never heard of it before.

  He nodded, elaborating his answer with wild gesticulations of his hands.

  "This is way more famous than even the goblet. The only problem is it's supposed to be lost in the desert of the Northwestern Territory."

  My heart sank. The desert lands were notoriously difficult to cross. I’d learned about them from my tutor when I’d been younger. They were supposed to be inhabited by nothing intelligent, but the creatures who did live there were dangerous. Not to mention the weather was a formidable opponent all by itself.

  "The Northwestern Territory," I was hoping if I said it out loud it wouldn’t seem so bad.

  Nope.

  It made things worse.

  Jarid apologized. "I know. It sucks. But it makes sense, doesn't it? First you found the Soul Goblet, now we need to find the Heart Stone."

  Sel had crept close enough to peer at the page and looked at me. "We should tell the others."

  "We will, but let's wait until morning,” Jarid agreed. “I think we all could use some rest. After all, we’ll need to find someone who can get us there. And it's not a journey to even think of beginning at night."

  We reset the traps on the room as best we could before leaving. My new sense of being unable to trust everyone within the Library demanded I protect the items within. The Library was fully capable of keeping out those it didn’t wish to see, but I felt the need to do something on top of what I hoped it would do to keep the room safe.

  As we left the room, I paused long enough to see if the guards were able to open the door. One had merely rolled his eyes, but the other had tried and failed. A look of stunned bewilderment was immediately followed by uneasiness, and the guards had looked at each other with wide eyes as we waved and left without waiting for them to recover from the surprise. I was confident it would hold, even if I did feel a little bad for them.

  Jarid smirked as we walked away. Once we were out of earshot he spoke in a low voice, "Kramson isn't going to be happy.”

  I knew he was right, but I couldn’t chance leaving the room open just to keep the Librarian happy, so I just shrugged. Wordlessly, I followed him to the rooms he’d procured.

  The lodgings for the night were in the wing with the other plain Librarian single bedrooms. The building reminded me a little of priests, in the way they lived a simple life, with the bare minimum of necessities. A fleeting thought about how much this would've bothered me a month ago crossed my mind, but this new incarnation of myself was merely grateful for a clean, relatively soft space to lay my head. Compared to the forest floor, the bed was positively luxurious.

  I could tell Sel was uncomfortable leaving me alone, but our rooms were beside each other and clearly meant for only one Librarian or apprentice at a time, so he had no choice. Once he ensured I was safely in my room, I was left with only my thoughts for company.

  And such thoughts they were. With everything which had happened running through my head, my eyelids felt like they’d never close, even though they were so heavy I couldn’t keep them open if I tried.

  After what felt like mere moments, I opened them again, feeling frustrated and tired. I couldn’t stop replaying my trip from the Low Forest to Abrecem Secer. To my surprise, the faint light of dawn was creeping through my room. Apparently, I'd slept through the entire night.

  I quickly freshened up with the bowl of water in the corner, shivering from the chilly temperatures. I hadn't had to break through a layer of ice, but it felt nearly as cold. I debated going back to bed to warm up but dressed instead.

  Once warmer, I checked my satchel to make sure I had all the books as well as my lonely change of clothes. The ones I was wearing now weren’t too dirty, but I needed to either have a true bath or buy something new as I was beginning to feel unpleasantly ripe.

  I tiptoed into the hallway, knocking softly on the door beside mine. A muffled yelp followed by a thump made me wince. It sounded like Sel had fallen out of bed. My suspicions were confirmed when he opened the door, bleary-eyed and briskly rubbing his backside.

  "Sorry. I must've overslept. Give me a moment and I’ll be ready. Jarid’s in the room beside me."

  I gave him what I hoped was a sympathetic smile before moving on to see if Jarid was awake. He must've heard the commotion, because a split second before I knocked, he opened his door, appearing fresh and ready to go.

  "Ready to travel?" He closed the door and tilted his head, waiting for me to reply.

  Hesitancy gripped me. "Ready, and not ready," I admitted. "You know I’d rather stay here. The Library has so many mysteries to explore."

  He nodded; his eyes warm. "Yeah, I understand. I don't get nearly the time nor opportunity to discover everything I’d like to know about, either. As an apprentice, there's always more work to do for someone else. But you're a Librarian, so you have far fewer constraints."

  He bit his lip, and I watched as a shadow of doubt flashed across his face.

  "What is it?" A sinking feeling in my stomach warned me leaving wasn’t going to be as simple as I hoped.

  "Well, the thing is, I know you're a Librarian and all, because the Library wanted you to have a key, but all the Librarians I know are pretty much tied to the Library. I can't remember the last time one of them went anywhere or explored anything."

  "I see. Well, the Library did give me a key. Even before I got the key I was on a quest, so it must be okay with me traveling away from here." I stopped, looking around the narrow hallway. Part of me expected the Library to answer, but I was greeted by silence.

  I wasn't sure when I'd gotten into the habit of thinking of the Library as a living, breathing entity, but I did. I felt she was wise and all-knowing, and somehow, she was another friend I was bringing with me, wherever I went. But I couldn't tell the guys. They’d think I was crazy.

  "Ready," Sel appeared, looking slightly out of breath as he shut the door behind him.

  We followed Jarid down the hall, and were almost to the entrance when Kramson appeared, his face flushed, and eyebrows knitted together so they almost appeared to be a single unit.

  "Where do you think you're going? Librarians need to stay within the Library. The only reason you could leave the last time is because I gave the key to you after you’d already left."

  Although I knew what Kramson was referring to, I was still irritated at the idea anyone would tell me what I could do. A pit in my stomach hardened when I realized he was also looking at Jarid.

  "I'm sorry you feel that way. But the Library already knows where I'm going, since it gave me the information necessary to get there. In my mind, this means the Library has decided she's okay with this happening."

  His eyes narrowed further, now hardly slits in his round face. "It may be the case, assuming you are correct. And if s
o, I may not be able to stop you. Jarid, however, must remain. Even if you are acting on the Library’s wishes, he's an apprentice only, and not entitled to the same freedoms and luxuries as a full Librarian."

  I opened my mouth to argue, but he placed a hand on my sleeve and shook his head.

  "It's okay. He's right. I had a feeling me leaving would be a problem, and I'm content to stay behind. You still have your book, right?"

  At the mention of books, Kramson turned his glare back to me.

  "I insist you tell me which books you're taking with you. In fact, books are not allowed to leave the premises without express permission from the Head Librarian."

  I raised an eyebrow, giving him a cool look. "The Library knows which books I'm taking. That's good enough. They'll come back when I come back. But I need to leave, and I need to bring them with me."

  I watched as he worked to regain control of his obviously increasing frustration. He took several deep breaths, closed his eyes, and exhaled slowly before opening them and pressing his lips together tightly.

  "Fine. You can leave and take the books you currently have in your possession. But Jarid needs to stay, and you need to take those protections down from the Library. We haven't started cataloging the books yet. Since you left the Suun Room last night, the guards haven't been able to get in, and when I tried, neither could I. Unacceptable." He crossed his arms as he waited for my answer.

  "Look, Kramson. I can't trust everyone in the Library is doing what's best for this place, let alone all Lynia. That's the reason we reset the traps in the first place. But if the Library wants you in there, she'll let you in. After all, she let me in."

  Raising an eyebrow, I waited for him to argue.

  He sputtered, and even stomped his feet once, but didn’t argue further.

  We looked at each other for a moment as he regained his control, and I saw recognition and something else I didn't recognize pass over his face.

  Kramson nodded, letting another sigh escape. “If you are not going to remove your protections, I expect you to return as soon as possible. It appears the Library has decided you will be the Librarian who must catalogue that room.”

  "Thank you. I'll return as soon as I can. But first, the Library would like me to find something not within its holdings." I looked at Jarid, disappointment coloring my words. "I wish you could come, but I understand. I'll keep in touch the same as before."

  He gave me a weak smile. "I wish I could, too. Fu Shen be with you. I'll keep looking for any clues here that may be of use while you’re away."

  I clasped his hand briefly and was about to walk away before I remembered Will had my copy of the two-way book. Instead, I leaned in as if I was going to hug him. His eyes widened as I slipped the book into his hands and he nodded almost imperceptibly as he shifted, hiding the book from Kramson’s view. I stepped back with a smile, then turned and walked out of the Library.

  I caught Sel’s nervous glance back at the imposing building before it disappeared behind us as we headed to the edge of town to find Gwen and her wolves.

  Chapter 5

  I had no idea where we were supposed to meet, only a vague idea it was somewhere on the outskirts of the city. Will had taken her somewhere supposedly safe to set up camp. Part of me hoped he was there too, but another part hoped he wasn’t. I pushed the conflicting emotions aside, telling myself I wanted my friends safe and together. I decided it was simply because he could be so irritating, I was torn about his presence with her at the campsite.

  I remembered the way we’d entered the city and started retracing our route to the outskirts from there. If there was one thing I was good for, it was remembering details. I may not be the best on a trail, even if I had come a long way during our journey, but I could certainly guide us back the way we’d come. The only question was whether we’d find our friends along the same route.

  We wound our way through the streets until we reached the edge of town. We paused briefly, sharing a silent moment as we looked at the beautiful skyline behind us, so different from Sunglen but equally impressive with its dark, sparkly spires instead of the golden glass I’d been awed by.

  Although Starside wasn’t the magical kingdom of sweetness and light the naïve, untraveled, younger me had imagined it would be, the city, and particularly the Library, had quickly become a place I felt like I belonged. But time was wasting, and we had another long journey ahead of us.

  "Ready?" I raised an eyebrow at my only companion.

  His eyes practically sparkled. "Absolutely milady … I mean, Rhin. Any ideas where we should look for her?"

  I shook my head, wrinkling my nose. "Not really, although knowing her and the wolves, I expect they’d prefer a quiet area with a bit of shade. Hidden. Out of the way."

  "I'm sure they didn't go far, did they?"

  I shrugged, uneasy with my lack of answers when it came to finding my friend.

  We’d been walking as we spoke and were finally nearing the edge of the city.

  I wasn't entirely sure where she would be, but knew it had to be somewhere nearby. After all, she wouldn't leave without me. It felt odd to be backtracking when I needed to go the other direction, but I wasn’t comfortable going anywhere without Gwen at my side. And it might be nice to have Will there for support as well, although I was less enthused about him.

  "What's a princess like you doing in a place like this?"

  I turned around, my pulse quickening at the sound of a loud, raspy male voice calling out to us. For a split second, I was bewildered and a little afraid. Was it another slaver? But even before I turned my brain caught up and I recognized the voice.

  Will was leaning on a turned over carriage as if he’d been waiting the whole time for us to show up. He waved. “Yup, it’s me.”

  "Well, speaking of things which can be described as irritating." I smiled and raised an eyebrow, waiting for his comeback as he ambled toward me.

  His arms swung lazily at his sides, seemingly content to move slow and in no apparent dismay at being described as irritating.

  "I figured I'd keep a lookout for you." He yawned, covering his mouth.

  Now I really was curious how long he'd been waiting there for us.

  He dressed the same as the first time I saw him but looked refreshed despite the yawn. Even so, I had the sneaking suspicion he'd been there all night. Looking back at the street we’d just passed through it was a miracle he’d managed to stay in one piece if that was the case. It fit the bill perfectly as a dark alley where you could potentially get attacked in broad daylight, let alone at night.

  "Thanks. We know where we need to look for the next thing, but I need to find Gwen first. Can you take us to her?"

  He chuckled. "Sure can. But your friend has some pretty strange ideas about what makes a good place to camp." He shook his head, an amused expression on his face. "It wasn't my choice of venues for an overnight camping spot, so I decided to come and wait around here for you. It was a little too removed from civilization for my liking. But don’t worry, we’ll be there in no time."

  My spirits sank, but I should have expected this. I wasn’t thrilled about having to travel before we could travel, but it was just like her to want to be away from everyone. "We should get moving. Our trip isn’t going to be particularly easy or short."

  His eyes became intent, curiosity replacing the normally irritating smugness.

  "We’re going to have to get to the Northwestern Lands somehow. The next item I need to find is something known as the Heart Stone"

  I’d dropped my voice, so it was a surprise when he shushed me.

  His eyes darted everywhere as if worried we'd be overheard by unfriendly ears. He relaxed at the sight of the empty alley but kept a finger to his lips for a beat longer anyway. "We'll talk more along the way. But not here. I’ll take you to find your friend."

  I quickly discovered when he’d mentioned her choice of campsite wasn't particularly comfortable, he'd been understating the facts. Not onl
y was it not a comfortable trip there, the actual campsite was right on the edge of a mountain. The weather had been ideal for traveling so far, but as the wind cut through my tunic the higher we climbed, I wholeheartedly agreed with his assessment.

  "She's even crazier than I thought," I muttered under my breath, earning a smirk from Will. I glared back.

  We both knew I was irritated he was right, not just because of the unpleasant weather.

  "Almost there." His words were barely audible and stolen by the wind almost before I could hear them.

  Luckily, he hadn't been exaggerating. Just around the next curve of the mountain I saw a small enclosure. It was warmer here, although still not ideal for a comfortable visit. We wouldn't be staying long. I hoped.

  A large white wolf bounded out from behind a tree and I gasped before I was able to stop myself. As soon as I recognized Swift, his tongue lolling good-naturedly out of his mouth, a smile split my face.

  "Swift! I've missed you."

  It felt silly talking to the wolf until he came over to nuzzle my hand. When I gingerly placed it on his head, he allowed me to pat him.

  He watched me with wide, intelligent eyes for a moment before turning to walk a few paces. He paused, turned, and repeated the movement. I looked at the guys, then followed with a feeling Swift knew exactly what he was doing.

  For a moment it looked like he was leading us into the side of the mountain itself, but as I got closer, I saw a small crack between the mountain and a large pine tree. Barely big enough for an adult male to walk through, it was completely obscured from the view of anyone who didn't already know it was there. When I emerged on the other side, it was to the welcome sight of Gwen, calmly preparing a meal beside the fire.

  I arched a brow and turned to Will. "Did you know she was back here?"

  He shook his head, looking around in as much disbelief as I felt. "No, when I left her to build her camp last night, she’d implied the thicket of trees we walked through would suit them fine, but I had no idea this was behind it."

  I nodded, his wide-eyed look supporting his statement. Somehow, she’d managed to find an alcove completely hidden from the elements. Although the ceiling was open to air, making it suitable for a fire, it was enclosed by rocks on three sides and hidden by the trees on the other. At one point there must've been a landslide or cave-in, but now it made a perfect camp site.