Elf Prince - Protected by the Elf Prince Part 3

Chapter 3

We were guided to the library where the Royal Guard was already hard at work. They were gathering all the books we read as well as the volumes that seemed more important. They put them into the empty crates we brought with us. Elluin was in the midst of it all, instructing the guards in their task. Which books to take as well as which ones were more delicate.

"Take that entire volume set to that crate over there... You there! Careful! We don't want any of the books to be damaged in the slightest."

At this point, Elluin saw me and Adresin entering the library. He gave us another smile.

"Oh. I was wondering when you two would get here." he said, "I've got two guards posted at the entrance, ready to follow you to the grotto."

"Thanks, Elluin." said Adresin, "We'll head on down now."

I noticed Elluin gave me a sad glance as we started to walk away. However, I had no time to think about it. My clairvoyant magic suddenly started to radiate with bad vibes. My instincts made me turn towards a corner of the library. Captain Greywald's lieutenant was getting ready to climb one of the ladders. One of those old-fashioned rolling ones attached to the cases that people used to reach the top shelves. Everything about that one ladder was not a good omen.

Before I knew it, I ran as fast as I could towards the Lieutenant.

"Wait! Stop!" I cried.

I caught her by the wrist as she set a foot on the bottom rung. The Lieutenant was startled at first but calmed down a bit when she saw it was me. The other guards stared at me, alarmed that I would lay my hands on the Lieutenant like that. That normally wasn't allowed as it was interfering with royal authority. But this was a very important matter.

"Princess, what in the realm—?" The Lieutenant began.

"Don't use that ladder!" I cried.

The Lieutenant gave me an annoyed glace. "Why not? It's just a ladder."

"I sensed malicious vibes coming from that ladder. If you or anyone else uses it, something terrible will happen!"

Adresin and Elluin quickly picked up the urgency in my voice's tone. They also knew how accurate my gifts were. They gave each other a knowing look and Elluin walked over to address the situation.

However, the Lieutenant still wasn't taking the hint.

"Princess," said the Lieutenant, "This ladder is sturdy as the others."

I shook my head, getting more scared. "No, you have to listen to me! Malicious vibes can be dangerous! My instincts and magic are never wrong!"

"Lieutenant!" Elluin barked harshly, "Trust Princess Isilme's judgement. She knows what she's talking about."

"Prince Elluin is right, Lieutenant," said Adresin, "Princess Isilme wouldn't have said anything otherwise."

The Lieutenant let out a begrudging sigh. "Alright, fine. I'll take her word for it..."

She stepped off the ladder and called out to the other guards. "You heard her, men and women! Let's not use that ladder!"

I felt a little better, but I couldn't shake off that feeling. However, I had other matters to deal with. Returning to Adresin's side, we headed for the false bookcase. True to Elluin's word, two royal guards and Captain Greywald were waiting for us. Along with four barrels, they had ten waterskins with them, each able to hold a gallon of liquid.

"Stand back." I ordered the guards.

They did as they were told as I looked in the back of the bookcase. I quickly found the hidden insignia and used my royal magic on it to open the entrance. Then Adresin and I led them down the spiral stairs, through the lush underground tunnel of dark purple ivy and glowing florescent moss, and to the grotto itself. A magical fountain of magical star-like water with two elf statues with a unicorn and a lion. It was just as awestriking and beautiful as the last few times I came here.