Morgue

Introduction

I was awakened at such a strange time, but not a peculiar time for death. I look down again at the instructions delivered to me by the Crow. It is raining heavily and I am frightened by the thunder. As I open up the damp letter, I notice a strange sequence of words. I proceed to examine the back of the letter only to see a structure of the palace that is slightly unfamiliar. Instead of the typical foundation, I see secret passageways that connect to various unknown places. There are a few words on it but I don't have time to study it. Since this letter is sent by Jubin, I assume that I am called to be at the confidential mortuary to do my usual cosmetologist routine.

As usual, I stubble down the stairs of the corridors and glance towards the mirror that illuminates the hallways. It is a fairly large mirror, with a gold frame that has engraved designs of the ancient language Odon scribed upon it. My mother used to know how to read it and insisted I learned it. Nowadays only a few are committed to learning it. If I sold the mirror, then maybe I could leave this lifestyle surrounded by death.

I slowly analyzed my dress which was black and red, a mandatory dress code for people who work inside the morgue. As I walk down the stairs I notice the entrance full of cleaners with their brown attire and the royal guards with their metallic armor. The royal guards are intimidating even though their faces cannot be seen. I continue to walk carefully down the stairs and start to recall my mother's last words. Words that are full of mystery but do not hold meaning to me yet.

"Oh, Reapa Darling- You are a special gifted girl. Like a key, you unlock mysteries that seemed to be latched in the abyss. However, you shall throw that key away. And whatever you do you mustn't stand out".

It has been five years since she said these words, and I simply cannot wrap my head around it. I break out of this trance and recover to reality. I look at the first word on the letter which reads Library with a strange symbolic logo next to it. I assume the library is where Jubin wants me to go first. Instead of going by my usual pathway surrounded by the maidens and guards, I head down to the Podenous library, the biggest in all of Arganstads. Scholars are usually plagued here while I rarely ever make a visit.