Dragon Academy

Chapter 3

Three hours later she still couldn't shake the weird feeling she had had with that dream. It was like it was on constant replay in her mind. She picked up a load of new books and walked down the aisle to stock the shelves. It was a slow morning. Few customers had come through the door. Then again it was quite early and the students hadn't started the new term at the university yet. It brought back her own conundrum of whether to apply for university and if she did what course would she apply for? She had bought herself some time by getting this job but her mother was still insistent that she should make a choice and soon. She was tired of hearing how everyone else's children had already made their decisions and were well on their way to a prosperous future.

She sighed, fingering the crisp pages of the book she held. At least she knew one thing for certain, she loved books. Loved the touch and the feel of them. She could get lost in a book for several hours. It was a welcome distraction from reality. Her reality consisted of mundane events. Her mother's family had ancient roots in Scottish history and she had to attend parties and get-togethers as a child. Recently however, her parents had declined several invitations. Where before they had visited her grandmother often, now she rarely saw her. They rarely visited their palatial mansion on the outskirts of the city, in fact for some reason that eluded her, she could barely remember the place or the parties she had attended. Even now as she thought about it, the memories flitted away like tiny golden dust particles in the sunlight. She knew they were there, she just couldn't grasp them.

'Maddy, did you organise the medieval shelf?' came a gruff voice from behind her.

She shook herself out of her reverie and turned towards the counter where the short white-haired man was appraising her over his half-moon spectacles. She shook her head. 'Not yet.'

'Well, get a move on girl!' he said with a raised eyebrow, 'Daydreaming isn't for the daytime.'

She smiled at the phrase. She had learnt that Mr. Campbell was quite gruff and to the point, but overall he was a very kind person. Madison had liked him instantly. He reminded her of a loveable grandfather. Grabbing a few more books she headed for the medieval bookshelf and started arranging the books. This was one of the least popular sections and the books were covered in dust. She had never really looked at them closely before. But now as she read the titles, she had the distinct feeling of deja vu. Some of the titles seemed to pop out at her of their own volition. The Lives and Loves of Ancient Warriors, History of Medieval Wars, The Untold Story of Valspar...they all seemed familiar and yet she could have sworn she had never seen them before, let alone opened their pages.

'Fascinating aren't they?'

She jumped as Mr. Campbell shuffled up next to her to peer at some of the titles. She wasn't tall by any standards, but Mr. Campbell still barely reached her shoulder. He tilted his head and squinted his already beady eyes at the books. As he moved she thought she caught sight of a long shiny scar on his neck, hidden within his wrinkles. It seemed to shine out at her as though stars had been placed along its length. She blinked in surprise and looked again, only to stare directly into a pair of bright blue eyes.

'Daydreaming again lass?' he asked tutting in disapproval, 'I'll have to make you work for your money today.'

And he did. He senther scurrying to the basement for more books, got her to dust and clean all theshelves in the medieval section and catalogue the titles they currently held.It was exhausting, but it served the purpose, she didn't daydream or indeedthink about the dream she had had for the rest of the day.