Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 36: A Save, An Illusion, A Body

[Quan Mo Ran]

After his classmates had filed out, Mo Ran quietly slipped out of the building. Now was the best time to check out the imperial library without prying eyes. He quickened his step toward the middle of the school grounds, passing through courtyards and dorm rooms. He arrived in front of a one-story building that had white columns, a red-tiled roof, and two big double doors that were currently open. It stood alone, away from all the other buildings. He had already ascended the stairs and arrived on the platform when he saw a group of students just leaving. Quickly, he stepped behind one of the massive pillars. They didn't notice him. After the students had passed, he glanced around. Feeling satisfied, he slipped through the door.

The room was circular and huge with rows upon rows of wooden shelves neatly stacked with books and scrolls. The wane light peaked between the shelves and fell in slants against the floor. It was late afternoon.

Snapping into action, Mo Ran glided to a shelf nearby. Placing his hands on each book, he picked one up, flipped it open, and systematically scanned each book. Quickly returning it to its original place, he grabbed another book and started the same process.

He had scanned each shelf row by row for a while but to no fruition. Standing in the middle of an aisle, he sighed as he put a book down with a heavy heart. This is the eighth row and I still haven't covered even a quarter of the bookshelves.

With a heavy heart, he stepped behind a shelf that was close to a window. The hot sunlight shone on his black clothing, making him break into a sweat. He picked up a blue book that was binded with string and was about to flip it open when he heard a thud. His head jolted up and he became tense, ready for action. Stuffing the book into his clothing, he slowly unsheathed his sword and crouched. He tiptoed to the other side of the shelf.

He heard the flipping of books and heavy breathing. Cautiously, he approached one of the shelves and stuck his body close to the shelf to diminish his form. He paused as he listened intently. The flipping of books suddenly stopped. Mo Ran cautiously stretched his neck out from behind the bookshelf to get a better view. In front of the bookshelf, was a man who wore all black. He had a sword strapped to his waist and a piece of black cloth covered the bottom half of his face, making his features indistinguishable. He also wore a black headband. In his hand, he held a book and was diligently reading it. He did not belong to the school.

Now's as good as any. Charging out from behind the shelf, Mo Ran unsheathed his sword. The man glanced up and quickly whipped out his sword. The swords clanged upon contact. Mo Ran spun past the man and saw the sword flash before his face. He quickly spun to face the opponent. Seeing that he was outmatched, the man whipped around and tried to run away. Not this time. Mo Ran whipped out a dart and threw it. The fleeing man fell to the ground with a thud. Mo Ran rushed to his side, knelt down, and put his fingers near the man's nose. Dead.

"Are you sure we're supposed to be here?" a nervous voice from outside asked. Mo Ran's eyes shot toward the direction of the door and he jumped to his feet.

"What? You're afraid?" Another voice taunted.

I can't let anyone find me here or else I will be suspected. His eyes swept the room and landed on the window a couple feet away. Without wasting any time, he propelled himself to the window, flipped it open, and jumped out. He landed on the ground without making a sound. He turned and fled. I have to be as far away as possible. It's about time to join the others.

Once on the streets, Mo Ran kept his gaze straight ahead and strutted about. This must be it. He stood in a small alley in front of a small double door. He raised his hand and knocked and waited expectantly.