The Prince of Light

Chapter 17

Floor to roof bookshelves lined the walls. Books of all kinds were piled up. There were few people inside the library. I walked over to the section that said, 'Bestiary.' I rummaged through the bottom shelves.

'History of Paradise creatures, no. Guide to Sightseeing Fiercest Beasts, No thank you.' I looked and looked but to no prevail. As I rounded the last bookshelf, I noticed a small marking on the back wall. It was faint, like it shouldn't have been seen by any eyes. I squinted, trying to make out the symbol. It was a circle the size of a quarter. The circle was made of two dragons biting each other's tails. In the middle was a small ball of fire. I touched it, led by an instinct. The symbol glowed slightly and then.....nothing happened. Then the whole wall turned and I was in a small room, filled with a desk and several books.

'A secret library!' I thought. I went over to the desk and looked at the top books. 'Forbidden Magic? Secrets to Necromancy? What is this place?' I thought. I go over to the bookshelves. Several books catch my eye. Then I see the one I need. It is a thick, leather journal with golden etchings. The title is all fancy. It says, 'Monster Guide to Today's Fiends and How to destroy them'. That sounds like it. I slip it out of its place on the shelf. I rummage through it. It had detailed pictures, descriptions, weak spots, and it even had a section on where to find them. 'Perfect!' I said. I looked at the other books on the shelf. None really were very crucial, but I slipped the few that caught my eye in a leather bag that was sitting on the table. I slipped back over to the wall-door where I had first come in. I searched for the symbol when a glint from the corner caught my eye. I slowly went over to the glass case. It had a note on the inside. It was from the journal.

To find the sword of light you must, although it might be below the crust.

If it is the powers you seek, defeat the Dark Lords you must keep.

If you aren't worthy of such a gift, your fate is sealed to a deep dark rift.

Over a valley and a high rise, you must beat the trials once all three times.

In the mirror you will find, it's a treasure to keep for all time.

I stared at the note. A quick decision came over me.

'Voice, can I pass my hand through glass?' I asked. It was slow to answer.

'Yes, but it is ill advised and very hard to-'

'Oh blah blah. Just tell me how.' I could feel the Voice's frustration.

'You have to make your hand pure light, pass it through the glass, then solidify your hand, but not your wrist, then you grab the object, turn it into light, and remove your hand.' It said. I followed its instructions. Making my hand pure light, it passed straight through the glass. I solidified my hand, grabbed the paper, and then yanked it out. The glass didn't even have a blemish. I held the note in my hands. I smiled. 'Oh, I am good. Thank you, Voice.' I thought. I could feel it sigh. I stuck the page in my pocket and walked over to the wall where I had come in. I moved my hand across the surface. The mark wasn't on this side. I made a small ball of light. Still nothing. 'Gosh, where is it?' I thought. I looked around for some other door. I ran my eyes across the room. Nothing seemed like a door. My eyes fell on the red rug on the floor. I smiled. 'Too classic.' I thought. I went over and pulled the rug back. A wooden square with a small hole in it. I pulled back the wood square. A gush of frigid air poured into the room. It chilled me to the bone. A staircase spiraled down into thick shadows. A message was carved into the stone.

'INTO PARAGOR'S MAZE YOU NOW DECEND. TURN AWAY NOW IF YOU WISH TO LIVE. IF YOU CHOOSE TO PRESS ON, YOU WILL NOT LIVE TO SEE DAWN. FIND THE END OF THE MAZE, AND YOU WILL LEARN THE SECRETS OF DAYS.'

I felt kind of scared now. Who is Paragor? 'I guess I have no choice but to go. I had to make it to the end. I walked down the steps, and the wooden door slammed shut behind me. 'Ok. No turning back. I like that.' I thought sarcastically. I made my palm glow and descended the stairs.