Heir

9) Immortals

  "That's a pretty impressive library." Mr Collarado marvelled.

  I muttered dryly, "You don't say."

  "Get in."

  We entered through the glass doors and into the world of words, carrying our bags.

  When my eyes landed on the uncountable shelves and books of all variety, calling it grand or extravagant wasn't what I had in mind. The adjective was more like 'intimidating'.

  Sure, it would be a fantasy for book lovers. But for me? Not really.

  We walked on the marble floor towards a counter with a man in horn-rimmed glasses sitting behind it on a chair, deeply engrossed in a storybook. He was reading the words aloud, but I could tell he was trying to be soft.

  "...and Terence yelled back, 'What the...Tess, how could you do this to me? I haven't done anything wrong.' Tess snapped, 'You did. Don't pretend you don't know! After all, you...' "

  "Sir."

  We were right in front of the counter now. Mr Collarado was staring at the male, a smile on his face.

  "Apologies. My name is Eric. How may I help you?" the man stood up and bowed. Bowed.
 
  "Can you help me find a book about Lord Kskertof?"

  The man frowned. "Lord Tisern?"

  Mr C's face had a 'Yeah, whatever' expression. "Yes."

  The man glanced at me, then smiled. "I would be delighted to. Please follow me."

  He stepped out and walked towards one of three rows of shelves which were labelled 'Astiana Non-Fiction' with both of us trailing after him. He rummaged through the books, occasionally taking some out and flipping through the pages. He went on to the next shelf.

  That was when he emerged with a book and handed it to me. It had a blue cover, with tiny slowflakes lining the perimeter. In big gold letters were the words 'An Interview With Lord Tisern' and smaller words of the same colour at the bottom - 'by Katie Crysan'.

  "This book should be what you're looking for." the man said.

  Mr C snatched it from my hands. Rude again, as always. "This is splendid! Thank you!" he exclaimed with an much enthusiasm as a dying sloth.

  "Glad to be of service. Would you like to borrow the book?" Eric asked.

  "Yes, please."

  We went to the counter and Mr C took out his identification document while Eric seat on the chair, his fingers nearing dangerously close to the book, which had a bookmark on a page. I studied the cover. It was red, with blue swirls scattered randomly across. There were words at the top left corner - 'The T Siblings' and smaller words at the bottom right - 'Howling Wolf'.

  "Aubrey."

  I turned. Mr Collarado that had the book in his left hand, the identification document nowhere to be seen. "Let's go."

  We got out of the building and Mr C directed me to another Inn. This time, it was called simply called 'Dale Inn'. No exaggerations, no lies. Just two words.

  It seemed nice enough. It was made of concrete and it had windows with glass panes. Glass! They actually had glass. It had a single oak door, which was dark brown in colour. A man stood beside the door, reading something. What was it with books?

  "Welcome to Dale Inn!" he looked up from his book and exclaimed with enough enthusiasm to take down the building.

  "Thank you."