The Library Of Fate

Chapter Two: The Queens

The throne room was exquisite.

Kai ahead of her, Kendra couldn't help but gape as she took in the high arched marble floors, chandelier and the halls that adorned it. In the middle, three identical queens seated in thrones carved of obsidian. Their gowns were made of the finest silver with their initials embellished on them.

Kai bowed gallantly, "Kendra Jones, you stand in the presence of Their Majesties, Queen Clotho, Lacha and Moria."

Kendra curtsied shakily. "Your Majesties. It is an honor to be in your presence."

"Kendra,"  Queen Clotho smiled. "We have been waiting for you a long while. You've led a great life. And my sisters and I are happy to welcome you into our City. I understand that this is a confusing time for you. We will be there with you every step of the way."

"R-right." Kendra managed, "Why am I here?"

Queen Lacha in the yellow gown spoke, "We simply found that it was your time. Now it is up to you to make of it."

"And what exactly am I supposed to do? I never thought I'd be gone this young." She added a little sarcastically.

"Trust your heart." 

"Hope to die?" Kendra ventured. To her surprise, all the Queens laughed. "You've got spirit. That's not something we see a lot in Pyras."

The queens' expressions turned serious. Lacha spoke, "Kendra Jones, you were called here today because we need a new Guardian for our Library. The job of a Guardian is to ensure peace and sufficient Balance to our worlds and the worlds beyond. Kai here will teach you the basics of the Library before you will be inducted into training with the past Guardians who have since retired."

"You'll be fine, Kendra." Clotho said warmly. "The Library of Fate is filled with vast knowledge of our world and the worlds beyond us. I am certain you will learn lots from your time here."

Queen Lacha raised a goblet which had appeared out of thin air, "May the Library grant you wisdom and knowledge."

"You may depart." Clotho said waving a hand. Just like that, Kendra found herself back in the Library.

"Shall we?" Kai said, striding toward the nearest shelf. "I will have to teach you the various ways of reading the Fates. It is an ancient language and will take you a few hours to master. I'm sure you'll do alright, Kendra."

"Learn the language, then you will be moved to Guardian training."

"And after that?"

"The Queens will decide where they will place you." He didn't seem to want to explain further.

Kai moved to a brighter part of the library where a golden swirling pattern stood. It reminded Kendra of an infinity sign. One she had once worn proudly when her mother had given her during her sixteenth birthday.

"This is a portal. It leads to most parts of the City excluding the throne room which is privy to I and the Higher Guardians."

"Privileged much?" Kendra muttered.

Kai chuckled, "It's not about priviledge, it is about being a person who respects the Elders and the rules, Kendra.

"I see," she said, placing a hand on her growling stomach. "How do dead people eat?"

"Like regular folks, and my apologies. It's been some time since we had a trainee-guardian around here."

Kai gestured toward the many doors leading out the library. "There is an assortment of food in the bazaar ahead. Do feel free to eat as much as you need. My services will always be open to you."

He waved a hand, and the library opened into three sections. "Take the red door. It leads straight to the Bazaar where you can find an assortment of food." He produced a pouch from his hidden pockets. "Some coins for your purchases... and this."

He removed a small necklace, the size of an quarter. The pendant was wrapped in an intricate pattern not unlike the portal and in it, a white pearly stone winked back at her.

"This is moondust, wear it at all times. And ring this bell if you need me."

Kendra took the necklace, fastening it around her neck.

"Thanks," it was the only thing she could think to say. Her time on earth was over and  she realized that she knew absolutely no one. Kendra had always believed that the afterlife consisted of her loved ones. But so far, she knew all that to be a lie.

She almost laughed. For all that she wanted on Earth, it seemed as if she was still being mocked. For being completely alone and isolate in a foreign world.

"The Elder Guardians will assist you." Kai motioned to his sides which emitted a thin white glow. "They've wings like this." 

"So they're like angels?" Kendra said, smiling a little. She felt strangely at ease despite the realizations she had had to get used to in just a short amount of time.

"Yes. They are. Like your little spiritual guardians that you believe on Earth." Kai checked something in his suit. "I've some errands to do. But you will be all right."

He disappeared leaving her as confused as ever. "Right, the Bazaar." She reminded herself and stepped into the beckoning door which transported her to a place she knew nothing about.