Born Anew

Born Anew VII

At last we were at the library. Men wearing scholarly uniforms swarmed the place. Discussing, sharing information between them. Some were from Azoth, others were outsiders whose life led them to the same place we were at. But Orobas and Stolas were nowhere to be seen.

We headed to the counter, where a young demon attended any guest at the library. The librarian looked at us calmly and with a wide yet polite smile. Her bespectacled eyes focused on our weapons.

"Greetings. May I take your weapons before you proceed further? It is a matter of protocol." She remained calm and polite.

"No. We come here for business, but we must remain always ready for battle." Rhuk refused to let his newly crafted club go. "I already miss my blade."

"Do you have a permit? We require one for such objects."

"Take mine." Marinette handed her dagger. "I will figure out a hundred ways to kill you without it before we are gone." She joked with a wink. The librarian remained calm, apparently understanding the joke.

"I don't think that will be necessary. We probably have a permit of sorts." Responded Lowri taking back the dagger. "We were sent by Sitri. We have an appointment with Orobas and Stolas. Or rather Orobas or Stolas according to Akroma."

"I see. Names?" The librarian responded taking a scroll of parchment.

"It is probably registered under Ever Faithful Veritas. I am after all their representative before Sitri."

"Oh. Ever Faithful. Glad to meet you. Yes. And you do have a permit to carry weapons. In fact as an Azoth partner you are free to take any book and return it whenever you wish."

"That won't be necessary. Orobas will provide all answers." Ever Faithful responded.

"He will see you in a few minutes." The librarian finally allowed us to pass.

The main hall was already fair sized, but upon entering the actual library we realized it was much larger on the inside. A labyrinth of books and shelves, with some halls and desks for scholars. Only the signs and a few Azoth officers working as guides made it possible to explore the place without a map. We waited at a small lobby surrounded by book shelves.

And after a long wait Orobas arrived. He was taller than Sitry, yet still not as big as Rhuk. Of course, considering he was rumored to be a spirit demon, he probably took that form to welcome visitors. His hooves clacked on the floor, and his red face like that of a horse seemed intimidating. That was until he spoke.

"Welcome. Sitri sent you. You made the right choice in asking for my assistance with your quest. Stolas is not as helpful for it. But you couldn't afford both to help equally." He was serious, yet friendly.

"We have questions." Is poke with a cold tone.

"You are the leader, so you will go first. But there are a few questions all of you have. Speak those first."

"Leader? Whatever. I guess since I am speaking already I should ask." I was surprised by his knowledge. "Where is the Red City?"

"Ah. Is that all? All of you will be granted three questions individually and three as a team. Do not shy away with those."

"We look for the Red City and the entrance to the Spirit World. As a group there is not much more we will ask for."

"Then as a group I will ask Stolas to assist you in his way. I know the path to the Red City. But it is not to be spoken. Stolas will hand you the documents related to it. Including its map. The map we used when we went there."