Soul of Flames

Chapter 2-Robyn

I walk down the narrow pathway towards the drama studio. It is situated in the old section of the school, first built sometime in the 1700s. It was originally used as a chapel, but sometime during the early 1900s it was transformed into a school. No one really knows why, and no one really cares either.

Well, except me. I took one look at the majestic building and knew that I had to learn everything about it. Its architecture is extraordinary. Arching beams soar overhead and carved oak panelling lines the walls. Once, many years ago, I know that these solid fittings were carved with ornate images from eras past.

It was this that inspired me to dig into the beautiful building's history. I spent hours in the library, also housed under the old slate roof, scouring the books for some hint of carvings that have been lost. What I really wanted was to talk with the people who once lived on the land that my school sits upon. However, that was a little difficult, considering that all who had lived then were now dead and buried.

So I stuck to the books, reading page after page of ancient script hidden within dusty tomes, frantically searching for some clue, a mere hint as to what lies under the layer grime and dirt.

I only ever found one line, in a book that must have tumbled down the back of one of the many shelves in the library, which alluded to the mysterious history of this ancient building. 'The scripts pertaining to the historic chapel that resides on the modern school Silver Tree Upper School's grounds have been removed from this library'.

That was it. No reason why and no note saying where they had taken the books. From the way the words were written, I suspect that the writing was removed centuries ago, which means that the chances of me finding them is slim to none, a whisper in the turbulent air that I have barely a hope of discovering.

I was forced to give up, which is something I hate doing as it feels like I am relinquishing what little control I have. I'm not a control freak, but I won't just quit if I find something difficult. If I did, then I would never have even have attempted half of the things I have accomplished. It may not be noticeable, but I will always finish what I have started.

Which is why, although I may have given up for now, whenever I get a chance, when I hear a murmur that could lead me to my goal, I will snatch it, latching on with a firm grip and not releasing it until I have fulfilled my desire for the information that I crave.

I am still deep in my mind, in the midst of my musings, when I hear a squeal echo down the hallway. 'Robyn! Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere!' That is all I can make out before I am crushed in a massive hug.

'Hell, Em, you're like a grizzly bear when you attack people like that'. I smile as I extricate myself from Emily's restraining arms. 'And I doubt that you seeing me again after, what, fifteen minutes is really exciting enough to warrant such an energetic welcome'.

‘You know, she might actually be right this time Em. I mean, who would want to see that ugly face again?’ says a voice from behind Emily. I peer over her shoulder to see Matt smirking at me from his position leaning against the wall.

I’m about to make a sarcastic reply, but Em interrupts. ‘Who wouldn’t?’ She exclaims loudly, her powerful voice combining with the echoes of sound, making my ears ring.

‘Tone it down a little; are you trying to turn us all deaf?’ I say, glaring at Em, who gives me a cheeky grin before scampering off to talk to Cherri in the corner; or, more accurately, talk at Cherri-she’s so shy that she hardly speaks, and up against Em...let’s just say, it’s going to be a very one way conversation.

I turn back to Matt, who shakes his head at me. ‘Haven’t you learnt yet Robyn? You have absolutely no chance of stopping Em’s insane chatter, so you might as well give up now.’