The Bard of the Bodleian (an Alex Rider fanfiction)

Chapter 1: The Scorpion

Disclaimer: all characters and references to Alex Rider, Mission Impossible, James Bond, Narnia, Marvel and any William Shakespeare play are not our own (we're just big nerds).

The Bodleian library was old. Its exterior much like the books it housed was antique and dated, but fitted in well with the other surrounding buildings. Situated in the centre of Oxford, it was a standout attraction for tourists and residents of the city alike, and Brookland school's Year 11s now also found themselves staring at its grand entrance. The last time Alex Rider had been in Oxford, he had been on a stake-out. It had later, unexpectedly, become a high speed car chase, with Ben Daniels, an MI6 agent whom he had got to know rather well over various missions together... mainly when Ben was saving Alex's life from whatever stupid situation Alex had found himself caught up in. That had been an interesting experience to say the least, but it was all over now, bringing with it a new hope for normality. Or as normal as his life could get.... so not very normal at all.

Alex's life was a mess.

Following the school secretary, Mrs Bedfordshire, and the class's English teacher, Miss Portia, through the doors, the students were met with the sight of hundreds of books in a single hall, one of the many rooms in the library. Alex felt small standing in its expanse, with so many books lining the walls around him, all full of history and memories written by people long since gone from this world. Tom Harris on the other hand, seemed not to care too much about that and was animatedly chatting in a barely concealed whisper.

"When we get back do you wanna come over and watch a film?" Tom was saying. "I don't really know which one yet but..."

"Tom Harris, Alex Rider" Miss Portia spoke loudly, her voice echoing in the large hall. "I hope you're talking about the Bodleian but if not would you please be quiet."

Tom grinned, guilt colouring his expression and making him blush. He stopped talking.

Their guide continued: "As I was saying, the Bodleian library was officially established in 1602, although it's origins date back further than this..."

Alex absentmindedly scanned the room, but paused to watch a small woman walk across the hall. Something was odd about her. She was carrying a large stack of papers in her arms and her hair was scraped back into a bun, with military precision, and looked so unlike the collection of academics quietly working in the library. As he watched, she stumbled forwards as another library visitor caused her to swerve around him at the last second. The papers fell from her grasp, sheets floating down to rest gently on the wooden floor. Alex hurried over and helped her gather up the paperwork she had dropped, but before he even had a chance to speak she had snatched them out his hands without even a 'thank you' and continued across the room. Ordinarily, he'd have thought it was another impolite person going about their mundane life, but his focus had been caught by the ring she was wearing. A signet ring, engraved with what appeared to be the shape of a scorpion.

Alex froze, caught off guard by the sudden appearance of that all so familiar creature. Scorpions were bad. Well, that was an understatement; they were the single most awful thing he could possibly see. It was the symbol for one of the worst organisations that had ever existed, one that had caused enough headaches for leaders around the world, and had sent Alex's life into turmoil more times than he could count, even before he was old enough to remember. But, largely thanks to Alex, Scorpia was gone for good. Right?