章 41: Mysterious energy
Samantha entered the library, her eyes glistening in awe and wonder as she observed the magnificent library. The small library at Soren was nothing before this place, and she had the intense urge to stay here forever. She could feel the books calling out to her, begging her to read them and run her hands through the pages.
Howbeit, her excitement was short-lived when she felt a sudden surge of energy in her and a gaze so powerful and strong that her body trembled. Her face contorted in confusion, and she turned around, trying to see what was happening to her. But she found nothing. 'What is wrong with me today?' She wondered, a frown marring her forehead. 'Why am I having such strange feelings?'
Before she could succumb to her thoughts, Itri pulled her with her, bringing Samantha out of her reverie. 'I must be hallucinating again. Why am I doing this?' Samantha pressed her forehead in anguish. Shaking her unsettling notion out of her mind, she took a deep breath before she started to follow Lily, enthusiasm taking over her once again.
Nigel did not miss the way Samantha's face had brightened, and he smiled seeing her joyous expression. His heart leaped in delight watching her rejoicing, and he made a vow to never allow her to suffer in life. Nigel wanted to hold the girl's hands. But he knew this action would only scare her away, and that was something he did not wish to do. He gazed at her with adoration as he walked beside her.
The group strode towards the librarian, who was busy reading a book. He had not noticed them enter, and Lily had to clear her throat to garner the man's attention. The librarian lifted his head, and seeing the group before him, he stood up at once, putting on a welcoming smile.
"Hello, ladies and gentleman." He chimed, his gleeful voice resonating through space. "How may I help you?" Although the man was grinning, his curious eyes wandered over the four people, observing them. He tilted his head, wondering if he had seen them before, or was it the first time he was meeting them. However, before he could settle on a conclusion, Lily's voice brought him out of his thoughts.
"Hello, Sir." Lily made sure to appear as cordial as possible. "We are here to take a look at the books in the library." She attempted to compose herself, and on seeing the man's unsuspicious gaze, she knew she was succeeding at it.
"I am certain that is the reason for your visit, Milady. May I know what kind of books you are looking for? It will be easy for me to guide you to the aisle." The man suggested, and Lily hesitated for a moment. She recalled the way the old librarian at Soren had looked at her when she had asked for the book she wanted. 'I should be careful.' She thought to herself, glancing at the man in front of her.
"Sir, could you tell me where I can find the book that holds the history of Oryn?" Lily put forth her request carefully, trying to gauge the librarian's reaction.
"Are you here to study about Oryn, Milady?" The man's smile widened, and he clasped his hands together in excitement. Seeing Lily nod, he walked around the desk, his boots thumping the wooden surface below him lightly. "Let me lead you, Milady. The books related to Oryn are on the third level."
The librarian led the group towards the stairs while Lily observed him from behind. The man was younger than the librarian at Soren, and his shoulder-length black hair made him look younger. Although he had a smile anchored on his face, something about him did not sit well with Lily. His behavior was normal, and at the same time puzzling. So, Lily had her guards up lest the man should deceive them some way.
Unlike her, Nigel and the two girls did not doubt him and continued to trail him as they took in their surroundings. Even an uninterested Itri was awestruck by the magnificence of the building they were in. It was colossal, yet neat. The books were arranged in order, and there was a unique aroma in the air attracting them to explore the building.
Samantha could not stop examining the place, which she claimed to be her heaven. It held everything she wanted, and she just wanted to pick a book, any book, and settle on one of the chairs. However, Lily's strict orders flashed in her mind, and she stopped herself from wandering away from the group.
The librarian led the four people to the third level and pointed towards the aisle that held books related to Oryn. "Milady, these two shelves hold the books you request of. Is there any specific book you are looking for?" He queried, his wise eyes waiting for her to speak. However, Lily just shook her head as she had no idea herself what book she wanted.
"In that case, you can start with this one." The man pulled one of the thinnest books from the rack and held it before her. "This gives a brief glimpse of the history of Oryn."
"Thank you, Sir. I would like to take a look myself." Lily's cryptic answer made the man narrow his eyes. But he reverted to his usual self quickly. He placed the book back to its position, not showing his suspicion whatsoever.
"Of course. I will have to get back to my seat. I will send one of the helpers to assist you." The man smiled at them, and taking one last glance at the group, he left the level.
Lily sighed in relief seeing the man leave them alone and proceeded to study the books one by one. She stopped suddenly when she remembered the three people who were still following her without a word. Closing her eyes shut, she contemplated what to do with them. 'I cannot allow them to find out what I am searching for. But I cannot allow Samantha to be out of my sight too. What do I do now?'
Lily came out of her dilemma when Samantha held her hand. "Madam Lily, may I go through the books here? I promise I will not wander away from your sight." The old matron's worries vanished after listening to Samantha's words. The girl had offered the solution to her problem herself.
"Yes, dear. You may." Her acceptance surprised the girl, and she gaped at her, wondering if she was hallucinating. But the old woman's next words proved her wrong. "However, you are not allowed to take off your gloves in any situation. Do you understand?"
Samantha nodded at once, not wanting to give away the rare opportunity. "Thank you, Madam Lily. Thank you so much." The girl picked up the same book the librarian had suggested before she walked towards the seating area. Seeing her walk away, Nigel too pulled out a book randomly and followed her, occupying the chair beside her.
By then, Samantha had already started reading her book, and on noticing her involved in her task, Nigel swallowed the words he had in mind. Instead, he focused on watching her, an action that did not go unnoticed by the girl. But she decided to ignore it, for she was concentrated on reading the book in her hands.
Unbeknownst to her, there was another pair of eyes observing her every move since the time she had entered the library. Alastair leaned against the iron railings, watching her from above, a smirk making its way on his lips. "We meet again, Samantha."
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