The Great One, part 27

Our heavy boots thudded against the stone floors, echoing through the nearly empty hall. It was surprising, how deserted the castle was as opposed to the marketplace. I had been expecting it to be just as crowded.1

Airam’s expression was still full of concentration. It made me wonder how she knew where to focus; no matter where we went in Ulonn Castle, she never looked away from a particular target point.2

“It’s too quiet in here,” I complained. Despite my words, I kept my voice to a whisper. Every sound in the hall was magnified five times, which made it seem almost eerie. I didn’t like it; it made me a little uncomfortable. 3

It seemed that no matter where I was at Ulonn, it was either far too loud or way too quiet.4

The corner of Airam’s mouth twitched. “Well, what am I supposed to do? You’re the one whose attention is everywhere except where it should be.”5

“And where’s that?”6

“On the mission.” Airam glanced at me, sounding both amused and annoyed. “We’re looking for Dowben, remember?”7

“I know that,” I said, a little bit irritated, “but I have no idea where I’m going; I’m just following you. So I don’t really have much to concentrate on, do I? Throw me a bone, Airam! I just don’t like it when things are this quiet.”8

She sighed dramatically. “Fine…. Well, have you had any dreams lately?”9

At that, I started. We exchanged a look, knowing that my dreams meant more than what was on my subconscious mind. 10

“Come to think of it, no…. I haven’t. I wonder what that means?” It bothered me a little bit; the Sosiem, mother of all Identity Crystals, had told me she would keep contact with us through my dreams.11

So why hadn’t I had any?12

“Perhaps we have not reached the point that she wishes us to,” Airam suggested. “Or perhaps it isn’t the right time yet.”13

“It’s all about the timing,” I muttered.14

Airam nodded in agreement. Then she returned her attention to the end of the hall. “We’re getting close to the library. Ready to see Dowben again?” Her voice sounded ominous; for some reason, we both suspected that Dowben would react badly to the news.15

I swallowed. “Yup. Can’t wait to tell him how much I missed him.”16

Despite the large size of Ulonn Castle’s wall, its library was almost miniscule compared to Kaiven’s. I almost laughed.17

However, the books that it contained looked a great deal older, and much more fragile. I had a feeling that that was why Dowben would probably be here—not for the number of books, but the content.18

“Dowben?” called Airam softly. “Dowben, are you in here?”19

A familiar thud sounded from the far right corner of the library. It was the sound of a book’s thick cover falling against another. It was a habit of Dowben’s to set them down abruptly; he loved the sound, claiming that each two books hitting together had a different one.20

“Who calls for me?” Airam and I exchanged glances; we recognized the old librarian’s voice.21

“It’s Airam and Xen,” I replied, peering between the shelves of books. 22

“Really? Well, what a nice surprise! What are you two youngsters doing all the way out here? Don’t you have Warrior training?” Dowben wandered out from behind a towering pile of books and clapped his hands together; dust flew from them in a small cloud.23

Airam shifted uneasily. “We… have some bad news,” she said quietly. 24

At the grave tone in her voice, Dowben’s attention instantly fastened on us. His eyes traveled over each of our faces, taking not of the expressions. Airam’s face was grim; mine was far more serious than normal. 25

“What’s happened?” Dowben spoke slowly.26

I gave Airam a quick look; she was biting her lip, not speaking. So I took a breath. “Dowben,” I sighed, “Kaiven was attacked by Wohden… and we need your help.”27

/*/*/*/*/*28

Lisper watched me as we approached. “It’s about time you kids got back,” he snapped. 29

I glared at him, but said nothing. Airam, too, ignored his words.30

“Greetings, Dowben,” said Jast, giving the librarian a bow of respect. “How have your weeks here been?”31

“They were much better before I got the news.” Dowben’s voice was grim. “Although I wonder—am I needed so much for this mission? It sounds as though a battalion of Warriors would be far better suited.”32

“I agree,” said Lisper.33

Jast glanced at his fellow Warrior before saying, “I’ve tracked Wohden before, so I know where they will go; they’re nothing if not predictable travelers. However, Dowben, I’m going to need your knowledge of them… and some other things… once we get there.”34

I noticed that his eyes flickered in my direction as he spoke, making me a little uneasy. Did this somehow have something to do with me?35

“I understand,” said Dowben, nodding. 36

The Warriors and Dowben retreated to a more private corner and began speaking in hushed tones. I assumed that this was a sign that I wasn’t supposed to hear what they were saying.37

I walked over to my Rattragon, who raised its scaly green head at my approach. It gave a snort of recognition.38

“Hey, buddy,” I said quietly, patting it between the ears. “How’re you doing?”39

It cocked its head to the side, fixing me with its emerald eyes. It seemed to be asking me the same question. I sighed, shrugging. Blinking once, it stretched out its neck and touched its nose to the front of my shirt; my crystal shard flashed brightly through the material, hot against my skin.40

I pulled it out, examining it. The shard was the same clear green as my Rattragon’s eyes, and it was glowing steadily. Curious, I looked up at the beast. It was staring at my crystal shard intently.41

“What is this?” I closed my hand around the shard and looked around; Airam was stroking Emeran, Zela was gently placing plants into her bag, and the three older members of our party were still in the corner. None of them were paying attention.42

My Rattragon nudged my clasped hand, and I used the other to push it away. Unexpectedly, I felt a strange tingling sensation in the hand that held the shard. It swept quickly through my entire body, soon leaving no trace of its occurrence. 43

I stood there, confused and perplexed for a moment. Then my Rattragon made a strange humming noise, similar to the one it had made while communing with Emeran. I listened; the sound was one of familiarity.44

“I wish I knew your name,” I complained. “Airam said that you’d eventually tell me somehow…. This is one of the weirdest things I’ve ever experienced.”45

It bobbed its head up and down, as though to agree with me. 46

“Xen,” called Zela suddenly. I turned in the direction of her voice; she had barely spoken to me since that morning. “Would you mind coming with me? I need to barter for some special traveling herbs.”47

I nodded once. Satisfied, she went back to packing her bag. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Airam look in our direction, looking disapproving and a little… sad? 48

“I guess I’ll be back later,” I sighed, returning my attention to the scaly creature before me. My Rattragon hummed again. “Don’t do anything too weird while I’m gone.”49

Zela stood up as I walked over, and she gestured toward the marketplace entrance. I made a face; I hadn’t particularly enjoyed my last trip in that direction. It was far louder than I was used to.50

“What’s the matter?” Zela looked hurt.51

“I hate the marketplace,” I explained. She instantly seemed relieved. “It’s noisy and busy and bright.”52

“I take it you haven’t seen Kaiven’s marketplace, then,” she said, smiling. “It’s just the same.”53

“Ugh. Kaiven has one, too?” 54

“Yeah. C’mon, we need to get those traveling herbs.” Zela grabbed my wrist and pulled me forward; I nearly lost my balance and fell. She seemed not to notice as she dragged me back toward the bustling activity of merchants and buyers.55