Mathias was unfazed. “Sometimes, that is all you need for an adventure,” he replied.
“Whatever you say, weirdo,” she said.
Mathias was unmoved by her response. “You know, one day you are going to see the truth of the matter, and when you do, I’m going to cherish the look it leaves on your face,” he said.
“Yeah, we’ll see,” said Heidi as she saw a patron make his way to the counter. “Be right back. Duty calls.”
Mathias watched as Heidi returned to the library counter. The young man looked no older than a senior, yet something about his impatience troubled Mathias. He paced as he waited for Heidi, pulling strands of long, dark, wet hair from his face. To Mathias he looked like a storm had come out of the storm.
Offering a fake work smile, Heidi addressed him. “Can I help you?” she asked.
The young man regarded her with narrowed eyes before looking about. “Likely not,” he said. “I am looking for Mr. Dackett. Is he around?” he asked with annoyance.
Heidi shrugged, indifferent to the man’s attitude. “Mr. Dackett’s on his way back as we speak if you want to wait. I’m sure he will be overjoyed to help you when he returns,” throwing in just a touch of sarcasm.
The man waved an annoyed hand. “I don’t even need him,” he spat. “He owes me a book and I want it now.”
“And what book is that?” asked Heidi, already tired of the attitude she was receiving.
The man looked about impatiently, paying Heidi little if any mind. “It is a matter beyond you, and that is all you have to know,” he said.
“Wow. Well aren’t you just a ray of sunshine on a stormy day,” offered Heidi.
The man placed a hand on the counter, shaking his head. “I am sorry. I’m just growing impatient from one too many head games. I was promised a book more than once and it has been denied from me with several excuses. I am simply sick of delays,” he said.
“I see,” said Heidi. “Must be an important book.”
“More than you know,” said the young man. “And I am destined for it.”
“Yeah, this doesn’t sound crazy at all,” said Heidi, shaking her head. “Don’t tell me you are in on the inside joke too.”
The man leaned forward. “What joke are you talking about?” he pressed.
“Crescent Moon,” replied Heidi. “Some old book Mr. Dackett keeps and protects like Fort Knox.”
The man slapped the counter, startling Heidi. “That is the one! Do you have it? Is it here?”
“Yeah,” said Heidi, still confused and annoyed. “It’s here, but I am not at liberty to give it to you.”
The man was practically snarling now. “And why is that?”
Heidi shook her head. “For starters you are being a complete jerk and it is in the possession of another patron at the moment. If you wish to request it next, I will have you sign up for it and let Mr. Dackett deal with you,” she said.
The man looked around the library before fixing his eyes on Mathias. “You!”
Mathias sat in his chair confused by this turn of events. The man walked over quickly, coming to stand over Mathias. Mathias watched him suspiciously as the young man looked between Mathias and the book. It was clear that the man debated just snatching it from Mathias’s grasp.
“It’s you! You are the one who has been holding my property,” accused the man.
Mathias placed a hand over Crescent Moon, suddenly becoming protective of the book. “I do believe this is library property. I am quite fond of the book, yes, but it is not mine or yours to claim,” he said.
“Give it to me. Now,” said the man.
Mathias shook his head. “I will not,” he replied.
“I think you will,” said the man as he placed a hand on it, gripping the end of it.
Mathias stood, shaking his head as he pressed his hand more firmly upon the cover. “No, I won’t,” he said.
The two men stared at each other for long moments. Finally, the long-haired teen smiled. “What are you making such a big deal out of a silly book for anyway? There’s nothing in it but some ridiculous poem. It’s beyond anyone to read.”
“Try me,” said Mathias. “This book’s special. I know it. Mr. Dackett knows it. And obviously you do too,” he said.
“It holds secrets if you are worthy,” said the man.
“I don’t know if I am worthy,” said Mathias, “but I love the stories just the same.”
“You mock me then?” asked the man, trying to pull the book from under Mathias’s grasp. “You know nothing!”
Mathias remained calm. “I know about Lunaria. I know about the key. I know about the Prophet. I know a lot more than you think,” he said.
The stranger’s face contorted for a second before he recovered quickly. “You know nothing! Those things are not meant for you. They are meant for me. Now give me that book!”
Mathias shook his head. “No,” he said.
By this time, Heidi had approached. “I think it’s time you left, sir. I insist,” she said.
The man stared at Mathias angrily, yet the young man did not flinch. At last he rolled his eyes and let go of the book. “This is ridiculous!” he thundered before walking away. “You will be hearing from me again. Wait until I tell Mr. Dackett!”
“It wouldn’t be the first time I’ve made him angry, or the last!” countered Mathias.
The man stormed out into the rain, slamming the front door as he went. When he was gone, Mathias slumped back in his chair, relieved that the confrontation was over. He was confused by what had just happened, but something told him he had made the right decision. Heidi watched the door, making sure the man was indeed gone. Around them, the disturbed patrons returned to their books.
“Well that was fun,” said Mathias.
“What was all that even about?” asked Heidi.
Mathias shrugged, still processing the exchange that had transpired. “I have no idea, whatsoever,” he replied.
Heidi shook her head as if she was trying to wake from some dream. “You know, I keep wondering if you all are in on some crazy, twisted joke that you’re not telling me about and I am being messed with somehow. Either that or I am the sane one amongst a bunch of loonies,” she said.
Mathias laughed despite himself. “Maybe it is a little bit of both,” he said.
“Probably,” muttered Heidi.
It was then that the library doors opened again. Mathias and Heidi readied for the strange man again, but instead, Mr. Dackett stormed into the library. There was a vehemence about him, soaked to the bone as he was. He searched about the library, setting his sights upon Mathias and Heidi. Upon seeing Mathais, he narrowed his eyes and approached.
“You,” he spat. “I’ve had enough of you for ten lifetimes,” grumbled the aged librarian.
“Well, there’s my exit cue,” said Mathias as he gathered his things and prepared to leave.
“And where do you think you are going,” said Mr. Dackett as he continued his approach. “I have a lot of words stored up for you.”
Putting on his jacket, Mathias smiled. “I’m glad you are safe and out of the storm, Mr. Dackett,” he said as he pointed to the door. But I have to be heading home now.”
“Oh, you will go when I say you can go, you intolerable creature,” replied Dackett.
Coming around the table, Mathias walked bravely toward Mr. Dackett. Mr. Dackett prepared for a tirade that had started building from the first raindrops in front of Mathias’s house. Mathias remained brave in his approach as Mr. Dackett threw off his water-logged coat. As Mathias came within grabbing distance, Mr. Dackett prepared to take ahold of him to have his say.
But, now close to Mr. Dackett, Mathias put the Crescent Moon book down upon a nearby table and hugged the librarian. Mr. Dackett was caught completely by surprise at the action, freezing in response. Mathias patted the old man gently on the back and the hug appeared completely genuine. Mr. Dackett looked at Heidi, who merely continued to shake her head at the fu
rther unfolding insanity.
“Thank you, Mr. Dackett,” said Mathias earnestly. “Thank you for one way or the other letting me be a part of this wonderful adventure. I give it back to you now and hope to read more soon. You have a great night,” he added before releasing Mr. Dackett and heading toward the door.
Mr. Dackett watched Mathias go, still taken off guard by the display. He and Heidi watched as Mathias waved and left, facing the rain as it decreased in its intensity. As Heidi came to stand next to Mr. Dackett, the old man continued to shake his head in disbelief.
“I will never figure out that boy,” said Mr. Dackett.
“You are all crazy if you ask me,” said Heidi flatly.
“What was that all about?” asked Mr. Dackett. “And why did he just give me the book back freely? Is this another game of his?”
“I don’t think so,” said Heidi. “I think he was just trying to do the right thing. Things got a little weird a moment ago. Another guy wanted that book pretty badly,” added.
Mr. Dackett looked at her sternly. “Oh?”
Heidi nodded. “Yeah. He was a bit older than Mathias. Long hair. Lot of attitude like you. Said the book belonged to him and was looking for you to claim it,” she said.
Mr. Dackett looked clearly troubled by this “Hudson was here?” he asked.
Heidi shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine. To me he was just another crazy, part of some crazy game you all like to play to make me crazy,” she said before walking back toward to counter. “Anyway, they are both gone now, and you have your book back. Now go dry yourself off before you catch a death.”
Watching her go, Mr. Dackett picked up Crescent Moon with a shaky hand. Looking at the ancient book, he cast his thoughts back to the door where Mathias had left. His thoughts dwelled heavily on the young man and the one he referred to as Hudson. His thoughts remained troubled as he considered the situation.
“Well, this certainly complicates things,” he whispered before heading off to dry himself from the rain.
The End,
But Only for Now.
His adventures have concluded, but
Theophilus Thistle will return.
And the Lunarian Chronicles
Continue in:
The
Rowan Tales
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
David Partelow was born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri. He is an avid poet, novelist, father, lover of life, sarcasm advocate, connoisseur of all things nerdy, and all around pain in the hind end. And a Scorpio too if you must know. He specializes in science fiction, fantasy and sometimes dabbles in works of comedy. When not writing, he does other stuff and runs on caffeine and denial. Included in this is practicing a Russian Martial Art known as Systema, crafting nerd things, cosplaying, and getting in and out of trouble. For more information you can find him on the below media outlets:
Facebook page: Dabbles and Dorkery
Twitter @thedorkery
If that is still not enough information, let’s talk restraining order…
The Adventures of Theophilus Thistle Page 38