by David Gallie
What made my heart beat that little bit faster was the huge creatures stomping back and forth down the aisles of the library. Their bodies looked like they had been made from pure stone and their faces looked hideously contorted. It was as if their creator had become sick of looking at them and decided to chisel their features in odd places. One of them had half a mouth on its forehead while the other had its nose in a similar position.
I stood there in the shadows of the arched doorway, my mind trying desperately to figure out what to do next. I had no way to know which scroll would be Lisa’s. It could have taken me years of searching before I even got close to finding it in the vast maze of the library, and with those stone guards wandering around it could take three times longer trying to evade them as well.
A depressing black cloud was starting to form in my head as I stood there, unable to think and decide what to do next. One way or another I had to find that scroll so I wasn’t leaving until I had done so.
It was then that a bright light exploded in my head and I remembered the piece of paper I had taken from the doctors’ office in the asylum. I quickly retrieved it and studied the numbers again.
Five. Eight. Two. Zero.
I had originally thought the numbers where a combination to a safe or possibly the pin code for a security door, but I had found no use for them while I was in Muirmill asylum, and I found it hard to believe that I would have any use for them in the great library.
But as I studied the bookcase’s laid out before me like silent soldiers, I noticed that each one had a number carved in gold on its side. What I also noticed was that none of the numbers continued in sequence.
I looked down at the small piece of paper in my open palm once again. The realization that what I was staring at, slowly sinking in. The numbers weren’t a code; they were a pattern which finished at the bookcase numbered zero.
Determination began to overtake the rising fear inside me. I now had something that could help me locate Lisa’s scroll and stepping out from the shadows I decided it was time to start looking.
Every step I took beyond the shadows was slow and almost painful. I had no idea how sensitive the huge stone creatures were to sound and I didn’t want to get involved in a fight with them unless I absolutely had to.
No, this was a time for stealth. The action would come later once I had what I was looking for. Keeping my eyes on the guards I made my way between the first two bookcases. I studied each number I encountered, unsure what to expect when I found the first one.
The floor beneath me trembled with every step those granite giants took and I could feel the adrenaline in my body begin to ramp up the production as my heart rate picked up.
I passed six bookcases before finally coming to the one marked with a golden five. One of the stone statues was patrolling the aisle nearby and I could feel my palms grow sweaty as I studied the neatly piled scrolls on each shelf. I couldn’t see anything different, no magic glowing arrow pointing me in the direction of the next lot.
Feeling a little deflated I turned my attention to the rest of the bookcases. Number eight was next. Moving to the edge of the bookcase I peered out into the aisle, watching as the stone statue turned its back on me before studying the numbers branded on the side of each case.
None of them was the one I was looking for, so while the giant creature was still unaware of my presence I darted in between the next set of cases and again studied the numbers laid out before me.
A brief pang of relief washed over me as I spotted number eight two rows up from where I was standing. The main aisle was empty since the second guardian was further down the library, its massive head scanning every row it came into contact with.
I moved as quickly as I could to bookcase number eight. Again there was no sign that I was following the route correctly. All I could hope for was that when I reached number zero that there would be some sort of indication as to where Lisa’s scroll was.
Once I was safely in the row between the bookcases, I moved back to the edge to glance out at the next lot. I could see number two the next row up. The guardians were now changing their position and it felt like they were heading back in my direction.
I was going to have to move fast before they laid their crooked stone eyes on me.
Darting to the bookcase marked as number two, I could feel my heart pounding in my chest and my breathing was more laboured than I would have liked to admit. Beads of cold sweat formed on my forehead and dripped from my eyebrows.
One more to go. Number zero.
Sticking to my current plan, I moved to the edge and studied the numbers. Nothing. No zero to be seen anywhere. The guardian was now walking between the rows that I currently occupied. It was only a matter of time before he spotted me and it would be game over.
Thinking as fast as I could, I darted out into the aisle and quickly changed direction, so I was heading to the next row on my left. Once there I waited for the guardian to pass me by.
I was certain the bookcase was going to fall over on me as the thud of its feet landed hard on the ancient stone floor and then suddenly stopped.
I could feel panic begin to rise up along with the bile in my throat. It had sensed something. Most likely me.
The huge creature sniffed at the air as if it could smell my fear. I could hear its massive hands clenching into fists, pieces of rubble falling from its knuckles.
‘I smell something,’ it bellowed.
From where I stood, I could see the other guardian stop dead in its tracks and turn to face its partner. There was a moment’s hesitation before it started to stomp towards the area I was hiding in. Now the sense of urgency was far greater than I had ever experienced.
As the other stone creature made its way towards its partner, I dashed to the end of the row and glanced at the numbers, praying that zero would be close by.
My prayer was answered as my eyes fell on the golden zero, but my heart sank as I realized it was located further up, past the stone guard who was still sniffing at the air.
The second guardian moved to stand next to its comrade and it too sniffed at the air, although his seemed to be more like deep breaths.
‘Yes, I too smell something,’ said the second guardian.
That was it. The game was over. In a few short seconds, they would start to move in my direction and basically block me from my goal. At least, that’s what I thought was going to happen.
Instead, to my surprise, they both turned and started walking in the direction I had come from, leaving the path clear for me to move.
Which I did at almost breakneck speed.
Heart pounding I ran to the row where bookcase number zero stood. I studied the scrolls, desperation rising up from my stomach as I failed to see anything that would separate Lisa’s scroll from the rest.
If it hadn’t been for the sake of making a noise and bringing the guardians full attention down on me, I would have sat there and cried. All the fear, panic and frustration I had been feeling leading up to that moment had accumulated into a massive ball in my throat that I couldn’t seem to shift.
Tears pricked at my eyes as I looked up at the scrolls and at first I thought I was seeing things. On the third shelve above me, I could see something glowing.
I glanced over at the stone creatures stomping their way back to the main doors where I had entered. Once I was certain they couldn’t see me, I climbed on to the first shelve and reached for the glowing object.
Once my fingers wrapped around it, I lowered myself back to the floor and studied what was in my hands. It was indeed a scroll, glowing in that same golden aura as the ring I wore.
Unlike the rest, though, this scroll had a purple ribbon tied around it to keep it in place. I stood there, trying to decide whether to open the scroll and check it while I was there, or just take it and get the hell out of the library first.
I decided it was probably best to do the latter.
The good thing, this time, was that I could cut
through the rows that led me away from the gaze of the guardians who were now standing at the front doors, sniffing the air like a pair of concrete dogs.
When I reached the first row I gripped the scroll in my hand as tight as I could and waited for the huge creatures to make their next move. I could only hope that by leaving my scent further back in the library that it would lead them away.
Although, considering the volume of sweat that was dripping from my body I felt certain they would pick up my location much quicker.
As it turned out, the guardians were not the brightest of Satan’s creatures. They both turned to face the interior of the library.
‘We have an intruder,’ said the one with the nose on his forehead.
I watched, amazed, as they stormed off back into the direction I had come from. As soon as they were working their way between the rows again, hunting for me, I made my final run to the main doors and the safety of the shadows that surrounded them.
Carefully, I eased one of the doors open and slipped outside.
Once I was back outside the library, confronted with the endless pathway of torches and the sea of skulls, I ducked to my left and hid between two massive pillars. I doubted it would be enough to keep me safe for any length of time, but hopefully enough for me get myself together again.
I breathed hard as my heart tried its best to escape from my chest. Droplets of sweat escaped from my forehead and hit the floor with a silent splash before quickly fizzing away under the heat.
I looked at the neatly rolled piece of parchment I held in my shaking hands. I debated with myself for a few seconds on whether I should look at it or not. Eventually, I guessed I had come all the way to hell to get it and destroy it, so the least I could do was make sure it was the correct one.
I loosened off the ribbon, letting it float to the ground before I carefully opened the scroll and studied the ancient and ornate lettering that graced it.
Although I knew I shouldn’t have been surprised, I felt a little disheartened to see that it was written in Latin. I couldn’t understand a single word that was on the paper and therefore, I had no idea if I was holding Lisa’s scroll or maybe some other poor bastards deal with the dark lord.
‘I see you found it,’ said Pertilius, making me jump as he appeared by my side.
‘I thought you couldn’t be here?’ I said, still trying to understand what was on the scroll.
‘I’m not supposed to be, but most of the kingdom heard the guardian’s alarm, so if I was you I would get out of here as fast as you can,’ he said, in his usual calm voice.
‘Is this Lisa’s deal?’ I asked, my hands still shaking from the adrenaline.
‘Yes, but there is no point in destroying it here. You have to be in front of her when you do it, so she knows that she is free,’ he said.
I glanced towards the seemingly unending pathway lined with torches and figured that must be the way I was going to have to leave. The only problem was, I could clearly see approaching objects. Very large objects with wings.
‘Touch the red letters at the bottom of the scroll,’ said the monk, his gaze following mine.
With a trembling hand, I reached out to touch the ornate red letters, a word in Latin I assumed, and as soon as my fingers touched the paper and the raised ink the world spun at an alarming pace.
Torches became one with the black clouds and the library seemed to melt into a vast mixture of varying colours. I could feel myself getting dizzy, and at one point I wanted to vomit but was able to hold back the rising bile.
As the world spun around me, I looked down at my hands and noticed I was still touching the sacred letters. Quickly, as if I had been given a shock, I pulled my fingers away and the world stopped its dizzying movement.
The library, the torches and more importantly, the Grimoyle’s, had vanished. In their place was a small room, a bedroom of sorts. I could see a bed big enough for one at the far corner of the room. A nightstand stood next to it, and a small chair next to that. There was no decorations or ornaments or anything that would make the room personal to the soul who slept in it.
I was starting to feel confused when I heard the soft click of the door being opened. I could feel my eyes and my heart swell with joy as I watched Lisa shuffle inside and close the door behind her.
‘It’s been a long time babe,’ I said, trying to offer my best smile.
Lisa snapped her head up and looked straight at me. At first, there was hatred in her eyes, but once she recognized who was doing the talking, that smile I had dreamed of for the last five years crossed her lips once again.
‘Samuel, is that you?’ She asked, tears welling in her eyes as a delicate hand reached out to touch my face.
I closed my eyes and enjoyed the sensation of her fingers taking in every contour of my face. I kept them closed as her lips touched mine, gently, but it was enough to send sparks flying through my body.
Then her touch stopped. When I opened my eyes I could see her take a step back from me and her smile changed to an expression of confusion.
‘What’s wrong?’ I asked, feeling worried that she was going to reject me after all this time apart.
‘You can’t be here. If Satan finds you he’ll destroy your soul,’ she said, her expression changing again to one of worry.
‘Well, he is going to try, but I think I could beat him,’ I said.
Lisa moved towards me once again, her eyes tracing the intricate tattoos on my wrists and forehead.
‘I’ve seen those marking before. The monks have them on their robes,’ she said, sounding confused.
‘You’re right,’ I said, feeling my smile falter.
‘Samuel, what’s going on? How did you get here?’ She asked.
I was unsure how much time we had left before Satan got wind of my little plan, but I inhaled a deep breath and explained everything as quickly as I could to Lisa, right up to the point where I had stolen the scroll from the Library.
‘You did all that just to free me?’ She asked, as her eyes fell on the scroll I was still holding.
‘I’ve spent the last five years thinking you were in heaven and instead I found out you were here in hell. There is no way I can let the woman I love spend her eternity here,’ I said, feeling tears prick at my eyes again.
‘You know he’s not going to let us leave just because you tear up that scroll,’ she said and I nodded in agreement even as she spoke.
I had omitted telling her that the grand plan involved me becoming the next ruler of hell, again, as it would turn out. Instead, I gave her the abridged version:
‘Once I tear up this scroll, you will be taken to the realm between here and earth. When that happens, Satan is going to come looking for me, and I will have to beat him in order to return you to your body,’ I explained, understanding just how awesomely insane it all sounded.
Lisa shook her head in disbelief. I couldn’t really blame her for not wanting to believe in it all, but she had been in hell for much longer than me, in this life at least, so I thought she would understand better than me.
‘Samuel, he’ll tear you apart,’ she said.
‘Well, the monks seem to think I have enough firepower to wipe him off the face of the earth, or hell, as the case maybe,’ I said, feeling unusually confident, ‘they believe I can beat him.’
‘Do you believe you can beat the dark lord?’ she asked, her beautiful eyes staring deep into mine and beyond to a part of my being that only she has ever been able to reach.
‘Up until now, no. I didn’t think I was strong enough. But seeing you for the first time in five years, I know I can hammer him into the ground to make sure you never see this place again.
‘I don’t understand why I have to become a nomad soul though Samuel?’ she said, her eyes searching my soul for the answers.
‘Because you have been here for so long, heaven will not recognize you as either a tainted soul or a soul of light. The same concept will work here in hell too, so you have to
go to the never realm where you will have to wait out your eternity. But, if I beat Satan I will have the power to put you back into your body on Earth and if I can do that it will basically reset the balance for your soul. A fresh start so to speak in the eyes of the higher powers anyway,’ I explained, starting to feel a little drained with it all.
‘What happens to you if you are able to beat Satan?’ She asked.
I had tried to avoid telling her the whole truth, which in my heart I knew to be stupid since Lisa was the only person capable of seeing right through me. I took a moment to think about how I was going to tell her before I spoke.
‘Well, the monk’s seem to think I’m the original sinner,’ I said eventually, feeling unsure how Lisa would react.
‘What? Satan is the original sinner,’ she said, confused again.
‘Not really. He is the heir to the throne, so to speak. The original sinner or Beelzebub as most like to call him is the one true ruler of hell,’ I said.
‘And the monk’s think you are him?’
‘Pretty much. Even Gabriel believes it,’ I said.
Lisa looked at me in shock.
‘You met Gabriel?’
‘Yeah, but to be honest he’s a pain in the ass. But then again I suppose you don’t have much to worry about when you’re an angel,’ I said, thoughtfully.
Silence befell the room and as much as I wanted to spend the rest of my days just gazing at her beautiful face, I held the scroll in front of me so that Lisa could see it.
‘What is that?’ she asked.
‘This is the deal you made with Satan, or I should say, your father forced you to make with Satan. When I rip this apart it will break the deal and you will have to go,’ I said, feeling my hands and my heart start to shake again.
‘Samuel, you don’t have to do this for me,’ I could see the pleading in her eyes.
There was no going back now. I had the scroll and it was time to step up to the plate and take on Satan.
‘I love you. You’re the only woman I’ve ever truly loved and if I can’t at least try and save you then I wouldn’t be much of a husband would I?’ I said, preparing to tear the ancient parchment. ‘Are you ready?’