“There you are,” Tristan said, “where have you been, and...who are they?”
Kaina looked back at Thea and Tobyn, and then back at Tristan and said, “It's a long story. All you need to know is that these people need protection and they are willing to help with the rebellion if you are willing to shelter them.”
Tristan studied them, then turned back to Kaina and nodded. “Of course. I'll get them out of town and have someone escort them back to the hideout.”
Tristan gestured for them to follow, and Thea looked to Kaina with concern in her eyes.
“It's all right,” Kaina assured. “You can trust him.”
Thea nodded and went with Tristan, who then turned back to Kaina again and said, “By the way, Aldis wanted me to tell you to go to the book shop.”
Kaina raised an eyebrow and said, “Why?”
“I don't know, but he said it was urgent,” Tristan said as he led Thea and Tobyn into the shadow of the alley.
Chapter 28
Kaina made her way to the book shop, but she couldn't get in through the front since there were guards patrolling nearby. She crept into the shadows, and while she waited for the guards to move away, she heard a faint whisper coming from behind her. She turned sharply to see Aldis peeking around the other end of the building behind her, and he was gesturing for her to follow. Kaina looked around, then she darted in his direction.
“Kaina,” he said, “I know someone who can help us, and I believe you've met him before.”
Kaina didn't initially know who he was talking about, but it soon dawned on her when she remembered where they were. Before she could say anything, however, Aldis gave a tug of her arm and said, “Come with me, quickly.”
Kaina followed Aldis as he led her behind the buildings and to the back of the book shop. A wooden set of stairs led to the second floor, and she followed him up to the platform at the top, where she then noticed a door. Aldis tapped on the door, and a second later it opened just a crack, revealing soft candlelight inside.
Aldis led Kaina into the dimly lit room and then someone behind the door shut it tight behind them, and when Kaina turned around she saw none other than Mortimer, who smiled when he saw Kaina and said, “I had a feeling that you and I would meet again.”
Kaina smiled and shook his hand. “It's nice to see you too, though I wish we were here under better circumstances.”
Mortimer nodded. “Ah yes, the infamous Lost Library of Zion and the book that led you straight to it.”
Kaina blinked. “Wait, you knew about the book?”
“Of course, dear,” Mortimer replied. “Every wizard does.”
Kaina blinked. “You're a wizard too?”
“Indeed,” Mortimer said. “I had no way of knowing the book you purchased from me was Zion's, but I had my suspicions when that traveler brought it to my shop. I could sense magic coming from it, and when you brought it before me that day, I had a good feeling that you would be the one to open it.”
Kaina bowed her head in shame. “I did open the book, but I allowed Casimir to take the key and map that were inside it. I hardly think I'm worthy anymore.”
“Ah,” Mortimer said, raising a finger, “but here you are, finding a way to stop him. Being worthy does not mean with are without blame, but that you never stop in the face of opposition.”
Kaina raised her head and put on a brave smile, but she still couldn't convince herself.
Melchior, who had been standing in the corner, came forward and said, “Mortimer was just telling us that he may know where the entrance to the library is.”
Kaina met Mortimer's gaze and said, “Is that true?”
“Well, it's only a hunch,” Mortimer said with a shrug. “Your family has been here for four hundred years, but the town of Eboncrest was here long before that. In fact, the manor had already been built by then, and your ancestors simply moved right in once Roric granted Mikael Haventhorn the land. However, according to my research, the wizard who lived and ruled in Eboncrest before the fall of the wizards was none other than Zion.”
Kaina's jaw dropped.
“It's true,” Melchior stated. “I had never been to his home myself, but he spoke of it often.”
“That makes sense...he hid the library in his home town,” Aldis said, “but where in Eboncrest is the question.”
“I have a theory,” Mortimer said. “I began to research the known history of Eboncrest after Kaina left with the book, and from what I gathered, just about every location in town is less than four centuries old. With all of the leveling, constructing, and digging that has taken place over the years, it seems unlikely that no one would have found the library by now. Therefore, it would be safe to assume that the entrance is in or around a structure that hasn't been built or changed since the war, and the only one left untouched since Zion's time is...”
Kaina's eyes widened. “...Haventhorn Manor.”
Mortimer smiled. “Which is precisely why I believe that the manor is the only logical place to find the entrance to the Lost Library.”
Kaina bolted out of the book shop, not caring if any of the guards saw her. She had to get to Tristan and the others and tell them what she knew.
As she approached the gate, however, she saw Tristan running towards her. When they were close enough to each other, Tristan said, “Kaina, we have a problem.”
“What is it? Did something happen to Thea or Tobyn?”
“No, they're fine,” Tristan said. “A few of the others agreed to lead them back to the hideout and keep them safe, but we have other issues. Casimir is approaching Eboncrest.”
“What? How is that possible?” Kaina said,
“I don't know,” Tristan said, “maybe Azemar had a spell like the one on my locket. Either way, they were spotted on the outskirts of the city. If we can't get the key before he finds the entrance, we're doomed.”
“We aren't doomed, because I know where it is,” Kaina replied.
She then explained to Tristan what Mortimer said, and then he replied, “So if we get to the manor first, we can head Casimir off and take the key from him.”
Kaina nodded. “We won't be able to hold them off with just the two of us.”
“I anticipated that,” Tristan replied. “Froki, Emir, and Abigail are on their way, while the others are going to protect the town as best as they can and provide backup if we need it.”
“We'll need to wait for the others, because I just came from the manor and...well, let's just say they won't be happy to see me again,” Kaina said.
“I'll keep that in mind,” Tristan said. “The others should meet us near the graveyard. Can you take me there?”
Kaina nodded. “It's this way, follow me.”
“I don't believe my grandfather will be awake yet, My Lord,” Hugo said as they walked through the courtyard to Haventhorn Manor, “but I will be sure the servant wake him so that the two of you may speak.”
Casimir marched beside him, the key dangling in his pocket, and he replied, “I do hate to disturb his rest, but it is imperative that I speak to him immediately.”
Devon and Gabriel trailed behind their cousin, the latter of which still mumbled about his exhaustion, and Azemar followed the prince with Nilas and the other Disciples who aided them in Eldercliff close behind. Hugo stepped up to the double doors, placed his hands on the handles, and said, “I can assure you that he will not object. He knows what it takes to serve his kingdom.”
As Hugo threw open the double doors and stepped inside with his cousins, Casimir turned to Azemar, who nodded, turned to Nilas, and said, “See that we are not disturbed.”
Casimir and Azemar followed the others into the foyer and the latter shut the doors behind them. Hugo caught the attention of a nearby servant and said, “You there, go and wake my grandfather. We have an urgent matter to discuss-”
The lounge doors suddenly flew open, and Elias, as well as almost everyone else in their family, stood inside. Elias' old, gray eyes fell on his
grandsons and he blinked several times to make certain he was seeing correctly. When he was certain they were no illusion, the old man shook his head and stammered, “Hugo...but...how in...?”
Hugo put his hand out and answered, “I cannot explain how we have returned so quickly. What's important is that Prince Casimir must speak with you about an urgent matter.
Casimir stepped forward, ignoring the confusion on his host's face, and said, “Lord Elias, we have a dire situation on our hands. I must speak with you and your family in private.”
Elias finally regained his composure and said, “Of course, Your Majesty, and I have wonderful news: Kaina has been returned home.”
Casimir froze. He feared that Kaina would somehow reach Eboncrest before him, but it still chilled him to the core. Out of the corner of his eye, Hugo and his cousins exchanged confused glances, and the servant from before had already vanished down the hall to continue her duties.
“I am certain,” Elias said, interrupting the prince's thoughts, “that you will want to see her soon, but I don't suppose this 'urgent matter' you spoke of can wait?”
Casimir shook his head and replied, “I'm afraid not. This situation is far bigger than Kaina and myself. Might we be able to discuss this elsewhere, away from any prying eyes?”
Elias stroked his chin, looked to the door on his right, and said, “How about the library?”
Casimir nodded. “Yes, that will do.”
“This is bad,” Kaina muttered as she and Tristan watched Casimir, Azemar, Hugo, and her brothers enter the manor from their perch on a nearby rooftop. To complicate matters further, she could see a group of people in black gathering in the courtyard, and she didn't have to wonder who they were. “Casimir and the others have already made it inside, and if they find the entrance before we get to them...”
“We have to get in there before they find it,” Tristan said.
“You're right,” Kaina said. “Do you think we have enough manpower?”
“Considering we have three trained warriors, a master marksman, and three powerful wizards in our arsenal, I think we'll fare just fine,” Tristan remarked.
Kaina shook her head and smiled. “After we deal with the Disciples, Hugo, Casimir, my brother Devon, and Azemar should be the main threats we have to worry about. My father, uncle and grandfather used to be Crimson Knights themselves, and even with their age they may still pose a threat as well.”
“What about your other brother?”
Kaina rolled her eyes and said, “Gabriel may boast about his prowess, but he couldn't fight his way out of a potato sack.”
Tristan stifled a laugh and said, “Noted. Let's get ready.”
They climbed down from the roof and came face to face with Froki, Emir, Abigail, Melchior, and Aldis. After they explained the situation, Kaina said, “We need to be prepared, because I have a feeling that we have a lot of fighting ahead of us.”
“The Azure Riders are always prepared,” Froki stated.
Abigail placed her hand on the hilt of her sword and said, “We're with you.”
“Thank you, all of you,” Kaina replied. “Casimir and the others have already made it into the manor, and I have no doubt that we will face opposition, but we also don't know what will be waiting down in the library. If Zion went through all this trouble to hide the entrance and the means to get in, then I'm certain he's provided us with a nasty trap or two.”
“That being the case,” Tristan said, “caution is our number one objective...aside from securing the key, that is.”
Froki drew his enormous sword from the sheath on his back and said, “Then what are we waiting for? Let's get in there and show Prince Casimir what the Azure Riders are made of!”
Tristan led the way as the party charged up the path to the manor. Around the first bend, a familiar bunch came down with their weapons drawn. Nilas flashed his usual yellow, toothy grin and said, “Don't think for a moment that you're going any further.”
“Get out of our way,” Tristan growled.
The Disciples ignored him, and Nilas replied, “The Unmaker won't be thwarted again. Stand down or face his wrath.”
“So be it,” Froki said.
The pale giant charged forward with his sword and the Disciples scattered to avoid his massive swing. Due to the steepness of the walkway, several of the men fell off, but they didn't appear to sustain major injuries. Startled by the sheer force of Froki's blade, Nilas and the remaining Disciples retreated to the courtyard up the end of the path.
Kaina and the others followed, and when they entered the courtyard, they saw several scores of men and women in Disciples' garb regrouping for another attack. Nilas met Kaina's gaze with the same infuriating smile and charged for them, prompting the others to follow.
“Everyone get around me,” Melchior shouted.
The party squeezed in around Melchior, and just before the hoards surrounded them, he raised his arms and created a force field in the air. The Disciples halted their charge and stared in awe as Melchior held his position.
“Stick close to me,” Melchior said as he began to move forward.
The entire group edged forward as they cramped up against Melchior. From Kaina's position, the barrier had little more than two feet in front of her. As they moved closer to the manor, the Disciples attacked the strange-looking bubble, but their weapons helplessly bounded off like sticks against a steel shield. Kaina could hear them shouting all around as they made their way to the front door, and some even blocked their path in an attempt to prevent them from going any further, but they were no match for the magic of a Merunian.
Melchior made his way forward until the front lines, Tristan and Froki, were right at the door.
“Hold still,” Melchior said to them as he faced forward towards the Disciples. He waved his hands, and for a moment Kaina saw the barrier start to shrink. Then Melchior shot his arms outward and the barrier followed, but it didn't stop. The barrier burst out in a way and sent a wave of magical energy outward, hitting everything in its path. This included the Disciples, of course, who tossed like rag dolls several yards before coming to a stop. The barrier continued the entire length of the courtyard until it vanished into the night air.
“Get inside,” Melchior said.
Kaina, Tristan, and Froki pulled the door open and then the former two allowed everyone else inside before heading inside themselves. Once inside, they could hear the Disciples shouting and rushing towards them, and Kaina and the others tried to find a way to barricade the door.
“Stand back,” Aldis said.
Everyone stood out of the way as Aldis tossed something towards the door, which Kaina recognized a second later as a small ball of light. The light broke apart upon contact with the door and a glow that originated from the contact spot circled its way around the wooden designs of the door until it covered the entire area. A few seconds later, they could hear pounding on the door.
“That ought to hold them a little while,” Aldis said. “Now, let's get to find Casimir.”
“I don't think we have to look far,” Kaina said, as she pointed to the muddy footprints leading to the library doors.
“What is this all about?” Gabriel whined as everyone in his family stood around Casimir in the library to eagerly listen to what he had to say.
“Don't you dare question the prince, Gabriel,” Roland whispered. “He knows what he is doing.”
“Can't I go to bed? I'm exhausted...” Gabriel whined.
“Enough of that,” Elias hissed. “No one is going to bed.”
Gabriel huffed and resumed his spot by his mother's side, and once everyone was silent, Casimir began.
“Four hundred years ago, Ilesia was ruled by wizards who abused their power and sacrificed innocents to their heathen gods. After defeating the majority of the wizards and securing the throne, Roric discovered that one wizard, Zion, created a massive library hidden from the world, where he placed every last book of magic and arcane knowledge he cou
ld secure. He hid the entrance somewhere in Eboncrest, as it has come to my knowledge, and that is why I am here: to find the library and destroy it so that the wizards who have been in hiding for so long cannot obtain the deadly powers within.”
“Kaina mentioned this...” Elias said.
Casimir bowed his head. “I'm afraid that Kaina has become involved with wizards. She has tried to thwart my plans every step of the way and has been brainwashed by a man known as Melchior. I have no doubt she tried to warn you of my arrival and even made it sound like I had ill intent.”
The Haventhorn family exchanged worried glances among each other, and that was when Casimir continued, “It is through no fault of her own. I suspect that she's been under the wizards' influence for some time, for you see, I have discovered that her mentor Aldis is one of them.”
Matilde gasped and everyone froze.
“This...this explains so much,” Hamelin said. “She was perfectly obedient before Aldis came along.”
He then pointed a finger at Roland and said, “I told you hiring her a tutor was a bad idea. Look what you have exposed her to!”
“Me?” Roland said. “It was you who said she should be educated so that she wouldn't be a witless twit who couldn't hold a conversation.”
After a few more moments of the brothers' spat, Elias finally stood from his chair and shouted, “ENOUGH!”
The men fell silent, and then he continued, “It matters not how Kaina came to be the way she was. What matters is whether or not we can reverse it.”
“I believe it can,” Casimir said, “but it will be difficult, given the number of years Kaina has been manipulated by Aldis.”
“You are most gracious, my Lord, for doing so much for our Kaina,” Matilde said as she curtsied before him. “I can assure you that the Haventhorn clan will never forget it.”
“If you wish to thank me,” Casimir said, “I need you to tell me anything in Eboncrest that seems off in any way, something that could be the entrance to the library.”
Kaina's Dawn (Kaina Saga Book 1) Page 28