| (Originally posted by Agnes)
My search in the library had yielded nothing. But Chaismene had said if I was to learn anything it would be from Naeloth Library.
Naeloth!
The very name drips dread: a fel place on the dark side of the world, where, it is rumoured, all is so blighted that nothing grows. Where there are no laws and where lunatics abound who attack and murder people they don't even know - just for the fun of it!
What strange fates are held in store for us: I am going there, a journey I had hoped I would never need to make. I was still far from ready with my magic training, unable still to even mark runes! But the Library Way Runebook held a rune to Naeloth. So going there would be no problem.
I would take nothing except my runebook to get me back home. But before I leave I must write a note to Chaismene that if I should die on this dread journey a pouch with my few possessions and an explanatory note should be given to Smaed. I will lock it on the library desk.
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Well, well, Naeloth Library was indeed a surprise! As was the dark side of the world.
The library is a centre of learning and contemplation in a quiet country location. I saw little of the dark side but although the trees be winterbare there is green grass aplenty. I must ask Smaed to go explore the lands about the library. It seems not as fell as rumour has it. And not one madman was to be seen attacking randomly. I must revise my views of this side of the world: it is clear that many misconceptions and myths abound concerning it.
But to my mission. I was met outside the library by an old man. He asked me what I wanted and who I was, but in reply said not his own name. But he seemed full of authority and, as I later learned, wisdom. But an air about him told me he was the head of the library, even of the organisation that owns it. Soon before I departed, a lady came. She too said not her name but was clearly an associate of the man.
The library is indeed impressive with many books organised into archives much as I have done with Yew Library, but vastly larger. I scanned the books and read one or two but found not what I was looking for.
But my guide asked perceptive questions, and two things he mentioned in especial: we should study the history of the castle, it may hold a key to why the ghost haunts just there.
Now why didn't I think of that?
The other was that the names Thane and Dal Mhor seemed not to evoke a response but the name De Lacy did. He said we must talk to someone called Seriya, who is often at The Trinsic Rose of all places. He also mentioned the Darkcloaks and showed me a book about this organisation that I read. And in some way I also had the sense - no more than that -that the whole story is bound up with Yew.
I will go seek this tavern out - I know Jern is a regular there - and talk to Mine Hostess the Lady VanQa. But first as an emissary of the Borough I must await the Franklin's return and report to her.
For all this and future services my Guide had informed me the library would ask a boon - one that may be made at any time. I told him that this must be asked of the Borough, as I but do the bidding of Chaismene Volte, its Franklin, in coming to Naeloth. But I agreed these terms on the Borough's behalf, adding that when next I come I would make the library a gift of the Leafsta Archive as my personal thanks.
Agnes Fretting |