8 The Unknown Tracks (1/2)
Despite the excitement of the trail ride, classes still had to go on, much to Casey's annoyance. Reading, writing, and math classes were always incredibly boring for him. He found himself almost wishing that the language wasn't English just so that he'd have something to do in those classes. As for math, it was all at the elementary level. The only good thing to come out of these classes was the opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep in the back of the classroom.
And sleeping was exactly what he was doing when Lia returned from giving her report.
Thump!
Casey awoke to the loud sound of a book landing on his desk, nearly hitting him on the head. He blearily blinked up at the owner of said book, Lia. ”Mmmh come on… I'm trying to sleep here”
”I've told you many times not to sleep in class.”
”I can't help it. It's too boring and I don't get enough sleep to begin with.”
She rubbed her temples and sighed before saying, ”Forget it, I've pretty much given up by now.”
She slumped into the seat next to him and picked up the book she'd used to wake him.
”Anyways, how'd the reporting go?” Casey asked, resting his head on his hands.
”Stressful, the Captain's very intimidating.”
”Haha too bad, and definitely not what I meant. What are they going to do about it?”
Lia narrowed her eyes, ”And why should I tell you?”
Casey gave his best attempt at puppy eyes and said, ”Because I'm awesome! And besides, this class is as boring for you as it is for me so you might as well tell me so we aren't both bored to death.”
Lia rolled her eyes, ”Nice attempt at logic there, but still a no”
”Fine, fine, how about I let you hold my sword for five minutes? Is that enough to get you to tell me?” Casey asked. He knew this tactic was sure to work on her. Ever since she first saw his sword she'd been practically begging him to let her hold it.
”Ten minutes!”
”Seven minutes or no deal.”
”I'll take it!” She shouted, drawing the ire of the teacher who was in the middle of explaining addition of high numbers.
”Fine now tell me.” Casey said after she got back from the front of the room where she had to add 358 and 107.
”They brought in the best trackers and hunters in the Order but none of them recognized the tracks.” She sighed before continuing. ”The Captain decided to send these riders to track down whatever creature left them, and if possible to kill it before it attacks any humans or livestock. They should be leaving the city around now.”
Nodding Casey said, ”Well that's good, I'm sure they'll take care of whatever it was.”
She furrowed her brows and tapped her book thoughtfully but didn't say anything.
”Is there something else?” Casey asked.
”I just remembered something from an old book I found in the library. I think there might have been a similar description in that book to what we found.”
”What book?”
”I believe it was called A Complete History of the Founding of the Decran Kingdom. But I don't want to come to any conclusions before taking another look at the book.”
Casey began to stand up and said, ”Well what are we waiting for, let's find your book.”
”What now? It's the middle of class.” She said trying to get him to sit back down.
”Why not? The teacher's not looking over here, let's sneak out.” He pulled her out of her seat and out the door before she could protest.
”Fine, but I'm blaming you if we get in trouble.”
”Sure, sure whatever floats your boat.”
Rolling her eyes, she said, ”Where do you even get these phrases?”
”That's a secret!” Casey stated fighting to keep a grin off of his face.
They hurried towards the library in the central wing of the palace. It was in a large hall with a second landing that looked down on the first floor. Casey had to admit that it was very impressive, especially for a medieval culture where there were many people who couldn't even write their own names.
Entering the library, the first thing he noticed was the thick musty smell of old books. Followed by the many rows of bookshelves that filled the large hall.
Lia led him to the very back corner of the hall and began searching one of the bookshelves. Casey noticed that all of the books on this shelf seemed especially old.
Running her finger across the shelf she said, ”Hmm, that's weird. I can't seem to find it. I was sure it was on this bookshelf.”
Casey began examining the books in an attempt to help search for the one they needed. ”Let's see… History of the Court, The Complete Works of Sir Richard Cannon, Records of the Kingdom of Oscor. Still not seeing your book.”
”I don't think it's here, let's try asking the librarian.” Lia said before calling out to one of the aides that helped maintain the library. ”Is the librarian available?”