Chapter 280: Giving Books in a Library (2/2)
He spent the next hour copying it to the best of his ability. This ended up taking a large section of his notebook, but it seemed justified considering the possible uses. Whether or not he would have the time to research it was another matter entirely.
Next he sorted through the wooden tiles, finding them to contain remnants of an ancient martial arts manual centered around hand-to-hand combat technique. According to a card in the display case, it dated back to the very beginning of the 3rd Age. While it looked fairly interesting from an academic standpoint, he didn't understand why it might be in the restricted section at all unless it was merely for the historical value. The moveset wasn't particularly impressive, even to his untrained eye, but he guessed that it might have been more revolutionary back in the day. Regardless, he didn't see any need to borrow this particular work.
Moving on he picked up the last book, he found that 'Through the Skies Themselves,' was emblazoned on the front cover. For a few seconds he wondered if this might not be related to some kind of flight magic, until he read the first page.
'In this tome, I have done my best to catalogue the knowledge bestowed upon me by my generous hosts, the Air Dragons of Kalientus Peak. Though I am but a humble researcher, they saw fit to show me not only the beauty of their home, but the nature of their lifestyles and the secrets of their ancient lore. I write this account in the hopes that it will correct certain misconceptions about our scaly brethren in the skies, and that more people might benefit from their wisdom.'
He scanned through its contents, quickly noting that the meticulous author had covered virtually every aspect of the dragon's life cycle from birth to death, and had even catalogued every individual member of the species he'd come across. It was a remarkable work, chock full of information that would have been both inaccessible and unbelievable for most readers, but it was presented in such a fashion that made it difficult to remain skeptical.
[Although they aren't quite the same species, this should give me some insight into what's going with Audra and provide some details that might improve my dragon summoning in the future.]
Taking it with him, Mike moved down through the lower levels of the restricted section and scanned their contents. While a number of the books seemed useful in the long run, he decided to instead focus on one aspect he'd long neglected due to its apparent ineffectiveness for him.
After taking note of the acquisition method for the Light Armor Usage skill, he picked up a book that detailed methods for crafting armor, specifically of the lighter varieties. With the demi-realm to provide a mobile workshop, he fully planned on taking advantage of his manufacturing skills.
Choices made, he headed down to the front desk, and surprised the librarians there with not only the books he planned on checking out, but the length of time he was intending to hold on to them. Something about that struck most of them as being a heinous crime. Despite the fact that he'd gotten express permission from the headmaster, they acted like he was trying to take their children away. It was only after swearing on his life to not damage any of them, was he allowed to leave.
[Kind of a big difference from the VIP treatment I got when I first showed up. I suppose it's a good thing that they are serious about their work. Still, it's not like I was never planning on returning them.]
Chagrinned, he headed back to the dorm to hopefully catch the tail end of dinner and start working on some of his many projects.
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Barkas knocked on the door in the prescribed pattern and waited for three full seconds before entering. The dingy tailor shop was dark and empty, its displayed clothes and fabrics covered in a fine layer of dust. He'd heard that the owner had fled the city in the days before the siege, and had either not returned yet, or died before he could.
He was just about to call out, when a prick of something metallic and cold on the side of his neck caused him to freeze in place. A quiet woman's voice whispered in his ear, sounding slightly strained, ”Who are you, and what do you want?”
Another voice, male this time, arose from the shadows at the rear of the shop. ”No need for that Vivienne, I've been expecting our guest here for some time. He has something of value to me. Besides, you should be resting. You still haven't recovered from your injury.”
The blade was pulled back from his neck, and any hint of the woman holding it vanished, sending chills down Barkas's spine at how easily she did so.
[What have I gotten myself into?] He thought, before dismissing his doubts. He'd come too far to turn back now.
”I take it you have brought what I requested?” The voice asked from the shadows.
”I did. It very nearly cost me my job, but I did.” He replied while unwrapping a small bundle he'd been carrying in his pocket. A stray patch of light from the street fell across his hand as he held up the shard of rune carved bone.
The voice laughed. ”Good, good. That's exactly what I was looking for. Please set it on the counter. You'll find your payment there as well.”
Barkas complied, quickly pocketing the purse full of coins and stepping back. ”Right...well...I'll be off then.”
”Safe travels.” The voice purred from a slightly different section of the shop, causing a wave of revulsion to creep up Barkas's throat at the unnatural warmth of the statement.
Not needing any further prompting, he turned and made his way out, only stopping briefly at the door to look over his shoulder. He still couldn't quite make out the figure of his employer, but as he watched, the man stretched out his hand and collected the bone shard. The skin of his arm was pale, almost corpse-like, and something about its pallor sent renewed shivers of fear down his spine.
Resolving himself to never again involve himself in this kind of mess, Barkas shut the shop door and hurriedly made his way to his favorite tavern. All of a sudden he was in desperate need of a stiff drink.