Compass of the Nymphs Read Free

one to Taisiya and put the other one on
herself. “Nonsense! Put on a coat and let’s go talk to old Ammon
the librarian. Just last week one of his granddaughters was taken
by the queen, so I’m sure he’ll be sympathetic to your cause. I’m
also sure he should have some of the schematics and building plans
for the castle from when it was being built. The whole history of
the kingdom can be found in his library, if you know where to
look!”
    Taisiya wrapped the coat around her, and the
two set off to visit Ammon. The old librarian lived on the other
side of Solames, which made for a long and unbearable walk. Melitta
tried her best to keep conversation flowing, but Taisiya’s mind was
far away, already trying to come up with a plan to break into the
palace. It took her by surprise when Melitta suddenly stuck her arm
out in front of Taisiya, pulling her behind one of the buildings
they were passing.
    “Are you insane?!” She whispered shrilly.
“You nearly walked right into one of the queen’s spies!”
    “Sorry!” Taisiya whispered back. The two of
them peered quickly around the corner to see if the coast was
clear.
    Taisiya’s eyes widened as she bit her lip at
the sight of another one of the queen’s men. This one certainly was
no brute guard. Golden laurels sat squarely on his head, sparkling
in the light against his short blonde hair. The white cloth he wore
appeared to be made of fine silk, and it was cinched in by another
gold fabric. He wore magnificent gold knee high boots, which
Taisiya thought was a gaudy display of wealth.
    He was built big enough to easily be one of
the queen’s guards or even lovers, but as he gazed around at the
fruits and vegetables before him at the town’s market, it was easy
to see he was gentler and smarter. Taisiya and he locked eyes for a
second before he went back to his business in the bazaar, seemingly
unnoticing of her.
    Taisiya turned her attention back to Melitta.
“Who is he?”
    “That is Zara, one of the queen’s spies and
advisors.” Melitta said. “And we had better hurry and move along
our way to Ammon before he realizes who you are. I’m sure there’s a
pretty penny of a reward for your capture, and he looks like he
enjoys the finer things in life that your head on a platter could
afford him.”
    The pair hurried along, rerouting their way
past the marketplace. Melitta soon guided Taisiya to a very small
shack that was almost unnoticeable among the grand buildings around
it in the center of the city. Melitta knocked on the door, puzzling
Taisiya. “This can’t possibly be a library?”
    Melitta smiled and said, “You’ll see.”

CHAPTER TWO –
     
    INSIDE THE SECRET LIBRARY
     
    The door to the shack opened as Ammon
joyfully greeted them. “Melitta?! I could tell that was you at the
door just from your knock. It’s so good to see you; what brings you
my way?”
    “We need to take a look around your library,
Ammon.” Melitta said. “It’s very important…and needs to be kept
very secretive.”
    “Come in, come in. Of course!” Ammon said,
ushering the visitors inside. His house appeared to be as old and
antiquated as he. They were standing in a very tiny shanty, with
barely enough room for the three of them to rest. In one corner was
a little cot that didn’t appear to be used often, and a mock window
was drawn on the wall in a sad attempt to normalize the room.
    “Where is the library?” Taisiya asked,
looking around in confusion.
    “My dear, you’re standing on it!” Ammon
chuckled. “Like most good things in this world, my library is
better kept private.” He pointed to the floor. They were standing
on a little platform that was inconspicuous from the rest of the
floor unless you really looked.
    “Pull the secret door up by the little raised
edge there,” Ammon said, winking and nodding.
    Taisiya got down on the floor and pulled. The
floor opened up and revealed a set of hidden stairs beneath it!
“Wow…” she said