Chapter 31

  The north wing of the Citadel, while constructed to be quite similar to the rest of the keep, had a peculiar feature that denoted its boundaries. All throughout the structure’s walls, was an ivory skeleton of pillars and ceiling beams. They followed along the foundations and stonework from the living quarters to the public areas. What reason they had to have such a feature was unknown to Ezabel, even as she followed their lines with genuine curiosity.

  In the end, it mattered little as most of her attention whilst enroute to the north library, was placed solely on the banishment of Kieran from her mind. The keeper, whose name Ezabel had regrettably lost hold of, mentioned the design in her brief walkthrough of the grounds. They were a part of the keep’s original design and structure, although that was as much as Ezabel could recall. Many words were given her way and most bounced off of her ears like water on rock.

  She would surely feel some sort of regret for being so inattentive, but that would have to come later. For now, her scrutiny was given only to her hope of Kieran rolling his ankle, or being stung by a needlehead. Or both.

  “Have you prepared yourself for the welcome ceremony, Miss Grover?”, the keeper called back.

  “I don’t believe so.”, Ezabel shook her head. “Although, I’m not quite certain about what it is I should be prepared for.”

  “Fret not, it’s largely a commitment of time and attention. All candidates will be presented to the people whilst making their way down a portion of the Windroad. Like a parade. - At most, it will be a long night of showing face.”

  “A parade? That’s exciting, and a little worrying, I’ll admit.”, Ezabel chuckled nervously. “I’m still not quite used to the amount of people here in Gracewind.”

  The keeper only nodded and replied with a routine smile. Even Ezabel, who lived in the country for all her life, could tell that her escort was purely carrying on with a task. It was hard to tell whether or not she truly cared for Ezabel’s predicament or simply acted as such.

  Be that as it may, the keeper’s consideration became the least of Ezabel’s concern when the ceiling of the passage they walked suddenly sprang upward into a vaulted area. A tall gateway funneled the walls into an open space. Within, the stone ground became wooden. Ivory pillars became brown and the walls shifted onto the support of sizable lumber beams. A distinct quiet took hold, different from dead silence, but soft all the same. Only on occasion did voices bounce off of the lofty shelves that lined the entirety of the space.

  “Welcome to the north library, Miss Grover. If you could kindly follow, I’ll show you to your destination.”

  Ezabel had no other choice, really. There was a desire on her part to both explore the library and find the reason for her summons. With less time to spare until the start of the trials, it made sense to her that Leland had finally called her to talk. There was much to go over and even more to learn if she was to make any progress towards becoming an Attendant. Both Dani and Ezabel admitted on their arrival that they regretted their inability to use their time with Leland wisely. He may have been a bit lazy and a bit careless, but he was their only option.

  Fortunately, this was Ezabel’s opportunity to remedy all of it. Hopefully, Dani had also received the same summons. There was need to get as many answers as they could at this very moment.

  “This way. Do mind your step.”

  Ezabel turned her attention to the immediate space, where a host of long tables were laid evenly. A handful of seats were taken by a few candidates all across the layout. Most were alone while others sat in pairs. Stacks of bound books and loose paper riddled the area. They were spread atop tables and sat against the floor in various places. Fresh was the smell of ink that hovered about each workspace.

  It was a trove of knowledge and was used quite often by the looks of it. In the distance between the bookcases, Ezabel could see even more patrons moving about. They browsed and picked at the library’s offerings with intent. It was natural for a prestigious location such as the Citadel to have a bank of learning, but Ezabel was still astounded by the sheer magnitude. Her head never stopped once as they moved through; she stole as many glances as she could at every lane and every shelf.

  Bastion’s bookstore had plenty of stories that lasted her entire childhood. The north library, by Ezabel’s estimate, was fifty times the size of it. How many more stories did it hold? There was surely so much to read and much more to experience. The thought was intoxicating and nearly made her foam at the mouth.

  Before long, the keeper had led Ezabel to a division of the library in which the bookcases came far closer to one another. They fell into rows that neighbored an array of floor-to-ceiling windows. And, at the foot of each bookcase, tables were built into their shape on either side. All in all, this particular section was clearly more isolated and provided pockets of seclusion to those who sought it.

  They passed row after row, brushing against the sunlight that shone between them from the outside. But soon, they came upon a conversation in a pocket much like the rest.

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  “Thank you so much, sir.”

  “None needed, best of luck to you.”

  Ezabel turned the corner soon after the keeper. There, a candidate bowed her head towards another figure who stood upright against the window. She held an old map tight against her chest and gave a second “Thank you!”, before she turned and stepped away. Ezabel’s gaze followed the candidate until she disappeared around another workspace just a few rows down.

  “I will take my leave now, Miss Grover.”, the keeper stated before nodding to the other figure between the bookcases.

  Admittedly, the map in the candidates hands had pulled Ezabel’s attention away much too easily. She could not help herself, really. It was old and tattered, which implied a great deal of importance or historical value. She would never admit to simply being nosey. No, not her.

  “Miss Grover?”

  “H-huh?”, Ezabel turned abruptly. She was much too distracted and could not manage to play it off. Her eyes blinked attentively and refocused on the keeper.

  “I shall take my leave now.”, the keeper nodded. “Good luck in the trials.”

  “R-right, thank you again.”, Ezabel replied in a panic. There was a split second in which she completely forgot her purpose in the library. Such was the result of her being surrounded by far too many books. They pulled her in every direction. It took every ounce of discipline she could muster to keep her eyes on the keeper as she stepped away.

  “So, you’re Ezabel Grover.”

  A clean, precise voice called out to her. It was deep, yet laced with a subtle kindness that pushed away all of the library’s distractions. No longer did curiosity point Ezabel’s nose toward the looming bookcases. Instead, her eyes grew sharp and eager; they turned slowly to find an Attendant standing beside the window. Leland Hart had not summoned her here. No. It was someone else entirely. Someone she had not met before, but was profoundly interested in. It was strange to say, but this Attendant’s voice matched his appearance in full.

  He looked Ezabel’s way and took a step from the table on which he leaned. Immediately, his distinctly silver gaze captured her own. - Ezabel never quite exchanged glances without being the first to pull away. She found it uncomfortable and a little awkward. However, there was something about this man that simply would not allow her to look anywhere else.

  “I know this is sudden but..”, the Attendant offered his hand. “..I’ve been asked to brief you on the trials. My name is Soren Graye.”

  Without much thought, Ezabel placed her hand into his. She had no words of her own, only a blank stare that lasted a little too long. Despite that, her mind brought forth an onslaught of questions. - Who was he? Where was Leland? Was she still shaking his hand? Was it proper to keep eye contact until he looked away first? Why couldn’t she look away first?

  “Y-yes. Ezabel Grover, that’s me.”, she blurted out with a smile. It was not planned and went slightly awry as a result. Her lips did not curl the way she hoped and offered a strange bite on the side of her cheek instead.

  “Have you found your lodgings yet?”

  “Yes! Leonora was kind enough to show me the way.”

  “I’m glad to hear--.”

  “The room is amazing!”, Ezabel interrupted. It was entirely by accident. But, her chest simply felt as if she needed to keep herself alive in the exchange, no matter the delivery. Was she flustered? That could not be right. But then, why did it feel so difficult to breathe?

  “They certainly are.”, Soren loosened his grip and broke their handshake. “Congratulations, by the way. I’m sure it was not easy making it all the way to the capital.”

  “Thank you. I have Leland and Dani to thank for much of it, though.”

  “Speaking of the captain, I hope that this is a suitable place to have this conversation. Leland mentioned that you loved to read.”

  “He did?”, a flash of warmth flooded Ezabel’s face. She was never embarrassed about her love of books. But, for some odd reason, she could not explain exactly why Soren’s consideration had shaken her.

  “If the library isn’t where you’d prefer to prepare, I’d be happy to move elsewhere.”

  “No, no! It’s perfect. - Sorry, I just wasn’t expecting anyone else other than Leland at the moment.”

  “I understand.”, Soren nodded. He turned his cheek to the table beside them and pulled a chair for Ezabel. - Only then did she notice his striking, silver hair. The window behind had painted his cloak covered silhouette in a warm light. “You’ll have to forgive the captain. He has a habit of leaving things unexplained. I’m a member of the Aster Brigade; he has asked me to help you in his stead. - Would you like to take a seat?”

  She was unsure of how to receive the news. It was sudden and unexpected. Leland was officially her mentor, despite his lack of presence. He was supposed to be the one who aided her efforts and guided her path. There was also the added hope that he fulfilled his obligation due to the earlier mishap involving Kieran Addington. Ezabel wanted nothing more than to make that noble eat his own words.

  Yet, the notion of being accompanied by Soren was equally enticing. It had only been a few minutes since they met, but there was a remarkable air about the way he carried himself. He stood upright without being rigid. His voice was strong but never felt demanding. Most importantly, he was a fair take on what Ezabel pictured as the ideal Attendant Knight. Which itself was an impressive feat considering that she spent the majority of her life assembling her imaginary image of the perfect Attendant.

  However, something still bothered her.

  “Thank you.”, Ezabel smiled as she carefully slid into the chair. “If you don’t mind my asking: Why isn’t Leland here to help me?”

  “I believe he’s taken it upon himself to help your friend, Dannette. - He has never sponsored a candidate before, much less two. He needed a bit of help managing the workload.”

  To some degree, Soren’s explanation had caused Ezabel to freeze up in her seat. Jealousy was not the culprit, that was for certain. Dani was just as deserving of a place in the Citadel. However, there was still a modicum of disappointment knowing that she was not going to be associated with a captain of the order.

  “If it’s any consolation..”, Soren took a seat off to her side, just on the edge of the table. “..I’d consider myself the better teacher anyway. - I promise to try my best on your behalf.”

  He shot a smirk her way, albeit lighthearted and brief. It was enough to find Ezabel a bit more willing to embrace his counsel. Not that she needed much more to begin with. Her mind had practically accepted Soren the very moment she met him.

  “Then, I’ll be in your care.”, she nodded, renewed and encouraged.

  “Alright.”, Soren folded his arms loose across his chest. “Why don’t you start by telling me what you know about the trials so far?”

  There was no answer. Ezabel chuckled nervously, right at him. She knew nothing.