Young Writers Society

~Chapter Five~

Tied to Darkness

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Inside the shop Khor saw a large variety of weapons. There were also many people wandering around, looking at some of the stranger weapons. The shop was basically a large square room. On one wall was a counter where consumers could buy a weapon. One the other three walls were windows. And displayed in the windows were many weapons neatly arranged on pillows or stands.

Khor approached a window. As he walked down the row there were over twenty weapons displayed. Most of which he had learned to use in the academy. He lightly ran his fingertips over the smooth glass. An employee came over to him and said “Can I help you with something?” Khor looked at him, than at the weapons display. “Just browsing, thanks.” He returned his gaze to the display sadly. I might need more than Melden to protect myself against the Shades. No offense. He thought tapping Melden. Khor heard a tiny bell ring as he exited the shop and returned to the busy streets.

Outside the sun started to plummet into the small hills surrounding the town. I should probably find a place to sleep. He thought. I don’t have enough money to rent a room. I’ll have to leave town and set up camp. Khor saw the shoppers retreat back into their houses as the sun crept closer to hills. He readjusted his pack and walked towards the outskirts of town.

Khor easily noticed the streets were completely deserted. One moment before and they were packed with busy shoppers. He didn’t think much more of it and continued to journey for the hills enclosing the small town.

Khor wrapped the thick blanket around himself and gazed at the roaring flames. He made camp about two hills away from the town. The stars winked down on the scenery and the moon shed light on it. Khor’s shadow guardian stood guard on the other side of the campfire. It gazed up at the stars and almost seemed to sigh. Khor could sense the shadow’s feelings.

It wished to be free. To be as free as the stars themselves. The guardian realized Khor was staring at him and quickly returned his gaze the burning embers. Khor slowly closed his eyes and lightly drifted off to sleep.

When Khor awoke the next morning the shadow guard was still standing there, looking at the charred logs. Khor sat up and looked at him. The shadow gave a nod and slipped back down and merged with Khor’s shadow. Khor stood up and brushed twigs off of himself. He kicked the remains of the fire and put it out completely. Khor gathered his blanket and other supplies. He looked back to were the town was. He headed for it.

When he reached the summit of the last hill he saw the familiar tower with the silver nets hanging off of it. He smiled as he walked even closer to the town. As he approached he saw that there were even more shoppers than yesterday. He squeezed through the streets as he looked through all the windows and gazed at the displays. There was a large white building made of brick near the central tower.

As he approached he saw the words Library in lopsided golden letters over the doorway. The doors were open and they let sunshine stream in and penetrate the dim light inside. He entered. Khor could see pigeons sleeping in the rafters. Inside the ceiling seem to stretch on forever lined with books as far as the eye could see. Few people were wandering inside and it was very quiet. He approached a desk set up in the middle of all the stone shelves. When he reached it he noticed the girl from yesterday watching him approach.

Her green eyes meeting his blue. When he finally made it to the front desk he stood there for a moment. “Uh….” He said stupidly.

“Can I help you?” She said politely. Dang it! She doesn’t remember me!

“Do you have book on katanas?” He replied. Her smile disappeared slightly.

“Follow me.”

She got up and walked around the desk. Khor followed wordlessly. Come on! Think of something to say! Something engaging and sweet! “Uh…” She turned around and stopped. They stood there silent.

“Never mind.”

She turned around again and continued to walk. Khor put his hand on his face. Suuuuuuuuuuck!!! You idiot! Khor sighed. Okay, stay quiet until we reach the books. Then you can thank her and, something! She finally came to a halt near the front of the library.

She gestured to the rack next to them.

“This is our section on weapons and armor. Do you need anymore help?” Besides breathing?

“Um, no. Thanks…” He waited for an answer and when none came he continued. “No.” When she walked off he slammed his head on the book shelf causing a few pigeons to fly away.