The King Aracnopar

Restricted Section

We stood amongst a huge towering building made of stone and wood with purple and red banners hanging from the shutters to cover the windows. Upon stepping inside we were hit with the smell of old books and burning wicks from the candles illuminating the halls made with bookshelves. “Anything I can help you with?” An old lady spoke, her glasses pulled down resting on the brink of her nose as she greeted us with a warm smile. “Where is your king section?” I asked and she pointed us in the right direction. “What are we doing here?” Asmon inquired, lining with fingers along the spines of the books with his pointer finger. “Why don’t you guys find us somewhere to stay tonight?” I recommended, not wanting them to hover. “And leave you alone with someone we just met today?” Veron protested. “I’m not going to hurt her.” Julian sounded offended in her words, peering back at Veron. “I don’t really want to look at you two right now, so please, let us look for what we came for.” I demanded more than asking this time, their eyes seemed almost hurt before looking at one another. I knew they were going to blame each other for my standoffish behavior, but I didn’t care at this point in time.. they walked away going to meet my demands.

An hour had past, Julian and I were sitting on the floor with our backs pressed up against one another’s as we flipped through a multitude of different books. “No matter where I look.. there’s nothing about the king Aracnopar.” I whined, “it’s almost like he doesn’t exist.” Julian agreed before slamming her book closed and leaning her head against mine. “That’s because they’re in my restricted section.” The old lady from earlier spoke, causing Julian and I both to jump in surprise. We stood to our feet and dusted ourselves off before returning our books to their designated place on the shelf. “Your restricted section?” I requested to know more. “Follow me dear,” she uttered before walking into the back of the library with us on her tail. “This place is.. sacred, I don’t allow many back here but I can feel that your intentions are pure.” She explained as we walked, her footsteps echoed through the tall halls. “You’re a soul searcher?” Julian urged and the old lady nodded in her direction. “Um— what’s a soul searcher?” I asked. “Someone who can see way beyond the skin.. someone who peers deeper within your eyes than any normal person. I have seen you fears, your desires and your past.” She explained and I felt chills run down my spine. I had never heard of her kind before but he aura does seem.. different.

Upon entering the restricted section, I felt the temperature of the room change, the air felt thicker and the smell resembled that of burnt hair and dirt. “You may feel.. strange back here…” the old lady warned. Julian and I shared concerned glances before pulling books from the shelves and beginning to read. Awhile had passed before my eyes finally found the words hidden deep within a book about kings who had lived years before myself.. “what..?” I breathed out silently to myself as my eyes scanned the page and I felt the air grow even colder. “What’s wrong?” Julian asked, the old ladies eyes focused heavily on me as she remained silent. “The king Aracnopar.. he’s been alive for several hundreds of years and his terror only grows.. he’s been building his army for years.” I turned the page as I spoke and froze in my tracks as my eyes focused upon a photo.. What— No— a photo of Aracnopar with his arms interlaced with a woman who looked the same as Angel, even down to the small scar splitting her left eyebrow. I felt frail. “You look even more terrified.. what did you find..?” Julian seemed almost scared to ask me, her eyes focusing on the photo as she peered over my shoulder. “That’s— my step-mother. She’s.. she’s still with my father in the castle!” I began to panic. Suddenly, a small crashing sound echoed from behind me and I turned to see the old lady leaning against a table as she slowly lowered herself down to the ground. Julian and I ran over, lapping our arms around her to help her stand. “Something’s.. coming..” she said before her eyes rolled into the back of her head, I watched as Julian then became pale and lost her footing, falling back onto the floor. I laid the old lady down before checking her pulse.. good.. she’s still alive. I could see Julian’s chest rising and falling ever so slightly as well. I scurried and picked up the book, sliding it into my bag. “I knew I’d find you again..” I heard a familiar voice speak, I turned to see the man from the inn dressed in black robes standing between me and the exit to the restricted section. “What does Aracnopar want from me?” I asked with a growl hinting in my voice, I was terrified but didn’t want to show it. “It isn’t my place to tell you.” He said tilting his head as he spoke. His demeanor sent shivers down my spine. “I’m not going anywhere with you!” I said before grabbing the book from my bag and flinging it toward his face before taking off deeper within the restricted section. I have to get him away from Julian and the old lady! He’s after me.. he’ll follow me..!