Saving a King

Night Ride

I was a bit upset that Jay and the others decided to call it a night. With that story, I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep. I had so many new questions to ask! Thankfully, I now know that these guys are for whatever reason, on my side. I still don’t know why I need people on my side, though. That will be answered, I’m sure.

As I pace around the dining area, I remember the coil with the wolf on it! I race back outside and get it off the table, where I had left it. I know the library is closed now, it’s already six in the evening. Where else can I go for answers? Oh! I’ve got it, I’ll see if that little book store is still open! Maybe the old woman will know something about this, she seemed knowledgeable.

I hurriedly drive into town, gosh it’s dark! I hate that there’s no moon. I park my car, and to my surprise, the store is still open! Yes! I practically run over to the door and open it, afraid she could lock up before I make it. Luckily, I make it inside.

The old woman must of heard the little bells again, as she quickly appears in front of me. “Back again, I see,” she says to me. “Hi! Thank goodness you’re still open! I was wondering if you could help me,” I reply to her, even though she didn’t greet me. “Depends, what do you need help with? I don’t do charity here,” she says rather bluntly. What does that even mean? “No, not looking for charity. Just need to know if you know anything about this coil,” I say as I present the obsidian coil to her. She looks down at it, and I hear her audibly gasp.

She quickly recovers though, did I just imagine that? “Are you ok?” I ask her. “Of course, why wouldn’t I be?” The old woman shakes her head at me. She reaches out and takes the coil in her wrinkled hand, being very gentle I note. She turns it over in her palm, just like I did. Then, she speed walks to this lamp in the back corner. Holding the coil under the light, she squints at it. “Lyall,” is all she says, just reading the etching I suppose.

“No, I can’t help you, I don’t know anything about this armlet,” she tells me. “Armlet?” I’m quick to ask as I didn’t think that is what it was. I take it back and sure enough, it would be an armlet, if the rest of it was attached. “Hmm, yeah I see it, definitely an armlet! Do you have any other books maybe, on the Lyall name? Or on shifters in general?” I stare her down like my life depends on it. She knows more, I can feel it. She’s just not willing to tell me. This is so frustrating!

She c***s her head to the side as she studies me. “Yes, I have one more book that you can get. It is not for the faint of heart, though. This is a very, very old book. It is to be cherished and never, under any circumstances, are you to share it with anyone.” What a strange request but, I nod quickly. “I’ll never share it, it’ll be for my eyes only,” I reassure her. She looks at me again, as if trying to see the truth in my eyes but, proceeds into the back of the store indicating I wait there.

I stand where she left me, just gazing around at the other books, nothing catching my attention. The old woman returns and what’s in her hands is very wore and fragile. The cover is, or I should say, was, black leather. It’s now worn so badly that the corners are rounded and there is no title to be found. I reach out for it, and she pauses. “This book will be in great hands, you have nothing to fear from me,” I say again. She nods quickly twice and hands it over to me. “How much do I owe you?” I ask her. “Nothing, you owe me nothing and no debt. Just do as you say, and take great care of it, I’d hate to see what happened to you if you break this oath,” she says between gritted teeth.

What the heck does that mean? Oh gosh, what have I gotten myself into? I nod quickly and say my goodbyes, eager to get out of her prying stare. I make it back to my car, and soon I’m speeding home with the mystery book in the seat next to me. I can’t wait to get home, or at least away from the crazy old lady and her strange shop of mysteries.