Edge of darkness

The grotesque bookshelf

Just then when his eyes were searching every corners of the library in hope that some pathway or door will show up, he felt the floor vibrations intensifying. He stepped back, after a few moments he saw the floor nearby was rising slowly.

"Such an advance engineering in such an old house and still working smoothly. Looks like this place has been especially taken care of but then why did uncle and aunt said they know nothing of this home?"

As he was thinking, he found another book shelf slowly appearing in front of him.

"What is this all about"

"Are u seriously freaking kidding me?"

"So much for few books? Damn! What did I rise my hopes up for?"

* smacks head and sighs* "My ancestors?

One word....WEIRD!"

Who in his right mind does so much for few books? Now let me have look a look on them.

*sighs, takes a deep breathe and walks toward the shelf*

After Michael reached the brand new ancient book shelf, he caressed the books. Afterall these were the only friends left to him for last few years. There were many books, the titles were only a few but the rest were like volumes.

Antiqua creaturae! Anissa Mundo! Magicis bestias! Tenebris bestias! Vita Aureola!"

"What are these?" "Wait...Bestias?...Creaturae?... perhaps I know these...this is Latin"

"I have heard Thomas speaking these words before...Hehehe...looks like I have hit the jackpot"

Uncle Thomas and Michael had become more like friends in last few years. So, one day Thomas asked Michael to call him by his name. Michael have heard Thomas saying he and aunt Maria were familiar with Latin. So, he thought of asking them to teach him. Afterall he has to use the opportunities he get to learn things as he loved reading. But staring at books in front of him and knowing not a word about it, it was frustrating. So he decided to learn Latin from his uncle but did not want to tell the reason.

Slowly, the sun drifted towards the horizon as Michael made up his mind. It was almost 9:15, the time for dinner. Aunt was in the kitchen garnishing the stew, Thomas was on the sofa in front of television watching 'The Godfather' and me sitting at the dining table restless. With a 'blip' the TV was switched off.

"What? How?", Thomas was shocked.

"Meal time, come and eat your share"

"Aaah! You are so mean", Thomas whispered.

"You said something Thomas?"

"Umm...nope, nothing at all!"

"Good for you dear"

"Safe actually", I thought.

The whole family was having steak. Uncle saw Michael behaving peculiarly than normal and asked if he was upto something. He told him about his dilemma. They asked for reason and he replied that he was just interested in latin and was fascinated when Thomas used it and it so happen that he read all books and now only those were remaining which were in Latin.

"Oh ho, you should have said it earlier son. We shall start your classes asap"

"Thanks uncle, I want that too"

That's how Michael started learning latin. What he didn't know was that this is gonna change his life for sure.

How do I know then? You never asked me till now. Well, I shall answer it then.

It's because I am Michael myself and am telling you my story and what secrets I unraveled and what adventures I gone through... you shall know it all.