The King's Library
On the towering slope of the Blue Mountain, the last eastern peak of the Snowy Mountains, stands King’s City, the capital of an ancient and powerful kingdom. The city is built on seven levels, each divided in two by a majestic rock spur, with the only exception being the first. The Great Road, a daring feat of engineering, winds through all the levels thanks to a series of tunnels carved into solid stone, allowing travelers to traverse the city, though not without effort.
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After a brief rest in a modest inn, Lyria sets out again, her heart pounding as she ascends the steep streets. With tired limbs, she climbs slowly to the sixth level, weaving nervously through the crowd. Drunken men stumble past, beggars whisper in the shadows, while the few guards left, indifferent, watch the scene unfold without intervening.
Finally, Lyria reaches the entrance to the King's Library. She knocks three times. The ancient wooden door creaks open, just enough to let her slip inside. The air within is heavy, stifled by thick red velvet drapes that plunge the room into near-total darkness. Only a few scattered candles dare challenge the shadows, casting long silhouettes across the shelves, filled with countless tomes and scrolls that stretch up three stories high.
Lyria holds her breath, awestruck by the enormity of the ancient knowledge surrounding her. The silence is broken by a hoarse voice, unexpected.
“It is quite rare to receive visitors these days.”
Before her, a solitary figure sits at a reading table. Wrapped in a black hooded robe, his face is hidden in the shadows, revealing only a few strands of white hair. The figure, engrossed in taking notes, slowly lifts his gaze.
With a faint smile, he speaks: “Lancelyn Nuuruhuìne, First Librarian of the King. But you can call me Lance.”
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Lyria, feeling small before the imposing presence, bows slightly. “It is an honor to meet you, Master Lance. I am a member of the Tower of Scholars from Swanport, and I have come to continue my studies.”
Lance raises an eyebrow, surprised. “That is even more unexpected.”
Lyria watches him suspiciously. “What do you mean?”
“As you might have noticed, it’s just the two of us. For a long time now, the people of this city have stopped seeking knowledge. Now, they prefer to drink, make noise, and sully what remains of the nobility here.”
Lyria nods, recalling the scenes along the Great Road. “Indeed, I couldn’t help but notice the neglect. I was taken aback, as King’s City is renowned for its nobility and wisdom in my homeland.”
Lance pauses, then smiles bitterly. “It seems that in Swanport, you aren’t very good at gathering news.”
Taken aback by his remark, Lyria smiles. “Perhaps you’re right.”
Lance concludes, his tone softening, “And that’s why I’m here. It will be a pleasure to guide you...”