Vol 2. Ch 2.

’’Might you be the one everyone keeps yapping about, young Miss?’’ An old woman peeked from the narrow doorway of the bookstore, petite in size, wearing a deep red dress almost blending inside the store, which might’ve explained why Sophia did not notice her inside. The dress was very tight from the waist up with many tedious buttons at the front, must’ve taken an entire fifteen minutes to get through each morning. The hem old-timey and puffed from behind. Her long gray hair resembled a soft cloud gathered on top of her head with a simple hair clip, and tiny wide glasses sat on her long, thin nose.

’’Not sure, but I have been feeling a lot of eyes on me ever since arriving.’’ Sophia turned her head and instinctively searched for the possible eyes around her. If there were any, at that very moment, they were talented at hiding.

’’Surely, you’re not from here. Come inside and stop staring holes through the window—or else those curious little tattle mouths will find me and won’t shut up about it the moment you leave.’’ The old woman went back inside, and for a moment Sophia hesitated while wondering had she truly been invited in, but decided to follow regardless.

’’About what?’’ Sophia asked as soon as the bell jingled again and the door shut behind her. The old woman walked behind the counter on the right with sharp clanks of black heels against the worn-out, scratched wooden floor, uneven and charming. Right after asking, Sophia took in a small whiff of the stores perfume, an incredible sense of what could only be described as a haven filled her body from head to toe, almost enough to bring tears to one’s eye. Could be locked up in that shop for all she cared, she’d make the most of it.

’’About you, silly!’’ The old woman laughed with a hoarse whisky-loving cackle, ’’And your abilities. Word came around about an indescribable beauty who arrived with the young, harsh Commander. About her great deed. Those manor employees sure love to whisper, which then turns into more and more little ants gathering in line until there’s no way of knowing where the truth truly lies. For once, these foolish townsfolk could learn to find entertainment elsewhere—but then again, such delicious news is rare around here.’’ She poured a white porcelain cup of tea on a tassel which smelled of camomile, and left it on the corner of the shop’s counter, before lighting herself a cigarette held by a long, elegant cigarette holder, "People love to dismiss the real horrifying reality if there is another distraction."

’’So everyone knows about me? That explains.’’ Sophia sighed and turned around while admiring the ceiling-high shelves of books neatly arranged by category. The walls were entirely covered, two more aisles created by more shelves at the back of the store, and a comfortable reading nook by the display window, with a round hardwood table and comfy armchairs, and a fireplace as far away from the books as possible, not used whilst the summer gifted natural warmth, although the concrete buildings held in the cold perhaps too efficiently.

’’Gosh, people have been keeping an eye on new faces ever since your arrival. It is not often the Town of Delmaer gets your kind around. Won’t stop gushing about you two even though it has been days since the rumors began to circle.’’ The woman had disappeared suddenly but Sophia could hear her talk, crouching behind the counter whilst trying to find something. Only a line of cigarette smoke trying to reach the ceiling, ’’I swear these idiots have nothing better to do.’’

Something about what the old woman said made Sophia feel slightly off, but decided to let the feeling slide for now, ’’Are you the owner of this shop?’’ She asked politely, wondering it would probably be best to stay on the old woman’s better side, just in case, for her rather foul mouth.

’’Yes, I thought it was obvious.’’ Her cloud of hair suddenly appeared along with a dumbfounded, wrinkled forehead, ’’Edith Goldwind, I am. As the sign suggests.’’ The sarcasm could be smelled over any camomile, cigarette smoke or old moldy book beneath the counter.

’’Sophia Dilamor, as apparently the rumors left out.’’ She decided to answer lightheartedly, perhaps getting back a little smirk and a snort of approval or whatnot, but was met with an awkward silence after, and a rustling sound of Edith working on something whilst her head went back hiding. Sophia went to admire the side covers of the books, not yet daring to pull one out for a better look.

’’Why aren’t you enjoying the tea?’’

Sophia snapped with the quick question in the speed of a bat flying through the night, and hadn’t noticed Edith now standing behind the dark, almost burned-looking counter.

’’I did not know it was for me, Madam Goldwind.’’ Sophia raised an eyebrow, entirely baffled.

’’Well, why would I drink it? I do not even like camomile tea.’’ Edith clicked her tongue with a raised upper lip as she adjusted the glasses sliding off her long nose bridge.

’’Then why do you have it?’’ Sophia managed to ask without sounding too snob about it, a genuine curious question, that’s all.

’’You talk back at the elderly with ease, don’t you?’’ Edith raised her hands on her hips with a tone enough to make Sophia slightly nervous, ’’I like it.’’ She added without an ounce of smile to show for it, ’’Look around all you want. No rush here.’’

’’Thank you.’’ Sophia’s shoulders relaxed as she went and picked the camomile tea so very politely offered, and started eyeing the very first shelf. No need to tell her twice. The ceiling was so high that once finished with the cup, she had to climb the ladder attached to a railing above the shelves if she wanted to get through each individually—and she gladly would. It was plenty of fun, moving the ladder along the shelf when needed. Brifena never had a bookstore that large to require such aid.

Most of the books out of reach were covered beneath a thin layer of dust, a lot of it also floating in the air and twirling in the gleam that came through the display window, the only source of natural light that the store had to offer.

No customers visited, the only sound on the background being a grandfather clock with its round pendulum swaying from side to side, and Edith flipping pages after even pause in between. Sophia loved the worn-out shades of the leather covers, each with a unique design to attract buyers. On that particular shelf were the books about different topics of nonfiction, finally finding the spot for those of medicine, when the shelf below draw the attention instead.

I’ve never studied about Yumne Dir and what it takes to become a Dir Naer. I always liked the sound of it, the hard letters used to spell the names as if conjuring something unknown. Everyone learns the basics, sure, about their healing abilities said to be bestowed by the Gods, but there’s never been a need for me to read deeper into the topic. I never imagined meeting one either— Sophia took out the dark brown, terrifically huge tome, nearly slipping through the grasp with the surprising weight of it. Holding it close to her chest, she climbed back down, careful not to slip along with it.

’’Oh, I see you’ve found something worthwhile.’’ Edith was quick to point out, ’’I have a policy of letting my customers read the first pages in peace before deciding whether to purchase or not. Make use of it.’’ She nodded towards the reading nook.

’’I’ll gladly accept.’’ Sophia took the spot which allowed her to face the other way, thinking it might be too uncomfortable for both of them facing each other. The dust on the book attached to the fabric of her dress as she opened it on the first page.

On a silent night with no stars in sight,

a child was born and so did the Northern lights.

Her eyes like the golden flame of a bonfire,

Antoinette.

The very first to carry the Light of the God.

She was soon treated like Royalty amongst the

villagers, for her touch could heal those in need.

Admired so much so, the head of the village had her head already

on the board, ready to fall, for he would not tolerate anyone

threatening his authority, until his son barely returned from

A battle so brutal.

He made use of her ability, saving his lineage, and thus she

was made into his healer, his alone, not allowed to heal any other

unless permission granted whilst kneeling in front of his throne begging.

For centuries, those possessing the ability as

the Subjects of Yumne Dir were to serve only those in power.

Used as a pawn in the games of violence and gore.

Those villages and towns that had a gifted one on their side,

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

would have double the manpower, win a war with no worry.

Oppressed for many centuries were those with the gift.

Sought through each corner, no matter how they tried to hide their offspring.

Until the first Emperor of the Monarchy set his commands.

Instead of being treated as slaves, serving their Masters,

Subjects of Yumne Dir shall be treated like anyone else and more, as valuable

Gods allies. Given a Temple in the haven, Land of Mifarn.

Quiet and intimate Land, for them to be taught by the elderly, until

bestowed with the name of Dir Naer.

In the modern age, Dir Naer’s can go wherever they want,

not bound by any Royalty nor needing to serve any.

Many still choose to accept a job offer

from noblemen and women, because the laws now offer them safety,

and becoming the King’s sole and trusted Dir Naer

is now considered the highest form of praise, although

coming to that mindset was the result of many years of forgiveness.

Those who possess the Light of the God are to be respected.

Now, and in the future.

For being born with such a blessing is rare, and shall be appreciated.

As long as Yumne allows them amongst us.

Sophia traced her fingers on the first page, her mind instinctively going to little Marvy. Yes, it was clear. She was a Subject of Yumne Dir. Those golden eyes as she woke the drooped bird amongst the oxeye daisies, and when Sophia had stumbled against the tree and hurt her shoulder. No doubt about it. But for a two-year-old to be able to use the ability, to even understand its existence, that is what Sophia wanted to learn more about. Was it instinctive? As natural as breathing? Or could it be that Marvy possessed something more?

Still, those poor ancestors of today’s gifted. What they went through— Sophia sighed, feeling heavy on the heart with stories from the past reminding her how the world has always been a cruel place despite its beauty.

’’That, my child, was a sign for you to switch to something lighter.’’ Edith had heard the saddened sound coming from the nook and came beside the armchair, ’’Are you going to buy that or not? Time’s up. No more skimming through.’’ She looked down at her through the narrow glasses.

’’It’s a little too large for my liking.’’ Sophia felt the weight of the book on her thighs, ’’Though it must contain all about the Light of the God that is known.’’

Edith hummed silently, eyes narrowed as if they were closely assessing the young new customer, ’’As much as I’d like for you to buy that one, I must admit, it is quite obnoxious—’’ She went by the shelves and held the old-timey hem of her dress while climbing up the ladders midway, took a book without having to look for it, and came straight back down, ’’This one should be suited for your taste, I assume.’’ She handed a book with a black cover, extremely hard to create, with golden details of vines on the corners and the name of the book—Holy Brilliance—pressed in the middle.

’’Looks expensive.’’ Sophia got ready to receive the book, but Edith ended up retracting it higher up last minute from her reach.

’’It is. But I might be able to give a small discount, if you do me a little favor in return.’’ Edith had a smirk on the corner of her lips, barely noticeable. How menacing.

’’And what might that be, Madam Goldwind?’’ Sophia couldn’t help but get a little curious. How bad could it be? She looked determined to find out the terms and conditions, the golden glow of the summer sun reaching North making the dust dance around her, reflecting the details on the cover of the book, trying to enchant her and succeeding.

’’There is a small orphanage by the edge of the empty field, behind the Town’s Square and further from the Academy District. I want you to read for the children there.’’ Edith stated while waving the book gently up in the air as if it was a bait, a very affective one at that, ’’Of course, the storybooks would be provided by me, as the orphanage tends to lend a few every month. A little deal we have there.’’

’’Read for the children?’’ Sophia repeated and crossed her arms, considering the offer hard and with much care, ’’How often?’’

’’Weekly, three times.’’ Edith shrugged, coming up with the rules of the deal just then and there, ’’Well? With the traveling ban, I assume you’ll be stuck here either way. You can read, can you not? Or were you just staring at the letters on that darn tome?’’ She huffed whilst still looking down at Sophia. Did not bother her whatsoever. She could sense Edith’s nature through the harsh words—had probably read for the orphans herself in the past but lately hasn’t been able to, feeling bad about it enough to lose money on an expensive book to hire someone else to fill in for her.

’’Thrice a week, you say? That could work. How long until the discount wears off?’’ Sophia asked.

’’A month, longer if you feel like continuing.’’ Edith decided on the go, ’’And the book will be yours. Well, we got a deal or what?’’ She reached her right hand for an agreement.

Sophia stared at the book still hanging from Edith’s loose grasp. The beautiful cover in itself captivating enough to tell the book must’ve been a great piece of work, for no publisher would agree to throw such money on a cover of a book that was insufferable to read.

’’Fine, I’ll do it. Three times a week, for a month. Deal.’’ Sophia got up and extended her hand to seal the deal, and thus received the book, ’’Though I will read the first few pages of this one as well, just in case.’’ She sat back down.

’’Making additions to the rules already?’’ Edith laughed in disbelief, ’’Fine. Do as you please, the deal has already been made.’’ She swished her hand and yawned as she returned to her task behind the counter.

Of course, Sophia wouldn’t back down on the deal, a woman of her word, merely using the book as an excuse to stay a little longer. And even if it turned out to be bad, well, then she’d lose on a deal, but at least she’d have something to do during the upcoming weeks.

Sophia had always gotten along with the older generation, and truth be told, had found her favorite spot in the entire Delmaer. Sure, the Aurelius Manor was splendid and beyond lavish, but those empty hallways, one with the large paintings of the previous VonGehall’s through the centuries, white walls and even her room, as fit for a King as it was—being only a guest room and all—never made her feel at ease. Many would sell their souls to the forest goblin of children’s folklore if it meant they could live in a place as such. Yet Sophia couldn’t help but notice the floors making no sound as she walked through the room, no need to sneak around. No birds begging for food behind her window. And the lack of an earthy scent, especially after a night of pouring rain, mixed with the dry flowers she’d collected.

The manor did not feel like a home where people lived in, but a front for a show instead.

Despite that, if having to mention at least something or perhaps a bare minimum, she did enjoy the fresh flowers on the tables of the breakfast lounge each morning, and it’s not an easy task to decorate such a large space every few days until the flowers would start to go dull.

In the old Edith Goldwind’s bookstore, the silence fell and settled comfortably. A customer or two visited briefly unbeknownst to Sophia who stayed too immersed in her new purchase, even when the customers noticed the rumored golden waves of her hair and tried to take a peek from behind the armchair while leaving, and again through the display window when passing, Sophia did not realize. Losing track of time while reading was nothing new, but her stomach did send a rather clear message after the sun had moved to the other side.

’’Well, that sounded demanding.’’ Edith said from her own seat by the corner of the counter after hearing Sophia’s stomach rumble through the shop.

But it was only Edith’s voice that woke Sophia from the lasting trance, and she immediately searched for the huge grandfather clock. Two hours had passed since she opened the cover of the book, still more than enough to go through, and a second round for additional note taking.

’’I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay for this long.’’ Sophia got up, nearly fainted from the low blood sugar and sudden rush through the veins, taking hold of the edge of the armchair.

’’Indeed, I should’ve asked for rent instead.’’ Edith stuck her nose in the air and brought the black cigarette holder between her lips again.

’’May I ask, do you happen to sell ink?’’ Sophia asked as she came up to the cashier.

’’Of course I do. What kind of a bookstore would I be if I had none? A Notebook, A fountain pen—I have it all.’’ Edith answered, and with one hand brought out three different sizes of bottles from the shelf behind her, and placed them in front of Sophia.

’’Then, the smallest, please.’’ Sophia pointed and took out the money pouch from a hidden pocket in her new dress.

After Sophia paid the remaining amount from their deal, and ink prepared and poured in a beautiful clay bottle with painted shapes which resembled the stars in a clear sky, she took another road which, by Edith’s instructions, would circle around and connect to the alleyway with the most restaurants and cafés. From the left corner, she kept going through an alleyway which became more narrow the longer she followed it, until coming to a set of a few concrete stairs going down. Sophia looked to her right after stepping down—the alleyway continuing without much else in sight except for tall, windowless walls, curving and keeping their end a secret. The turn she was told not to make, but which then made her even more curious about what could be found on the other side. Suddenly reminded by the words of the driver, a place she perhaps shouldn't visit on her own if somehow stumbling near the area.

Sophia hesitated. She was, after all, one to follow the rules. The instructions. And it was getting late, on top of all. She couldn’t help but worry that the poor driver had probably exhausted his imagination in that car, bored out of his mind, not knowing that he had taken a quite relaxing nap during her absence.

As eager to explore as she was, Sophia remembered Madam Goldwind strictly telling her to take a left turn after the stairs. Thus, Sophia pressed her lips together and turned away, when suddenly, from the corner of her eye, she noticed something unusual near the connection with the ever-gray concrete wall and ground.

Something that didn’t look like it belonged there. Something out of place. Perhaps a graffiti made by some youngsters seeking trouble.

Yet something about it made her skin crawl. A small, red barely noticeable mark, a circle with a symbol inside which resembled the ancient language not used for centuries. Forgotten even by today's elderly.

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