Once Forgotten 2.3

Kadrin sat in a corner of the tavern they were staying. He reached into the deep folds of his cloak and carefully brought out a small, worn, and crusted book. He carefully opened it to a particular section and began reading. He held the book carefully, almost what could be called reverence. If he had not had a mask, one would have seen an unreadable and far away expression upon his face.

Rya sat down across from him, digging into her plate of food with gusto. Kadrin lowered the book slightly. “If you keep eating like that, you’ll end up choking like a garnic on a chacart.”

Rya took a gulp of her drink and swallowed. “What is that?” She asked, gesturing at the book.

Kadrin went back to reading. “It so happens that this is The Book of the Damned.”

His apprentice frowned. “That looks like a very old copy. Very old. For all I know, it’s probably the original.”

“It very well could be.” Kadrin answered.

She rolled her eyes. “I need to get to the Library. Brint has things to do, so I planned on reading all day.” Kadrin simply nodded, lost in the old book again. “I was…threatened yesterday.”

Kadrin carefully closed his book. “By whom?”

She shook her head. “I…I don’t know. His face was hidden by a hood, but he was young. I would say late twenties.”

“I was wondering when he would reveal himself. I have not seen nor heard from him in several years.” Kadrin murmured. He reopened his book. “Be careful with your research. He approached you because you were being too open with your opinions and discussions apparently.”

“I was only talking with a librarian.” Rya said defensively.

“And I suppose that you were discussing it in the middle of the restricted section?” Her jaw clenched. “I thought so. That would be your second mistake.”

“And my first?” She asked tersely.

“Your first would be employing outside help. When doing the type of research you’ve been up to, it would have been better to have done so alone.” Kadrin answered. Rya nodded. “However, I believe I know the librarian you mentioned. Elderly man, long white beard, shuffles about like a trisca?” She nodded. “Then fortune does indeed smile upon you. Very fortunate indeed to run into him. He will be of use to you; I suggest you take everything that he offers.” He returned to the book.

Rya glanced at the book. “Just how powerful were the Rajacta?”

Kadrin stiffened. “First of all, the correct name is Mrachtkenta. Here, I made this for you.” He pulled out a rather new looking book.

Rya opened it and frowned. “I’ve already read The Book of the Damned.”

Kadrin shook his head. “What you have read is the equivalent of watered down, inexpensive wine. That book in your hands is a direct translation of the true Book. I expect you to read it and reeducate your knowledge of the Eleven Above and the M’rachtkenta.”

She shuddered. “M’ra…how can you say that name? I get chills every time you say it.”

Kadrin nodded gravely. “Then you are a very smart girl. Chills mean they have no hold on you. The M’rachtkenta are powerful. They are the true Demons, having fallen with their Father, a demon whose name I dare not even mention.”

She nodded. “I think it was one of them.”

Kadrin burst into laughter. “No, young one, no. He is not of the M’rachtkenta, though he certainly wishes and dreams that he was. He is powerful to be sure, but he is not one of them.” Kadrin grew serious again. “However, he is powerful. Though he may not be one of them, he is now of them.”

Rya’s face paled. “You mean…that he was…him??”

Kadrin nodded gravely. “You have nothing to fear, Rya. Not yet, at any rate. He cannot harm you, for now at any rate.” He picked up the old Book again. “Now, away with you! I have said enough of this matter. Be cautious and on your guard, but fear him not. Fear is the force by which they come.”

Rya nodded and finished her breakfast. She left without another word, the Book Kadrin had given her tucked under her arm. A young man, almost a boy in appearance, took her place. His look was one of slight remorse. “I take she told you what happened?”

Kadrin didn’t bother to look up. “Indeed she did. You slacked off.”

The boy nodded. “Yes, yes I did. I had no idea that he was even in the area.” He sensed the question that was on Kadrin’s mind. “I was checking on something. I sensed something and went to investigate it. It was just a ploy of course, and by the time I returned to the city, Rya had already encountered our enemy.”

“We are fortunate that he is still unable to attack us directly, though that could have gone worse than it did.” Kadrin said, still reading.

The man frowned. “You don’t seem to upset with me.”

“Why should I? We will not always be there. If she must, she can fight. Her training is going well; she is already as strong as her predecessor. She just needs…exposure to awaken it. She still does not realize her potential, but when she does…” Kadrin replied.

His companion nodded. “Many would say that a God has come down. Yet her power wouldn’t even be a fraction of Those Above. Especially Ariadni.”

Kadrin lowered the Book slightly. “Her affinity is derived from the Goddess Ariadni, the Goddess of Wind and Rain. The Storm Bringer.”

The young man sighed. “If only the balance would allow them to interfere. We could use their help.”

Kadrin set his book down. “Do you honestly believe that they are not helping?”

The man shook his head. “Of course not! I know that they are helping the best they can without causing more harm; I just wish that they could help a little more directly.”

Kadrin raised his hand. “We will speak no more of this. You and I both know that certain…powers are drawn to such talk. Not all of them are limited.” Kadrin began reading again. “It is good to see you again, Nadar.”

“Likewise, Kadrin. I am glad to see you active again. We missed you during your years of wandering.” Nadar said.

Kadrin chuckled. “I could say the same of you. Goodbye, for now.” Nadar nodded and left. Kadrin settled back into his chair, the old Book raised before him again. “Ariadni, so full of envy and wrath….”
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Rya entered the Library. She scanned the area, looking out for anything suspicious. She approached the reference desk. She absently scratched her back and flexed her shoulders. The young woman at the desk looked up. “How may I help you?” She asked.

Rya nodded. “Yes, is Jerard around? Yesterday, he said he would help me with some advanced research.” The young librarian nodded and checked her ledger.

“Yes, he should be in the Traveler’s guide of the Realm.” She answered. “It’s two aisles down, and three aisles on the right.”

Rya nodded and headed in the given direction. As she turned down the second aisle, she scratched at her back again. Jerard looked up from a volume and smiled, then frowned. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, I just have an itch today. I think I slept on my back in the wrong way.” She answered.

Jerard shook his old head. “That’s not what I meant. There was an…unsavory figure seen about the restricted section. Did he approach you?”

Rya closed her eyes and reached out with her senses, feeling for any dark auras. Sensing none, she opened her eyes and lowered her voice. “It was our…enemy.” Jerard’s eyes widened. She shook her head. “I am perfectly alright. He just threatened me is all. Master Kadrin said I was being too open about my research.”

Jerard nodded. “Yes, that would draw his attention. I fear he may have someone watching you now. Your powers are well developed; he will begin to truly take notice of you before long.”

She flexed her shoulders again. “I am well prepared for any attacks. I pause every now and then to check for anything Darke.”

Jerard nodded. “That is a wise decision. Although, I suggest you learn to do it without stopping or closing your eyes.” She nodded. “Now, after you left, I found some more volumes that may be of some use to you.”

“I also have this.” She showed him the Book Kadrin had given her.

His eyes widened. “Eleven Above! The Book of the Damned?! I have not seen such a translation in fifty years! They are extremely rare and valuable.”

Rya frowned. “What do you mean?”

Jerard lowered his voice. “About two to three millennia ago, a sect of priests claimed that the translation of The Book of the Damned during their time was heresy. They claimed that they had the original; what they had was a distortion. It was nothing like any of the others. There was an enormous dispute that ensued, but eventually, that sect won out, claiming the Gods themselves told them they were in the right. They even presented a sacred relic long thought lost as proof of their claim. And so, the Book was changed. A few, only a handful really, of the original texts survived. We had the last copy in our possession up until fifty years ago when it was found by a priest and destroyed. But this…” He opened and read a few lines. “This is nothing like that copy! This…why it’s almost like a direst translation! Remarkable!”

Rya took back her Book. “Kadrin said that I must read it. That I must know its contents.”

Jerard nodded. “Very well. Now, how about we get back to your research?” She nodded and followed him silently, itching her back.