The accursed library (part 3)
A thin rogue sat outside the library against the wall. She looked up and moved backwards as the window a story above her shattered, blowing glass out around her.
She slipped into the shadows against the wall as a figure leapt from it, and hit the ground roughly. As he staggered from the impact, he spun and aimed a bow back at the open window. There was nothing following him however, and after a moment he lowered the weapon.
Exhausted, he fell onto his back.
She laughed softly. Another idiot thief breaking into the library. Surprising he got out.
She paused before calling out to him.
"Hey, you!"
He jumped up suddenly, pulling a black blade from his hip and backing away slowly. His eyes darted quickly over her, rapidly sizing her up and looking for weapons.
She realised his clothes were Maroon and Gold. A Dragon on his own. Interesting.
He staggered momentarily and she realised that his right side was stained in blood.
"5 copper for a healing potion buddy."
Noodok laughed, and dropped the blade.
It bounced to a still next to him.
"No money."
"No money? You must be a pretty shit thief then." She eyed his leg. "Obviously."
Noodok felt a touch annoyed.
"I'm no thief."
She smiled softly.
"No shit. With those colours you are clearly a dragon soldier. I'm just teasing. Here."
She tossed a small vial to him.
Noodok caught it, and popped the lid open. He sniffed it cautiously before upending it onto his leg.
"Thanks." He bowed his head and turned to leave.
"Wait, hold on a sec. At least introduce yourself. I'm Rosanna. You are..?"
He sighed softly before replying.
"...Mark."
Rosanna laughed. He was obviously lying.
She was curious now, why was he so careful?
"Alright then Mark...." She paused on his name to make it as obvious as possible she wasn't buying it.
"I'm curious in that sword. I saw another like it a while back."
Noodok pulled Ash from his belt and held it out in front of her.
"Here. Look all you want. I doubt you have though, it's unique."
She smiled. It was what she thought it was.
"Ash, yea? And your bow... I've heard of one that looked like that."
He started suddenly. Confusion briefly hit him. How did she know of these things?
He was about to ask, before she spoke, having noticed his surprise.
"I'm a thief. Of course I know where the valuable relics are. Otherwise I'd be as rubbish at it as you."
Noodok flushed.
"I'm not a thief. I already told you."
"Yeah, whatever. Look, thing is I have an idea where this blades brother is. I imagine you want it, thief or not?"
Noodok started again.
"...Brother?"
Rosanna looked at him slyly.
"You didn't know? This sword and another were crafted from a single piece of black metal. There is another."
Noodok paused. The girl knew too much to be a common footpad. She was lying about that. None the less, she knew of Ash. Perhaps she was being truthful about there being a paired blade.
"Why tell me this? What's in it for you? And how the hell did you find me?"
Rosanna smiled softly.
"I tried to take it a while ago. I needed it for... Well, never mind what I needed it for. However, after every trial, I was unable to pick up the blade. I'm no dragon, and the spirits rejected me. You carry its pair, so if you want it, you can probably take it. As for how I found you.... How difficult do you think a man with a black blade is to track? There were rumours for leagues before I met you.
As for what I need... Your general owes me something, despite not realising it. Being allied with the dragons would be enough in repayment."
Noodok nodded slowly. She had other external motivations, that much was clear. But he needed to grow in strength. All of the dragons did. The war was getting harsher, and without strength, they would all perish. He decided to trust her.
"Fine. My name is actually Noodok. Tell me what you know, and I'll try help with what you need. But first... I need to sleep. I haven't slept in a while."
She nodded and tossed him a thick cloak.
"Here. I'll keep watch."
Noodok took it gratefully, and propped himself up against the wall. He was asleep soon after.
Rosanna watched him curiously.
Since when did the dragons walk alone? She wasn't familiar with their ways, but she knew they usually travelled in groups. Was he a deserter? On a mission?
Something else entirely?
She was hesitant, but she needed the help. Whatever. She could ask him questions in the morning.
(IMAGE SOURCE: by Elfiika on Deviantart)
Words from me: Like my stuff? Please resteem, follow and like.
Part one of this story is found here:https://steemit.com/writing/@ilovebatcatstew/the-accursed-library-part-1
And part two is here: https://steemit.com/writing/@ilovebatcatstew/the-accursed-library-part-2
This post has been ranked within the top 50 most undervalued posts in the first half of Jan 27. We estimate that this post is undervalued by $4.22 as compared to a scenario in which every voter had an equal say.
See the full rankings and details in The Daily Tribune: Jan 27 - Part I. You can also read about some of our methodology, data analysis and technical details in our initial post.
If you are the author and would prefer not to receive these comments, simply reply "Stop" to this comment.
good
Wow, you are really on a posting spree, huh? I was just about to leave a comment here when I saw that you had another post up. I'm a bit on the fence with the strategy, but it seemed to work out for you in this post. Because of the sheer number of posts, I won't be able to comment on all of them, even if I wanted to.
Noodok's story is shaping up quite well. These fragmented looks of different aspects written in a very concise manner is a great storytelling strategy. Though, I'm not quite certain about the pace you're posting them. Personally, I wouldn't be able to read all of them at once, but combined it's still shorter than one chapter of my work, so who am I to judge haha It's hard to comment on different pieces at the same stretch of time though, as it seems redundant. Overall, the development of the story is going great so far. I can't wait to see how the bigger picture unfolds!
I have a lot backlogged! Pages and pages from last night, about 7 or 8 short bits :P Hahah, there's even more coming up in the next few minutes, not related to this though, more just musings. I agree, they are not paced well In how fast I'm posting. But I have so much of my old writing to put up, that It's going to have to be a three or four piece a day dump until I catch up haha.
Haha! That's ... Good luck with that, mate :D I couldn't imagine doing it for myself, but that's just me. I get discouraged when not a lot of people comment on my work, so I don't post as often as I could. But, good for you for keeping up your pace. I'm sure you'd have a way greater reputation than me in a matter of days haha!
Nah, I dont think so, I'm not very popular, but that's ok. It's mainly I think because I don't care too much about what people consider my critical acclaim to be. It's still all just my own ego trip, and working out all my own issues. But I do love the support all the same, and I really do appreciate your comments :)
It's not about popularity, heck I'm just as well known as you are, and probably less. As long as you're happy with what you're doing, that's all that matters :D Since writing and posting is therapeutic for you, just keep on doing what you're doing. You do you, mate!
Too true :). Thanks man :)