Keras Selyrian was at the top of the list.
If he’d escaped the tower, I’d bet anything that Katashi would be sending monsters to figure out where he’d gone.
I didn’t know how to feel about that.
I’d more or less sided with Keras in that conflict, but I still knew virtually nothing about him. He was a foreigner, obviously. He might work for the Tyrant in Gold, but I couldn’t be sure about that. It was only a rumor.
It had been my instinct to protect Vera and the child — who I also knew virtually nothing about — that had made my decision. Katashi seemed like he was perfectly happy to leave me alone.
But why was Katashi even in this tower in the first place?
The Serpent Spire was Tenjin’s territory, not his. Were they working together on something?
I needed answers and, even more than those, ways to protect my friends.
I was done with being idle.
I seethed in silence for the remaining hours before they sent us back to our rooms. Classes were cancelled for the day, and for the following day.
That was good. I had work to do.
Chapter X — Commissions
As soon as we were released, Patrick and I went to check on Sera. We found her back at her room, unharmed and unconcerned. We were both pretty relieved.
After that, Patrick and I parted ways to head back to our own dorms. I found Jin right outside our dorm building. He wasn’t hurt, either, but he was in an even less talkative mood than usual. Maybe he was a bit shaken by what had just happened. If so, I couldn’t blame him.
When I made it back to my room, I was surprised and relieved to see that the ceiling had already been fixed. Maybe the academy guard had seen the hole and sent in the request, or maybe Professor Orden had handled it herself in spite of her protestations. I’d find out later, but for the moment, I had a more pressing priority.
I opened a very familiar book and began to write.
Dear Voice of the Tower,
Residents of the tower are currently scouring the Lorian Heights academy for something. One of the creatures I saw looked a great deal like the form you used in the tower, but bigger. Was that you? Are you here?
-Corin
My heart pounded while I waited. I had no evidence that the Voice was outside. Its name implied that it probably wouldn’t be... but the similarity between that robed figure and the form the Voice had chosen was worth investigating.
I didn’t get an immediate reply. I ended nervously skimming through some of my text books and periodically checking back until I finally saw a response a few hours later.
Dear Corin,
So formal. I preferred “Mysterious Book Entity”.
The creature you speak of was not one of my forms, however, I do have a limited presence outside of the tower at this time. Communicating through this method has limitations, however, and I will not be able to speak with you regularly.
The creatures loosed from the tower were not under my command. Steps will be taken to ensure this does not occur again, but you must play your own role in fixing a problem you helped to create.
How much does Lyras know?
Yours,
Book
My hand trembled as I pondered my reply.
The Voice is nearby and he holds me responsible for part of this. That can’t be good.
I guess this more or less confirms that freeing those prisoners started this situation. Or at least contributed to it.
At least maybe I can finally get some more information, though.
I told her about Keras being loose in the tower, his conflict with Katashi, and your instructions for her to meet with you.
Good. Does she know about the book?
I haven’t told her, but she does seem to be watching me fairly closely. Should I tell her?
Under no circumstances. If she finds the book, I will handle the situation. For now, it is best if she simply meets me in the tower at her soonest convenience.
I bit my lip. Well, that’s not suspicious or anything. If she’s one of his contacts, why not share the existence of the book? What’s the significance of it?
I will keep the book hidden. I could use some guidance about this situation in general, though. Why was the tower sealed to prevent anyone from exiting? Is Katashi guiding those creatures? Are they looking for Keras? For Vera? What should I be doing if I see one of them?
Don’t worry, Corin. Lyras and I will handle things from here. If this is not resolved by the time you enter the tower again, I will provide you with further instructions. In the meantime, focus on making yourself strong enough to survive.
-Mysterious Book Entity
I set the book down. The chastising tone signaled a clear enough end to the conversation.
I hated being kept ignorant, especially when I was being blamed for something. If he, she, or it wanted to leave me out of things, I’d have to find my answers through other means.
Before even that, though, it was long past time I started properly protecting my room.
I spent the next few hours shopping. The first few things I picked up were mundane: a chain for the door to replace my wooden plank; tools to fasten the chain on; and bell to ring if the door was somehow opened.
After that, it was time to finally pick up some enchanting supplies.
As it turns out, I couldn’t afford many of them.
I had a total of twenty-two silver sigils after saving a little bit of money from the first week, my stipend from the subsequent two weeks, and the handful of coins that Professor Orden had given to me. As an Enchanter, I’d eventually get some materials to work with for class, but not until later in the year.