The Iron Crown by J.M. Briggs

Author:J.M. Briggs [J.M. Briggs]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Jessica M. Briggs
Published: 2023-05-19T00:00:00+00:00

19

The Archive

The library/archive was not what Alex had expected. After the books and scrolls on the shelves of the rebel base, she had expected more of the same. The shelves closest to the main door did have paper-like books and manuscripts on them, but everything beyond that was wooden boxes with words indicating what was inside them, carefully fitted on the shelves. Further from the door, the shelves shifted from wood to stone and metal, and more of the boxes themselves were metal.

Despite knowing that they likely had little time, Alex couldn’t help but turn slowly to take it all in. The high ceiling was almost impossible for her to see because of the low light. Small lamps were fitted along the stone walls above the shelves. They weren’t candles, but the glow they produced was much softer than any electric lights Alex had ever seen.

“We haven’t got much time now,” Jarven growled. Anger radiated off them. “Those fools will draw the attention of the guards.”

“But they won’t know where we are,” Alex pointed out nervously.

Jarven gave her a dubious look that made her feel like she’d said something idiotic. “The guards will probably kill my soldiers…” Sorrow flickered over Jarven’s face, but immediately vanished. “And the guards will release the Hounds. They will track our scents so regardless, we have little time.”

Alex’s throat tightened, and she nodded. It had been a long time since she’d last seen a trained Sídhe hunting Hound, and she was in no hurry to fight the wickedly fast things again. Had that group of rebels been planning this on the way up, or had they really been this stupid? Alex’s ears were strained as she tried to hear what was happening outside the library. There were only three of them. Maybe they’d get through undetected, but Jarven didn’t seem to think so.

“What we need is over here,” Jarven said. They pointed at the shelves with paper materials and then gestured further into the library. “Records of the first crossing will be further back.”

Jarven and the last Síd started pulling papers and books off shelves, putting some into their packs and dropping the rest on the floor. Alex stared at them before it sank in that they weren’t going to help her and the others search. Morgana raised an eyebrow at Alex. She turned on her heel to head for the back. Alex hurried after her, with the others right behind her.

“Any idea what we are looking for?” Alex asked Morgana.

“No.”

That answer echoed against the stone. Suddenly, the air was a lot harder to breathe. Alex looked up at the shelves. There was a pattern of numbers that was likely a date on many of the boxes, but she didn’t know what she was looking for.

“Let’s use magic,” Nicki suggested. She looked at Bran and Aiden. “You two are fresh. We’ve found things before with magic.”

Alex was dizzy with relief at the suggestion and nodded. Usually, she’d prefer to find it without everyone getting exhausted, but it was their best option.

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