THE SECRET LIBRARY by MJ McGriff

Author:MJ McGriff
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-02-19T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 23

Luis

Luis combed his mind, trying to find the words to explain this place. It looked nothing like a library, more like the setting of a story he listened to as a child. Guillermo was the best at telling stories.

The way the stairs crisscrossed one another, creating a maze of mysterious rooms around an ominous altar, reminded him of the story of the evil sorcerer. He hid maidens away in a lair like this, using his altar to make his human sacrifices to Bedros, the god of life and death.

As his brother would tell the story under the ratty covers of their beds, Luis would imagine that evil man in a dank place like this one. Dim torchlight creating shadowy corners. Deathtraps like snakes, lethal plant life, and a dangerous crossing just a few magical measures to keep this place hidden.

And what part do you play in this story, Luis? Was he the shining warrior sent by Macario to banish the sorcerer and save the maidens? Or just another sacrifice to an evil cause?

“Try not to get yourself killed, Seraphina,” Mari said, making her way around the altar.

“Where are you going, Captain?”

Mari shot him a scornful glance before answering. “To look for what all pirates look for—treasure.”

She jogged up the first set of steps, disappearing into the first room. Seraphina walked up to the altar, passing her hand over the dusty surface.

“What are you searching for?” He surprised himself that he wanted to know.

She paused a moment before replying. “Answers.”

“To what?”

Seraphina looked over at him, giving Luis a smile that could calm angry giants. “To how my sister will save the world.”

She left him, disappearing into another chamber on the far side of the vast room. Luis sighed as he watched her go, running a hand through his damp hair.

Why was he here?

The captain died when we took over his ship to kill the monster.

There was a lot of fighting on that ship. You know how pirate raids go.

Mari had confirmed what he already knew. Someone on her crew killed his brother. She would face the consequences when they returned.

But what of the serpent? Was that true? Did it exist?

Seraphina said so. Her cynical captain agreed. And his brother wrote of a fire-breathing serpent in his letters.

Why couldn’t he just get a straight answer?

When the world seems askew and clarity eludes you, leave it in the hands of our almighty God, Macario.

Luis dropped to his knees, his body aching from all the danger and adventure it had endured the last few days. He lowered his head, closed his eyes, and fought to catch his breath. This wasn’t the time to be overcome with emotion. He needed to clear his head.

This was supposed to be an ancient, holy place. Perhaps in prayer he would find his answers.

Macario, I pray for strength, clarity, and courage. I confess I don’t know what you are asking of me.

How could he explain what was happening to him? This was supposed to be a straightforward mission. Even when things took a turn, the pirate captain told him about his brother’s fate.

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