I was checking through and somehow this chapter got missed so adding it in as a 'half chapter'. I will also include in the part of the novel in which this little revelation is relevant; but for now, enjoy exploring some more of the readers area of Cataindar! 

More news, interviews and images at Cataindar.com!

-- 

Luisa followed the abbot through the halls of the readers, her eyes scanning the décor; more faded opulence. The readers area was beautiful, with carvings etched along the corridors, and the chambers made from high glass doors. Its majesty was let down only slightly by the cracks that snaked across the glass, the dents in the brass and the signs of shoddy, recent repairs.

The abbot shuffled alongside Luisa and he stopped now and then to instruct a passing reader on some small business. Finally they came to a halt in front of two large ornate glass gates that were opaque so Luisa could not see what lay beyond them. 

 “This Princess, is the Chamber of Sacred Journals.”

They pushed the gates open to reveal a huge gleaming library, rows upon rows of giant thick journals lined the shelves behind glass cabinets, and in the centre was a giant chandelier, lit with a hundred candles. Along the walls torches burned. A reader was sat at a golden glass desk with a quill in her paw, shocked to see the princess she quickly stood.

“Princess,” She curtsied deeply.

“This is Ranson, Cataindar’s most gifted scribe.”

Ranson beamed at the compliment from the abbott and curtsied again.

Luisa looked around, “Wow, this room is amazing…”

The abbot nodded,

“Yes, this room is home to our sacred journals, we have recorded everything here for a very long time. Our whole history, as is our sacred task. Ranson, leave us please.” The abbot waited until the chambers great gates were closed. “Luisa come, there is something I particularly want to show you.”

The abbot slowly shuffled, across rows and rows of glass cases holding the sacred journals until they finally reached the back of the library. He stood in front of a glass case of journals, and closed his eyes. He slowly raised his paw, and passed his paw over the case. The bookcase silently it came forward and slid over to its side, opening up a secret room. Luisa gasped,

“Wow, that’s cool!”

“I know,” The abbot said, with a hint of smugness. “Cataindar is quite full of secret nooks and crannies.”

They stepped forward into the little room.  Inside was just one object, a display case that held a single item. A circular black dysk, like a black side-plate. As Luisa and the abbot approached, the case opened, both sides slowly slipped away and folded down. Luisa peered at the black dysk.  It was delicately inscribed with catain carvings, with a line drawing of a Catain on that reminded Luisa of an ancient Egyptian glyph.  The abbot reached in, pulled it out carefully and held it towards Luisa.

“This is one of our holiest relics, the Dysk of Bastet.  In our past, long before the Chamber of Sacred Journals existed, our scribes committed our history onto this.  We know not how, nor can we access it, our knowledge of the stones and our control of dewin is not as extensive as it once was.  The few readers that know of this dysk’s existence believe it is impossible for us to ever learn. Luisa take it, hold it, now… do you feel anything? Ha! Oh but I can tell by your face that you do!”

Luisa smiled, a little unsure, but the Abbot was captivated, he continued,

“Oh Princess, when myself and other readers picked up this stone, we felt no dewin. We have been locked out. But what is it you feel… a quiet hum perhaps? Ha! I knew it. Perhaps one day, one day far, far in your future you may be able to unlock the secrets of this stone.  Uncover the history of the catains, discover our path… lost even to us.”

Luisa felt the stone in her hand. She could feel an incredible sensation, like a thousand miniscule pairs of lips were silently whispering into her palm.

Once Luisa was back in her chamber Clearwater immediately pounced over half the room to meet her.

“So princess… can the readers really do magic?”

Luisa thought about the question. Thought of the abbot floating, she thought of the doors to the readers area opening by themselves, the Dysk of Bastet and of dewin.

What a brilliant day.

“Yes Clearwater, definitely.”

Clearwater gave Luisa a smile and folded her slim arms,

“Told you."

--

As always your votes and comments mean the world! Thank you!