Rixon

I had always adored books, they were my escape from the world and my way of forgetting. I don't know what brought me to that library that day but if I hadn't, I know that all this would've been so much more different.

Every now and then I would explore new libraries and absorb myself in the mystical worlds of dragons or monsters. I loved the atmosphere of the buildings and the peacefulness of the silence. I could sit there for hours filling my imagination till I couldn't take sitting in the hard, wooden chairs anymore. I never ceased to be amazed by the power of books and enjoyed it like any ordinary person would enjoy a relaxed evening with those they loved. But this time was different. I had been researching libraries local to me for what felt like the millionth time when I came across one that caught my interest. It was described as if it were one of the stories I loved to read: eerie, and sized for a king. However, I felt like something was odd about it. I passed it of as me just being paranoid though and got directions. I would make the journey as soon as I could.

***

I sat in my car blasting "slipknot" and "my chemical romance" for all the world to hear. I was seventeen now and thanks to my parent's forward thinking, I had a decent sized Nissan X-trail. It was my pride and joy and I kept it in the best condition and took my few friends everywhere in it. Although I never like to venture too far from home to visit libraries, this one was 16 mile away and I was willing to travel there anyways. It wasn't that far but to my young mind it truly was.

Hills and forests flew by in a blur as I made my way down the motorway. Everything seemed normal at first. As I left the motorway however, the scenery began to change dramatically. The trees became rotted and dark, the fields absent of any life - including shrubs and flowers - and disgusting weeds crept through any crack in the road or pavement.

Above the line of shriveled trees, the spire of the cathedral-like building came into veiw; it had an ominous aura about it that I despised but nevertheless I continued. As I arrived at the building I was greeted by the cawing of ravens. I turned my music off, it wasn't helping the mood whatsoever. Stepping out my car I was greeted with an awful stench that hung like a fog in the air. I considered returning home but couldn't bring myself to do so. It was only a library, it couldn't possibly do any harm.

The doors to the library were like those to a mansion or a castle, I felt so out of place looking like I did. My flat dark hair hung over my face in an emo-syle fringe, my black slipknot top hung loosely under my red flannel shirt, my ripped black jeans were scuffed and used. I seemed so scruffy, too scruffy to be found at a place like this. My sneakers squeaked awkwardly as I trudged into the library, unbeknownst to me what my finding may entoll.

***

The strong aroma of paper and ink surrounded me as the full picture came into perspective. It was massive. I could loose myself in there for days filling my senses and letting my imagination run wild, and, in other circumstances I might have, if it weren't for the off-putting atmosphere.

Looking up, I noticed how cathedral-like the building actually was. Great arches loomed above and cobwebs hung in silky banners. Shadows stretched along each carving and embossment, signaling that the sun was begging to set. I intended to be back before then, hopefully much sooner.

I turned to browse the nearest aisle to me, eager to get this one trip done as soon as possible. Now I was here I was begging to have second thoughts on staying.

"Exuse me, what do you think you are doing in this section", a shrill voice called from behind me. I spun round immediately and came face to fave with someone I'll never forget.

Her face was long, as if stretched out, the scowl on her face seeming permanent. Her beady grey eyes stared me down as I tried to not llok as guilty as I felt. I had no need to feel guilty but the way she looked at me made me feel as if I were doing something wrong. Her hair (grey) was pulled tightly into a neat bun and her clothing (also grey) were immaculate. Her skin had a sickening ashen hue to it as well, as if to match her outfit. She seen ed to have avoided all colour together. Despite that, I felt intimidated by her and felt there was something about her that she was hiding.

"I -er- I just came here to -er- look for a book." There was nothing much I could think of to say as she stared down, maliciously.

"Just came to look for a book eh? No one comes here to just look for a book. Unless you are of a cult or seek knowledge on witchcraft or the sorts. So, which are you as I cannot tell, by the looks of you, you are neither but if so why would you come?"

Witchcraft? Cults? What was she on about? I had no idea of who she was and she was now accusing me of witchcraft and the like!

"I was looking for a library that I hadn't yet been to." I stammered.

"And so you came all the way out here, did you?"

"Uhh yes, I thought I might go on an adventure of sorts"

"Oh really, well I shall let you go, but just know that I'm watching you and I don't believe a thing you just said" she turned and left, leaving me to ponder what was just said in the eerie silence.

I wandered forward, just looking. The books didn't seem to be arranged in any specific order so I searched titles for a while.

I don't really know what happened after that point but next thing I knew, I was easing a book from where it sat, untouched for years probably. The title read: facts and figures from our past: true myths and tales. I felt drawn to it by some other force, I knew I wanted it.

I got up to ask to borrow the book, only to find that the place seemed empty - and without thinking I simply strolled out of the place.