Chapter 14
CEARO
I went to store the map away again. My library is a maze. But the best trick to hiding things is to put the prize in a random place in the maze, not the center or the end. My maps would give their discoverer too large an advantage. I hid them better than anything.
This cave I have carved out is enormous. One could get lost in here for hours, maybe days. The books and shelving reach to the ceiling. They seem to bear down as if to smother anyone who enters. Claustrophobic people would not do well here. Much of the light is blocked out, and the darkness can trick a mind into thinking things are lurking just around the corner. These books could be a gold mine to their discoverer, but only if that discoverer managed to hold on to sanity while rifling through them. I had a hard time of it myself at first, given my preference for being up in the air. But I need this place, and its secrets must always be concealed.
I went so deep in the stacks that I could no longer hear the others. I tried to keep my mind on them though. Letting it wander would just lead it to the lurking things.
I wondered if I was the ‘boogeyman’ as Willa said. That must be another human myth. From the context, I gathered it is not a good thing to be. I supposed I was one though. I was not a good thing. I felt sad.
Why does it matter? Much worse has been said by many more people.
I shoved the map back into its place more forcefully than necessary. I did not understand my own reaction.
Get it together, Cearo.
This was not the time to suddenly have emotions. I would deal with them later. I wound my way through the stacks, taking the least direct route. It was partly to make sure I regained my control and partly to grab more hidden items.
I loaded myself up with my favorite knives. They were very small and probably looked unthreatening. They were deadly when used correctly. I also found a few of my larger ones. It should be easy to swing them and cause some damage no matter how unpracticed the handler was. I imagined David wielding it. He and weapons did not go together. He was too kind. I hoped he would not be forced to use it.
I hesitated before deciding to arm the other human. I could tell he disliked me already. I wondered how loyal he was to David and Willa. Would he try to use this on me? He would fail, but it would still be irritating if he tried. I sighed and took the knife for him. He was important to David and Willa. I would keep him safe. Or, at least, not leave him completely unprotected.
I lastly grabbed some extra pencils. Then weighed down with all of my chosen sharp objects, I headed out of the maze.