Chapter 6 - Escape

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Chapter 6

Escape

 Marianne opened her eyes.

She had slept very well.

The small bedroom that Beredion had placed at her disposal for the night seemed to be intended for children or dwarfs, especially since she couldn't stand completely upright without bumping her head, not to mention the small beds, but since she always curled up in her sleep she had no problem with it.

In the next room, Duke got up and went to the window. He was a little worried about Ascendary, but the Gryphon had learned all these years to behave inconspicuously. Nevertheless, this environment is more inhabited than where they lived and a Gryphon would of course quickly attract attention.

Duke put on his clothes and left his bedroom, which was visibly larger than Marianne's.

Beredion was nowhere to be seen, and Duke left the house and went into the woods.

After a few meters he stopped and waited a moment.

Ascendary came out from behind a bush and nudged him gently.

"Good boy." Duke stroked Ascendary's plumage.

Suddenly, Ascendary raised his head and went into attacking position. Duke spun around.

"A Gryphon. It's been a long time since I've seen one." The Librarian Lysander leaned against a tree and looked at both of them with a neutral look.

Duke was surprised, because he had looked around several times and secured himself before he went further into the forest.

He was sure that no one had been around.

How did the Librarian that?

"Very gently, I don't have anything bad in Mind. On the contrary, I am of the opinion that they had been threated wrong.

Lysander raised both hands as a sign that he had no evil intentions.

"Where do you come from so suddenly? How could you sneak up?" Duke had his hand on the hilt of his Sword.

"Well, I'm known for my silence. At least my Library assistants are still frightened when I suddenly stand next to them. But I have to warn you." Lysander lowered his hands.

"Warn?" Duke gripped the hilt of the Sword more tightly.

"The INQUEST is on its way here and I think you know what that means, my friends."

"Dexter Demerodt! But why is he on his way here? Have you betrayed us?"

"No. I have my sources. Instead of talking and wasting even more time, you should get on your way. And that quickly."

"Thank you.... even if I don't know what role you play here, Librarian."

"Take this. You should know that." Lysander held out a rune-decorated ampoule to Duke.

Duke recognized her. "Are you also an Alchemist?" Invisibility serum. Ideal for Ascendary.

"No, no. Sometimes I want to have my peace. My job is more strenuous than you think." Lysander grinned.

Marianne came running up.

"Here you are. A flying ship has appeared to the north."

Duke looked at Lysander and Lysander gave him a "I told you so." look.

Then Duke took the ampoule, let some liquid drip onto his hand and held it out to Ascendary.

The Gryphon hesitated at first and then nodded. He absorbed the liquid and slowly disappeared before her eyes.

Marianne's eyes were wide. "Where.. where did he go?"

"Invisible. And now quickly to Beredion. We need horses." Duke put the ampoule away.

"No need to." said Lysander. "Go to the stables. There are 2 saddled Horses ready. I was so free to negotiate this with Beredion. Take them. They are paid."

"But how ... how?" Duke looked at Lysander suspiciously.

"Don't ask questions, but leave. The INQUEST is approaching." Lysander pointed in the direction of the Mourning Village.

Duke nodded and took Marianne's hand and pulled her with him.

Lysander clasped his hands behind his back and seemed satisfied.

Then he was gently nudged.

To outsiders, it looked as if he was stroking the air as he scratched the invisible Ascendary on the head.

"You're welcome, and now get going, my feathered friend," said Lysander.

Meanwhile they reached the stables and Lysander had not lied. Beredion stood by the horses and held out their knapsacks to Marianne and Duke.

"The Librarian said you were in a hurry, here are your belongings. The horses are paid. Have a good trip." smiled Beredion.

"Thank you." Duke was still confused, but they ran out of time.

Both sat up and said goodbye to Beredion. Then they rode off in a hurry.

Only 30 minutes later, the huge shadow of the INQUEST fell over Mourning Village.

Dexter Demerodt and Cecile entered the small town.

"Welcome, Inquestor. Your reputation precedes you. What does the honor give me?" Beredion greeted both of them.

Dexter bowed slightly in greeting.

"Thank you for the friendly welcome. We are looking for someone." And he described Marianne.

"Hmmm. To my regret, I can't help you. Mourning Home rarely has visitors," replied Beredion.

"You are lying!" said Cecile in a cold voice.

"Cecile, still as friendly as ever," someone else said.

"Lysander... You here?" Cecile's voice had an angry undertone.

"Inquestor. Have the honor." Lysander nodded to Dexter.

"Lysander. What an unusual place to meet you here," Dexter said.

"And here, of all places, where the trail of the Aranasera leads us. What a coincidence." Cecile said with a smug undertone.

Dexter looked at Lysander suspiciously as well.

"What are you doing here. Especially with your reputation."

Beredion was confused. "What reputation? He's a Librarian."

Dexter turned to Beredion.

"You don't know? Lysander is not just any Librarian. He is THE chief Librarian of the Kingdom and guards the greatest knowledge of our Empire." 

Beredion looked at Lysander with wide eyes.

"Well, what can i say?" Lysander spread his arms with a smile.