Page 26 of A Crown So Cursed
“How does this relate to Málik?”
“His father is the Wyrm’s son,” Emrys interjected.
“The tome was created by artisans who understood some knowledge requires...shall we say, sacrifice?” He exchanged a meaningful glance with Amergin before continuing. “This dragon—Caoránach—gave her scales…willingly.”
The words hung in the air between them, weighted with implications that Gwendolyn could not fully grasp. “When you—or, that is to say, your former self—left Tír na nÓg, she gave the tome to her grandson…to be read on the event of his ascension.”
“Málik’s grandmother?”
Emrys nodded.
“Is she…?”
“Dead?” He nodded again. “Oh, yes.”
Gods.The act spoke of a love so profound it made Gwendolyn’s chest ache. “Why?”
“No one can say for certain,” said Amergin. “But, so they tell me, she was banished to the depths of Loch Dearg, and when she tried to make an escape, it is said she carved the course of the River Sionainn as she slid towards the sea. There is speculation she was en route to see Manannán mac Lir, and that he himself took the book from her to keep it safe. Once the portals were closed, Manannán gave it to Málik, although what it conveyed to him, no one knows. The truth betwixt those pages is revealed only when the secrets are most needed.”
“So his grandmother wrote the book and my father knew of it?”
Both Druids nodded fervently.
Gwendolyn frowned. Though it wasn’t so much that she was upset by the disclosure. She already knew Manannán had kept things from her, but the revelation left her with even more questions. Clearly, Málik knew about the book, and he wanted her to read it.
“We should like to know what it says to you, but now we are short of time,” said Amergin before chastising Emrys. “This one can never hush his mouth! And now we’ve wasted too much time.Hesaid, two bells before we should return you, and we’ve only moments to comply!”
In fact, there was no true censure in Amergin’s tone; it was clear these two old men had become close, teasing one another as easily as brothers…or lovers?
Whatever the case, Gwendolyn was pleased to note it, because she knew Emrys must be missing Lir—and, as for Lir, she hoped he, too, had found himself a bit of joy amidst his Druid brothers.
“Bring it,” demanded Emrys. And then, with a very concerned tilt of his head, he said, “Do you remember which tapestry you came through so you can return?”
Gwendolyn nodded, and Emrys crooked his finger, begging her to follow. “There is another way to exit this library, as Málik did earlier. But it leads straight into the Shadow Court. We are much safer exiting the way you came,” he explained and then led her from the library, into the forest, and through the tapestry, then through a long, winding corridor.
“There are locations in that library that remain accessible to the court. There is a lobby for the elders to submit requests for tomes, and we have been tasked with their keeping.”
“This is not Málik’s most popular decision,” added Amergin. “But, as there have been many attempts to steal or manipulate the texts for personal gain, he felt it necessary.”
“The written word is both a treasure and a weapon,” added Emrys. “Only depending on whose hands will hold it. But Málik also knows that knowledge must never be withheld. Hence, the elders have a concession to request certain tomes…under certain conditions—without gaining access to the library itself. However, there is an enchantment on that book,” he said. “It can never be spoken of aloud, and this is why I was so pleased that you found it on your own. We worried about how best to present it.”
Gwendolyn listened as they strode, and finally, they reached a set of large, unwieldy oaken doors. On their approach, those doors flew wide, and Emrys gestured for her to step inside, but did not follow.
ChapterNine
“Won’t you join me?” Gwendolyn entreated.
“Oh, nay!” returned Emrys. “That…is…your private quarters.”
“Of course,” Gwendolyn allowed, disappointed, though she supposed he was right. It was just that one glance within apprised her that Málik had not yet returned, and she did not relish the thought of being alone in this still strange place, even with the wards for protection, although at least she had the book.
“We should leave you to your studies,” suggested Amergin as Gwendolyn stepped into the chamber, clutching the dragon-scaled book to her breast.
“I will see you again, yes?”
“As often as you please,” said both Druids at once, and Gwendolyn smiled, for they spoke as one.
“Do not pore over that too long,” suggested Amergin, raising a finger. “I am told there is to be a feast in your honor this evening.”
