Page 3 of Legends and Librarians
“Ours?” I almost dropped the books in shock. “What doesthat even mean?”
Had he bought all these books...for me? Warmth spread through my chest as our eyes met. I couldn’t just let him leave now, not without even getting his name.
“At least tell me your name,” I said as another book was piled into my arms, “and maybe help me bring these books home?”
Home as in the Misty Mountain Library, but he didn’t need to know that yet. A trick for a trick. Plus, maybe he was worth getting to know a bit better.
His grin widened. “My name’s Roan and I’d love to help you.”
“Are you sure? It’s going to be a bit of an adventure getting there,” I said, barely containing my own grin. “Unless that’s a problem?”
His laugh filled the room, warm and comforting. “I’ve got all the time in the world, but we should probably borrow a cart.”
I nodded, making preparations with the other librarians. My last day here had turned out differently than I’d expected, but was definitely memorable. Roansure knew how to win a woman’s heart: with piles and piles of books.
Chapter 2
Roan
“So, when you asked me to take these books home”—I paused, glancing at the overgrown mountain path we were about to climb—”you didn’t mention the part about portaling to another city, stopping to pick up construction supplies, or climbing a mountain.”
“I didn’t?” Nyssa gave me a wide-eyed innocent look. “I could have sworn I mentioned something about an adventure. Youarean adventurer, right?”
“Well, yeah, but this path doesn’t really look safe. Are you sure this is the right way?”
Loose rocks and fallen branches littered the ground and water had eroded the unstable path further, cutting deep ruts in the earth. This was what happened to man-made paths when they were abandoned: nature took them back by force.
“It’s definitely the right way,” she said, covering up a laugh with her hand. “But you don’t really have to come if you don’t want to. I’ve been up this mountain many times. I’ll be fine on my own.”
The longer I stayed in town, the more likely somebody from the Mistfall Adventurers’ Guild would see me here, but that was a risk I was willing to take to get to know Nyssa better. Besides,it had been almost ten years. I doubted anyone would even remember me.
“I’ve got time,” I said with a smile. “That’s a perk of the job. I get to travel the world, taking missions when I want to and relaxing when I don’t. Besides, what kind of adventurer would I be if I left a librarian to haul all these books up a mountain by herself?”
“You’re lucky, I’ve always got way too long of a to-do list.” She laughed as she activated the magic on the cart to get it moving again.
“Remind me again, where are we taking these books?” I asked, glancing at a moss-covered stone sign. Nyssa brushed it off, revealing an arrow leading up and a name. “The Misty Mountain Library?”
I probably should have recognized the name from the years I’d spent at the local guild, but I hadn’t really been into books at the time. I’d only started reading for fun after I left.
“Yup, I’m reopening the Misty Mountain Library.” A smile lit up her face. “I don’t care what anyone else says, it’s a magical place. The best library you’ll ever see. Or it will be once I’m done with it.”
If it was as rundown as this path, then she’d have her work cut out for her. But I wasn’t about to say that, not when she was bounding up the mountain full of excitement.
“Why do you love it so much?” I asked.
“It’s a library. Why wouldn’t I love it?” Her eyes softened as she glanced back at the cart full of books. “I used to spend a lot of time there as a child. It was the only place I really fit in and it’s why I fell in love with reading. In a world full of magic, there’s nothing quite like getting lost in a good book. Working there and sharing that experience with others has been my dream for years.” She nudged my arm, grinning. “And you’re helping me revitalize that dream.”
Sunlight glowed against her auburn hair, warm and beautiful. Listening to her talk about something she loved was oddly soothing, like I was getting to share in her big moment.
“I like books too,” I said, “but I’ve never read one that made me feel like I was getting lost in it. Maybe you can recommend a few after you reopen.”
“Really?” She did a little happy dance, but almost tripped on a tree root jutting up from the path.
I reached for her elbow to steady her, feeling myself drawn to her excitement like a moth to a flame. I wanted something to be this passionate about too. Sure, I liked adventuring, but it had become kind of boring lately. Same old missions, same old places. I wanted something exciting and new that was worth spending years dreaming about.
“That was close, thanks.” She rested her hand on my shoulder. “How am I ever going to repay you?”
Her voice was low and her eyes glinted with mischief, making me momentarily forget how to speak. Who was this woman and how had I gotten lucky enough to walk her home? My heart thudded in my chest so loud she could probably hear it. Wait. No. That was something else.
