Page 70 of The Missing Sentinel
“Yeah, because so many people know where I am and there are so many people with keys to my personal library,” Chander muttered.
“The sooner we grab snacks, the quicker we return to keep an eye on Chand,” Benton said, tugging on Baxter’s arm.
“Don’t worry, they’re always this annoying,” Chander remarked once the Daemon Lords had stepped out into the hall. “Why don’t you and Duc get comfortable, and I’ll grab that book?”
“Thank you again,” Drexley said.
“The small sofa looks comfortable,” Ducarius suggested softly as Chander took off to locate the book. In his borrowed sneakers, Drexley allowed Ducarius to lead him to the furniture in question. Being in jeans and a short-sleeved shirt remained odd, but Drexley liked the clothes and appreciated that they made him fit in with everyone else.
No one else in the library was dressed in robes, and even the Arch Lich was wearing an outfit remarkably similar to Drexley’s. Much had changed in fashion since Adney had left this world behind.
“It was kind of Chander to join us here today and to offer me one of his books to read,” Drexley said as he relaxed against Ducarius. Being surrounded by books reminded Drexley of the many hours he and his mate had spent together in Adney’s home. “Thank you for suggesting we come here today. I find being in a library comforting.”
Ducarius smiled, and there was tenderness in his gaze. “Do you honestly think I could have taken you anywhere else before I brought you here? I am aware of how addicted to books you are. As promised, it will take many centuries of study to tackle every book in this library.”
“It is so grand,” Drexley agreed. “And beautiful. I loved the windows.”
“Did you notice the seven different colors? Each one represents a hue in the rainbow,” Ducarius said.
“I admired them. Ah, the rainbow, because each wizard is born with a color of magic found in one,” Drexley remarked, grateful he had learned a little about a few other races from Adney’s collection.
“Except for Severin,” Chander commented as he handed Drexley a thick tome bound in a leathery black cover. “The former Arch Wizard is unique. He was born with two separate pools of magic. One is yellow. The other is purple. Here’s the book. Don’t worry about hurting it. I used a spell to make it indestructible. Nothing you can do will harm it.”
“That is a relief; I would not wish to ruin any of your things,” Drexley said, taking the tome from Chander. “Prism Lord Callyx mentioned a Severin. Is it the same man?”
“Yes, he was marked by Fate, but the wizards are a fucking mess,” Chander stated. “They are also split up, and unfortunately most of them still live in Europe. But Severin came here for help to unite them and discovered that the leader of the wizards here in the Council is his mate. He took Vadimas’s title, and the wizards in Europe pretend like neither of their leaders exists. They really suck. Duc will explain it all to you in detail at some point, or you’re free to read about it.”
The tidbits Chander had revealed were fascinating, but Drexley already knew he had massive amounts of things to learn to get caught up with the place he now called home. He wanted to start with what had happened to the necromancers in the past five centuries. Then he could expand his knowledge to other races.
“When you are ready, we have a basic book that explains a little about each race in the Council and their leaders,” Ducarius offered. “We keep several copies at home. I can grab one for you.”
“I would welcome the chance to read it,” Drexley replied.
“Great, let me grab something to read, and if either of you needs anything, let me know,” Chander said, already stalking toward an overburdened shelf.
“I guess I better find something to entertain myself too,” Ducarius remarked.
“You do not have to stay here the entire day,” Drexley told him with a soft kiss. “I know you are eager to train with other sentinels. I am sure I am safe here.”
“Are you sure?” Ducarius asked. Drexley grinned as Ducarius’s enthusiasm for training surged through them both.
“Yes, of course. It would bring you pleasure, which makes me happy.”
“I will have my coffee, then leave for a while. Do not go anywhere without the Daemon Lords, okay?”
Drexley chuckled. “I would not begin to know where to go, and I do not relish the thought of getting lost in this beautiful but large building. Plus, I want to read this book. I would like to get caught up and learn what facts were incorrect in Adney’s library. More than once, we were confronted with conflicting versions of history.”
“I am glad you have an open mind. If you have questions, ask Chand. He is not only the Arch Lich, but a renowned scholar with vast knowledge, especially about his people.”
“I cannot bother him,” Drexley said through their mindlink.
“Yes, you can. He’s your family now and, as I mentioned, knows everything about his people and dark sorcery.”
Unconvinced that he could interrupt the Arch Lich’s day to answer whatever question popped into his brain, Drexley was unsure how to respond to his insistent mate.
“I feel your doubt, but trust me. Or ask me about it, and I will approach Chand. Either way, I want you to know that he is the most valuable resource when it comes to the Order of Necromancia.”
“That I can easily believe. Now, would you mind if I opened this book he has offered to me?”
