Chapter 6
On the plains of the Flatlands stands the royal city of Atlasdam. Inside its palace, a professor is teaching the history of Orsterra to two of his students in his classroom.
The professor had long black hair tied into a ponytail. He wore a white button-up shirt with puffed sleeves tied at the wrist, along with a cravat. He also sported a black hooded coat with a caplet, accented with gold filigree and held together by a black gemstone. His other wears included a brown vest with filigree embroidery over his white shirt, black breeches with black socks, and black leather shoes with golden buckles.
One of his female students had long silver hair and was blue-eyed and also sported a white dress along with a blue cape.
The other female student sported blue eyes along with long golden hair and a golden dress.
"...And so it was that Atlasdam was founded some two centuries ago. Indeed, our fair city-state is among the longest-standing on the continent of Orsterra. But there was another city-state with a history as long and proud as our own that came to a tragic ruin only eight short years ago. Now, who can tell me its name? How about you, Therese?" said the professor as he looked at his silver-haired student.
"I, um...I think it was…" said the stuttering Therese as she quickly swept through several pages of her textbook, looking for the answer.
"Now, now. No need to get so flustered," said the professor. "There's no shame in not knowing an answer, so long as you have a desire to learn. The answer is in your textbook. Go on, now. Look it up."
Therese looked back at her textbook before proceeding to look back at the professor to answer his question. "I believe it was...Hornburg?"
"That is correct!" said the professor in an enthusiastic tone. "Hornburg was ruled over by a royal family said to be descended from priests of an ancient and long-forgotten religion. On the other hand, our fair Atlasdam was founded by one of the original clans that inhabited the Flatlands. Who can tell me how many clans lived in the Flatlands at the time? Your Highness?"
The professor looked over to the golden-haired princess he had as his other student for her answer.
"The histories have it that eight clans did live in the Flatlands in those days," said the princess.
"Correct you are, Your Highness!" said the professor, again showing his enthusiastic tone. "It was a time of great strife here in the Flatlands, as the eight clans waged a long and bitter war. Change would come when the armies of Grandport invaded these lands some two centuries ago. At the time, the rulers of Grandport sought to exert their influence over territories inland. Ironically, this compelled the warring tribes to put aside their differences and unite against their common foe."
The professor then noticed the man waiting near the classroom door, which incited him to finish up his session.
"...Oh, but look at the time! We'll pick up where we left off next time," said the professor in a hurried tone. "Don't forget to read chapters three and four before our next lecture, and be prepared to answer questions on any of the material within."
"Yes, Professor," spoke Therese in a quiet tone.
"Thank you for another most stimulating lecture, Professor Albright," said Princess Mary, who spoke in a more relaxed manner than Professor Cyrus Albright's other student.
Cyrus nodded to both of his students, as he turned his attention to the door to leave the classroom.
Outside the classroom…
A guard of the palace approached Cyrus and spoke to him. "Ah, Professor Albright. Mercedes from the Royal Library came by with a message for you. Seems today's your lucky day. You've been granted permission to enter the special archives."
Cyrus responded gleefully. "Splendid! Finally I can begin my research."
He then proceeded to walk down the steps towards the entrance of the palace, not noticing his student Therese hiding near the stairs opposite to the stairs where Cyrus was descending. Just as she started to approach her professor coming towards her direction, she stopped as another voice spoke opposite to Cyrus's side of the stairs.
"Professor Albright!" said Princess Mary, who spoke as she descended towards her tutor while Therese proceeded to hide behind the stairs in minor fright.
"Oh, thank heavens you're still here. I thought I had missed you," said the princess.
"What can I do for you, Your Highness?" asked Cyrus.
"If you can spare the time, I had a question about something we learned today," said Mary.
"But of course, Your Highness. It would be my pleasure to answer anything," said Cyrus. "After all, my role as your tutor is as important to me as any of my research. Unfortunately, I cannot spare much time. Is the question a quick one?"
"Yes, Professor. It will not take long," said Mary. "I was just wondering about the ancient religion of Hornburg. Pray tell, what did they worship?"
"A very astute question, Your Highness," said Cyrus. "However, I fear that nearly all the texts detailing the nature of the religion were burned and lost when Hornburg fell."
"I see. A shame, that," said Mary.
Cyrus spoke again. "I do, however, have a theory of my own. I believe that the royal family of Hornburg were guardians of an ancient power. Mind you, this is not idle speculation. My theory is based on the fact that-"
Therese looked on and sighed as she saw her teacher engage passionately in conversation with her relative but also potential rival for the professor's attention.
Later…
"Let us continue the discussion another time. My apologies for keeping you, Professor," said Mary.
"No need for apologies! And it would be my pleasure, Your Highness," responded the ecstatic Cyrus. "That such questions occur to you is a sign of a sharp and curious mind."
"Your lectures on the history of the realm are most fascinating to me. For if I do not learn of our past, how can I hope to lead my people to a bright future?" said Mary.
"A most admirable philosophy, Your Highness. The people of this land are truly fortunate to be led by one of such wisdom and kindness, as I am truly fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in some small way," said Cyrus.
"You are far too kind, Professor Albright. I am proud to be your student," said a sincere Mary.
Cyrus's eyes widened at the realization of the time he spent conversing with Princess Mary.
"Oh dear, I'm running late," said Cyrus. "Pray do not forget your assignment, Your Highness."
Mary nodded. "Of course, Professor." She proceeded to walk back up the stairs into the main hub of the palace.
Cyrus walked only a few steps before he noticed his other student standing by the stairs.
"Oh, hello there Therese," greeted the professor to his student. "Did you have a question for me as well?"
Therese answered in tongue-tied embarrassment towards the man who captured her attention. "I...I mean, no...Good day, Professor." She then ran away towards the entrance as Cyrus looked on in confusion.
Later, within the Royal Library…
Cyrus approached the librarian's desk as he greeted a familiar acquaintance.
"Good day, Mercedes. Cyrus Albright, here to browse the special archives."
Mercedes turned her sight onto the professor. "Oh, Professor Albright. You're looking quite eager today."
"When I heard that an original copy of The Church of the Flame: A Complete Historie had been donated to our archives, I simply had to be the first to see it," responded Cyrus.
"You're more on top of our collection than I am. Just sign here," said Mercedes.
Cyrus spoke giddily. "With pleasure!"
After Cyrus proceeded to sign, he noticed Mercedes smiling wide. "Hm? Is something amiss?" he asked.
Mercedes answered. "For someone known as the most brilliant mind in the Royal Academy, you're as giddy as a schoolboy when you talk about books."
Cyrus laughed. "When you put it that way, yes. Much as a child is fascinated by a new toy, I am titillated by the prospect of acquiring new knowledge."
Mercedes nodded. "Right. The expression on your face says it all. Anyway, everything seems to be in order. Enjoy your quest for knowledge, Professor."
"Many thanks, my dear! I most certainly will," said Cyrus.
As Cyrus proceeded to the special archives and then went through all of the shelves of records there to find the book he was looking for, he became perplexed.
How odd, thought Cyrus. The tome is nowhere to be found. Did someone return it to the wrong shelf. These archives are strictly guarded and curated. Wherever could it have gone?
Cyrus's musing was interrupted by Mercedes's voice speaking behind him. "Professor Albright, the headmaster would see you at once."
Cyrus sighed as he turned to see Mercedes. "Of all the times to...Oh well. Might I ask of you a favor?"
Mercedes nodded. "What might that be?
"The tome I mentioned before seems to have gone missing. Could you locate it for me?" asked Cyrus.
"Missing? Huh. I'll begin looking at once, Professor," answered Mercedes.
"Many thanks, my dear," said Cyrus.
Later…
Cyrus knocked on the door into the Royal Academy Headmaster's office. "Cyrus Albright, by your request, sir."
"Do enter," replied Headmaster Yvon, on the other side of the door.
Cyrus entered, seeing the dark-haired and black and gold-dressed headmaster with his back to him along with his female assistant adorning dark hair and a dress of violet color looking at Cyrus.
"My apologies for summoning you on such short notice," said Yvon.
"How might I be of assistance, Headmaster?" asked Cyrus.
"That treatise on arcane studies you published...What in the gods' names were you thinking?" said Yvon.
"Sir?" said Cyrus. "I do believe I made my hypothesis perfectly clear…"
Yvon turned to look Cyrus in the eyes. "I'm not talking about your hypothesis! You went out of your way to cite one of the texts in our special archives. The knowledge housed in those tomes is the Royal Academy's greatest treasure. It is not to be divulged to the public at your whim. Laying it bare in one of your silly papers is out of the question!"
Cyrus responded in a calmful manner. "I am fully aware of the value of those tomes, Headmaster. It is for that very reason I would share the knowledge with my peers…"
Yvon responded, with greater anger in his voice. "You are to share nothing! That wisdom is for the academy, and the academy alone!"
Cyrus replied. "But that goes against everything-"
"Enough, Cyrus!" yelled Yvon.
Even my best argument is sure to fall on deaf ears, thought Cyrus. The headmaster sees knowledge as a medal or precious stone. Something to be appreciated by its rightful owner alone. Knowledge is power, and power is to be hoarded. An unfortunate attitude, indeed…
"My sincere apologies, Headmaster," said Cyrus. "It won't happen again. Is there anything else you need of me?"
Yvon nodded. "That is all. You may go...Wait. There was one last thing. I heard the special archives will be closing early today. If you have research to do there, I would do so quickly."
Cyrus sighed. Good gods. It's as if he enjoys watching me suffer. "Thank you for your concern, Headmaster. In that case, I'll be on my way."
Later...
Headmaster Yvon heard a knock on the door into his office. "Enter."
The knocker entered, revealing herself to be one of Cyrus's pupils.
"Yes? What is it, Therese?" asked the Headmaster.
Therese grumbled, before stepping closer to Yvon. "It's...it's about Professor Albright, sir…"
Meanwhile, at the Royal Library…
"Ah, Professor Albright," greeted Mercedes to Cyrus.
"Did you have any luck finding the tome?" asked Cyrus.
"I'm afraid not," answered Mercedes.
"Well, this is most unfortunate. One might conclude that it had been stolen," said Cyrus.
"Professor, taking books out from these archives is strictly forbidden," said Mercedes. "And as you know, the keys to the vault are entrusted to only a select few! Quite honestly, it would be easier to steal the crown off the king's head."
Cyrus contemplated the situation. "An impregnable vault...a disappearing tome...It would seem we have quite the mystery on our hands. And the mysteries of the world are meant to be solved! Or so the scholar in me says. Would you not agree?"
"If it had been stolen, I would say it's a job for the city guard," said Mercedes. "But I can see you won't let it go until you've 'cracked the case,' as it were."
Cyrus nodded and laughed. "You could say that, indeed. A habit I just can't seem to break. Once a puzzle is placed before me, I simply cannot rest until I've worked out a solution."
"Well, far be it from me to stand in your way. It must be tough being a genius," said Mercedes.
Cyrus laughed once more. "I'll not deny it! Worry not. The tome will be back on the shelf before you can bat an eyelash."
Mercedes nodded. "Right, thanks. Best of luck in your search."
Cyrus nodded as well, before heading for the door out of the library. And the game is afoot!
Outside the Royal Library…
Now, where to begin my search? thought Cyrus. I suppose I should inquire with Mercedes as to where the keys to the library are stored. The guard at the front door would know who has been frequenting the library lately, as might my fellow scholars. Then, mayhap, I should pay the headmaster a visit as well.
Cyrus turned to regard the guard to the library's front door next to him. "Excuse me. A tome from the special archives has been stolen, and I was wondering if you have a key to the archives. Mayhaps someone swiped the key from you while you were napping?"
The guard was flustered at Cyrus's scrutinizing of him. "Of course I've got a key to the archives. And no, I wasn't sleeping. I was resting my eyes, is all. But even if I was sleeping, what would it matter? What kind of fool would bother stealing a worthless tome anyway?"
Cyrus was annoyed at the guard's disregard for the book theft, and was skeptical that the guard hadn't napped while on duty. He proceeded to head back inside the library to question Mercedes.
"Mercedes, I must confirm," said Cyrus. "Who has the keys to the special archives?"
Mercedes answered Cyrus. "Only Headmaster Yvon and the guard stationed outside should have a key to the archives."
"Most intriguing," said Cyrus. He then looked around to the other visitors within the library, and noticed a dark-haired man shifting his gaze constantly back and forth across the library while heading towards the entrance door.
Cyrus walked in front of the man, and proceeded to question the suspicious scholar.
"Pardon the interruption, sir. Cyrus Albright. I don't believe I've caught your name, sir…"
"Oh, um...Russell. I'm sorry, how can I help you?" spoke the suspicious man.
"Do forgive me for taking a moment of your time, but I've discovered that a tome from the special archives is missing. Do you happen to have a key to the special archives?" asked Cyrus.
Russell answered. "The key to the archives? Oh, I haven't got that. But I'm not surprised someone stole a tome, considering what they're worth. I've gambling debts myself, so I understand the temptation...Oh, I'm sorry. I'm rambling on! Please excuse me, if you would." Russell proceeded to move past Cyrus as he then opened and left beyond the library door.
Cyrus pondered over Russell as he re-examined details which he noticed about the man while questioning him.
He said he was surprised that someone stole a tome, but I never said that the tome was stolen from the special archives. Just that it was missing. Maybe it was easy for him to assume theft like I did.
But he didn't ask why I was asking him if he had the key. Maybe he knew that only the headmaster and the guard have the keys, but if that's the case he could've corrected me. It is common knowledge that the special archives are limited to a very minute few, but he treated the question as if it's expected of a regular scholar to have access to the special archives when he should've asked how I did not know the limitations of the special archives everyone here is practically expected to know. He quickly denied having the key, as if he needed to reaffirm at that moment that he did not have the key when it was just as easy to understand among all the scholars here that he wouldn't be allowed the key based on his current status.
Then again, I may not be dealing with a thief as intelligent as they should be when stealing a special tome. Rambling on about gambling debts? Which would be easy to pay off with a valuable tome from the special archives? It seems too easy to assume, but…
Cyrus stopped musing in his thoughts as he turned to look at the library's front door guard. The man was leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, his body inhaling and exhaling in a slow and rhythmics manner.
That guard really is a fool, thought Cyrus. If he's that susceptible to napping, then anyone could've swiped the key from that dozer.
I could check with the headmaster about his key, but I fear if I check on him now then I may lose Russell and more importantly that tome. Gods forbid that man is setting up a deal right now to sell off the book right now to cancel his debt. I should make haste for that thief and recover the tome while I still can. Now that I think about it, I have heard rumors before today of a man named Russell doing research in an underground laboratory recently. If that man is the same man whom I met just a moment ago, then I must set forth to the underground while there's time.
Later, inside the Subterranean Study…
"Professor Albright?!" spoke Russell as he saw the scholar approach his underground laboratory. "Are you always in the habit of barging into your peers' offices while they're working?"
Cyrus walked up to the man. "My apologies. I would have knocked, but I didn't see a door. Let's cut straight to the heart of the matter for why I'm here: you're the thief that special tome I mentioned earlier, and I can prove it."
Russell stood back in shock. "Wh-what? The hells you can!"
Cyrus continued. "Unfortunately for you, at precisely the moment you were trying to sneak back with the key, your friend the guardsman was just waking from his little slumber."
Russell's eyes widened. "B-but that's impossible! He was asleep, I'm positively-" Russell stopped speaking as soon as he realized his mistake.
"Aha!" spoke Cyrus. "Keeping up on our friend's somnolence, are we, old chum?"
Russell spoke in panic. "I swear, I never meant to! I just needed the money."
"That tome would fetch a small fortune. This is true," said Cyrus. "And yet, did you not for a moment consider the consequences? In stealing that tome, you would steal from our students something more valuable than all the realm's riches. A grave crime no matter who would perpetrate it, but all the more unforgivable when committed by one who calls himself a scholar."
Cyrus looked away from the culprit as he set his eyes upon the special tome placed on one of the thief's desks, then proceeding to grab the book before setting his sights back on Russell to apprehend the disgrace to the wonder of knowledge. Russell hung his head down in shame as the professor started to step towards him to ensure that Russell would face justice.
Later, at the Royal Library…
"Well, I'll be! You actually did crack the case of the stolen book," spoke Mercedes to Cyrus standing near her.
Cyrus, meanwhile, was examining the records of all present tomes from the special archives in case there was the existence of another vanished book. His eyes widened at another realization he experienced today.
"What's this? It says there's another book still missing. Did that scoundrel of a scholar steal this one as well?" asked Cyrus.
Cyrus handed Mercedes the tome record he examined.
"Ah, From the Far Reaches of Hell. No, I can assure you that he did not," answered Mercedes. "It's been missing for some fifteen years now. Russell's aggressive borrowing only extends some two years back."
Cyrus nodded. "I see. So this volume was lost-or stolen-long before that. Pray tell me more about From the Far Reaches of Hell."
Mercedes obliged. "According to our records, it would seem to be a compendium of ancient rites and long-lost magicks. If I am not mistaken, it was the single oldest volume housed within our archives. Needless to say, it was another tremendous loss…"
Cyrus and Mercedes then noticed Headmaster Yvon's assistant approaching them.
"Professor Albright. The headmaster would speak with you at once," spoke the assistant, before turning back to leave the library.
"Again? What could he want this time?" pondered Cyrus.
Later, at the Royal Academy Headmaster's Office…
Cyrus entered the office as he saw both Yvon and his assistant.
"Thank you, Lucia," said Yvon.
"Yes, Headmaster? What can I do for you?" asked Cyrus.
Yvon cleared his throat before speaking. "Professor Albright. A most...troubling report has reached my ears. An anonymous source claims that you have abused your prestigious position to enter into an illicit relationship with Her Highness the Princess."
Cyrus's eyes widened in frustration. "Why, that is unfounded, unsubstantiated balderdash of the highest order."
Yvon sighed. "I would like to take your words at face value, Professor, but I fear the situation is not so simple. A rumor regarding the royal family, even an unsubstantiated one such as this, is sure to spread quickly. If we do not take swift action, Princess Mary's good name could be forever sullied. That is something that simply cannot be allowed to happen. Surely, you understand."
Cyrus gazed warily at Yvon. "And so what do you intend to do with me, sir?"
Yvon stood closer to Cyrus. "Dismissing you outright would be tantamount to an admission of guilt."
Lucia spoke up. "If I may be so bold, Headmaster...what about a sabbatical? Professor Albright is put on extended leave, while official accounts state that he's doing fieldwork in a distant land."
Yvon nodded at Lucia's suggestion. "What say you, Cyrus? This way both the academy's reputation and your own will remain intact."
Cyrus mused for a moment, before realizing how advantageous this proposal would be to his current goal. He answered Yvon. "Not at all, Headmaster. On the contrary, this might prove the perfect opportunity. I was just wondering when I might find the time to do a bit of research in the field."
I think I will set forth on a journey, in search of an ancient tome that disappeared fifteen years ago, thought Cyrus as he agreed to the proposal. Besides, if I am not permitted to share what I have learned with my peers and the public, there is little point in continuing my research here.
Yvon looked inquisitively at Cyrus. "Is that so? Do tell, Professor. What is it that you intend to investigate?"
Cyrus answered. "As regards a certain tome. Now, if you will forgive me, I must begin packing for my journey. Good day to you, Headmaster."
Cyrus then headed towards the door, intent on heading towards his own office to pack up the items for his field trip.
Outside, near the entrance to the Royal Academy…
Cyrus was walking down the steps leading up the Academy's entrance with his bags packed as he was now set on leaving Atlasdam. As he reached the last step, he noticed one of his students standing near Cyrus just staring at him.
"Oh, Therese. What is it?" asked Cyrus.
Therese answered in worry. "I...I heard that you were leaving the academy."
Cyrus responded. "Then you heard true."
Therese gasped in shame. "Professor...I'm so sorry."
Cyrus put a hand on Therese's shoulder as he realized who caused the change in his plans. "I see. So you were the source of the rumor."
Therese gasped. "You...you knew?"
Cyrus answered. "Not until just this moment, when you apologized. And yet, I cannot fathom your motive. Why would you tell such a terrible lie?"
Therese answered her professor's inquiry. "You're always helping Her Highness. Answering her every question. I just wanted you to pay more attention to me. I...I just wanted to get you in a little trouble...I didn't think they would...I am so sorry, Professor. Can you ever forgive me?"
Cyrus replied to Therese. "Worry not, my dear. It just so happens that I was looking for a good excuse to go on a journey. For some time now, I've wanted to travel the realm, and see what can be learnt beyond these halls. I daresay the timing couldn't have been better. You see, there's a certain matter I simply can't wait to investigate. So fret not, my girl. If anything, you've done me a favor. Besides, I am not entirely without fault in the manner. Indeed, I have not been as attentive to you as I should. Had I realized your true intentions sooner, I would not be in this position."
Therese's eyes widened as she blushed. "Professor...wh-whatever do you-"
Cyrus interrupted Therese. "If only I had realized how devoted you were to your studies, my dear girl!"
Therese's head lowered, in disappointment. "My...studies."
"I have always striven to treat all my students equally," said Cyrus. "And yet, Her Highness is always eager to ask questions, and I was all too eager to answer them. In doing so, I may have given the impression that I favored her above you and the others. This was not my intention, but I am at fault all the same. Yes, if only I had seen you for the ardent and devoted young scholar that you are!"
Therese sighed in frustration. "Um, Professor? Perhaps you're not quite as sharp as I thought you were…" She sighed again at the sight of her professor still showing an oblivious nature on his face. "Never mind."
"In that case, I should be off. Pray do not shirk your studies, my girl!" said Cyrus.
Therese nodded. "Yes, Professor. Will...will I ever see you again?"
Cyrus answered, a bit unsure in his tone but ultimately determined in his response. "I do not see why not...provided we both still live." He then proceeded to head towards the entrance towards Atlasdam, as Therese looked on in worry towards her teacher.
Now, I must find out all I can about From the Far Reaches of Hell, thought Cyrus. My erstwhile colleague Odette knows more about arcane studies than anyone I know. Last I heard, she sojourned in Quarrycrest. I should begin my journey there.
Cyrus then proceeded to enter through the door that would lead to the realm outside the city-state of Atlasdam.
And so Cyrus left the academy behind, in search of the lost tome. From the Far Reaches of Hell...What dark secrets might its pages hold? Only the gods know...